EU to End Duty-Free Small Parcel Imports: What It Means for Cross-Border E-Commerce and Global Shippers

The European Union has approved a significant change to its customs framework by voting to end duty-free treatment for small parcels. Beginning in 2028, and dependent on the successful rollout of a centralized EU customs data hub, the bloc will eliminate the current €150 de minimis threshold that allows small e-commerce packages to enter without paying duties. EU officials also intend to put a temporary collection mechanism in place as early as 2026.

This decision reflects rising concerns among policymakers about the impact of small-parcel imports on fair competition and customs oversight. Direct-to-consumer shipments from online platforms have surged, and authorities estimate that up to 65% of small parcels entering the EU are undervalued. Last year, 91% of parcels valued under €150 originated from China. Ending the threshold is projected to generate $1.2 billion annually in customs revenue.

The move also aligns the EU more closely with recent U.S. actions. The United States—already holding a higher $800 de minimis threshold—has revoked favorable treatment for low-value shipments from China and, more recently, for parcels from all countries. Following these changes, many large e-commerce sellers have shifted inventory into ocean containers and now fulfill orders from domestic warehouses.

For global shippers, the EU’s decision signals a clear shift toward tighter controls on parcel-based e-commerce flows. Importers and exporters should expect increased compliance scrutiny, evolving cost structures, and more complex operational planning as both the EU and U.S. move away from wide de minimis exemptions in favor of more uniform duty collection.

If your business needs to prepare for new duty requirements or adjust parcel-based shipping models, Future Forwarding is ready to help you build a resilient, forward-looking plan.

Tariff Authority on Trial: How the Supreme Court Decision Could Reshape Global Trade

A major Supreme Court decision now underway could redefine how U.S. trade policy is made — and how quickly tariffs can change. The case challenges tariff authority, whether the President can impose sweeping tariffs without congressional approval, a question that holds major consequences for importers and exporters worldwide.

Future Forwarding’s teams in the United States and United Kingdom are closely monitoring the proceedings. With supply chains spanning multiple jurisdictions, any ruling that alters tariff authority could affect customs procedures, duty classifications, and shipment planning across major ports and trade lanes.

What’s Happening

The Court heard arguments in early November and is expected to rule before year-end. The outcome may preserve current executive powers, restrict them, or create a middle ground that leaves regulators scrambling to adjust. Each possibility carries implications for businesses managing U.S.–Asia and transatlantic flows.

What It Could Mean

If powers are limited: Some tariffs may need new authorization, potentially reducing rates or prompting reclassification.
If powers are upheld: The White House would retain broad flexibility to act quickly — keeping volatility in play.
If the ruling is mixed: Expect a period of uncertainty as agencies clarify the practical impact.

How Businesses Can Prepare

To stay ready for any scenario:

Reassess HTS and commodity classifications to gauge exposure.
Plan routing options through both U.S. and UK hubs to manage scheduling flexibility.
Maintain close coordination with customs and compliance partners.
Monitor in-transit cargo and cost projections through digital visibility platforms.

Trade policy may shift, but preparation and visibility keep freight moving. Future Forwarding’s integrated global network helps clients adapt to evolving regulations with transparency, flexibility, and expert compliance support.

Need to evaluate tariff exposure or prepare for potential Q1 changes? Contact Future Forwarding today to review your strategy.

Handling the Heavy Loads

How Our Road Freight Department Keeps Goods Moving Across the UK and Europe

When it comes to moving goods across the UK and Europe, reliability and flexibility are everything. At Future Forwarding, our Road Freight department is built around one simple promise, to move your cargo safely, efficiently, and on time, no matter the size or complexity.

From small pallet deliveries to large or abnormal loads, we’ve got the experience and network to get your freight where it needs to go. It’s what we do every single day for importers and exporters who depend on our service to keep their supply chains running smoothly.

Large and Abnormal Loads

Transporting oversized cargo comes with a unique set of challenges. From securing the correct permits and escort vehicles to choosing the right route and trailer, there’s a lot to manage before the wheels even start turning.

Our team has handled everything from industrial machinery to oversized construction components, often using flat trailers and low loaders designed to safely carry heavy or awkwardly shaped loads. Every job is planned down to the last detail; we assess weight, vehicle capacity, and road restrictions to ensure a smooth journey from collection to delivery.

Because we operate throughout the UK and mainland Europe, we understand the cross-border requirements, including customs clearance and documentation. Whether it’s a one-off project or a regular movement, we make sure your goods travel safely and arrive without unnecessary delay.

Road Freight That Fits Your Business

Our Road Freight services cover full truckloads (FTL), part loads (LTL), and groupage, offering flexibility for all shipment sizes.

Why Clients Choose Future Forwarding

Every shipment matters, whether it’s a small pallet or a 50-ton machine. Our clients know they can rely on us for consistent communication, practical solutions, and an experienced team that genuinely cares about each delivery.

We combine the reach of a global network with the personal service of a dedicated logistics partner. That means real people planning your shipments, problem-solving when needed, and keeping you informed every step of the way.

Ready to Move?

If you’re planning a complex shipment or need help transporting large or abnormal loads across the UK or Europe, our Road Freight Department is ready to help.

To request a quote or speak to one of our freight specialists.

Accurate Reporting of Section 232 Duties: A Vital Reminder for Steel & Aluminum Imports

In global trade, precision isn’t merely a best practice—it’s a compliance requirement. For importers handling steel and aluminum articles and their derivatives, the accurate reporting of Section 232 content and quantities under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidance remains critical.

Why This Matters

The stakes are high when it comes to the duties under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 covering steel and aluminum articles. Importers must ensure correct content valuation, proper classification, and detailed origin reporting. Missteps not only expose your organisation to unexpected costs and penalties, but can also create reputational risk in a compliance-sensitive environment. CBP expects full accuracy from the trade community—including those working with global freight forwarders like Future Forwarding—to uphold the integrity of U.S. trade-remedy regimes and safeguard supply-chain transparency.

Key Reporting Requirements

1. Proper Reporting of Steel & Aluminum Content

For goods classified under Chapter 73 (steel) or Chapter 76 (aluminum) of the HTS, the Section 232 duty is assessed only on the value of the steel or aluminum content.
If the value of the steel/aluminum portion is unknown or is the same as the entered value, you must report the duty based on the entire entered value and do this on a single entry line.
If the steel/aluminum content value is less than the entered value, you must split the entry: one line for the non-steel/aluminum portion, one line for the steel/aluminum portion—using the correct HTS classifications and quantities.
Critically: do not duplicate quantities when splitting lines for content reporting.

2. Melt, Pour, Smelt & Cast Origin Reporting

For steel articles, importers must report the country of melt and pour using the ISO country code. For derivatives, report the ISO code of the country of melt, or use “OTH” when applicable.
For aluminum articles, you must report the primary country of smelt, secondary country of smelt, or most recent country of cast, using ISO codes. Filers must report a “Y” indicator for primary or secondary.
Aluminum manufactured solely from recycled aluminum must have underlying manufacturing documentation available upon request.

3. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Entries

Steel and aluminum articles admitted into a U.S. FTZ must be granted “privileged foreign status” and reported under the correct HTS classification.
Smelt and cast origin-reporting rules apply to aluminum goods admitted into an FTZ and later withdrawn for consumption.

4. Duties for Aluminum from Russia

The 200 percent duty on aluminum products and derivative aluminum products from Russia remains in effect. These duties apply to the entire value of the imported good.

5. Application of Reciprocal Tariffs

When you separate non-steel/aluminum content on its own line, that portion is subject to the reciprocal tariffs under HTS 9903.01.25.
The steel/aluminum content that is subject to Section 232 duties is not subject to reciprocal tariffs under HTS 9903.01.33.

6. Reporting Entry Summary Lines with Multiple HTS Numbers

If an entry summary line lists multiple HTS numbers, you must ensure that duties are properly associated with the correct HTS numbers.
You cannot combine duties across several HTS numbers and report them under only one classification.

Tips for Staying Compliant

Validate content valuations — Work closely with your suppliers or internal teams to determine the steel or aluminum portion value early in the importing process.
Train entry-summary teams — Ensure your staff know when to split entry lines, how to select the correct HTS, and how to report melt / smelt / cast origin codes.
Leverage your forwarder or customs broker — A knowledgeable partner like Future Forwarding can help identify potential pitfalls ahead of time and ensure the correct handling, especially for complex goods or FTZ entries.
Document everything — Keep proof of supplier values, origin codes, manufacturing documentation (especially for recycled aluminum), and entry-summary line logic. In the event of a CBP review, meticulous documentation strengthens your position.
Review shipments from high-risk jurisdictions — Especially for aluminum from Russia or goods requiring FTZ treatment.
Stay abreast of CSMS updates — CBP regularly issues clarifications, and maintaining proactive monitoring of CSMS guidance reduces surprise exposure.

Accurate reporting of Section 232 duties for steel and aluminum isn’t optional—it’s foundational. For importers and their logistics partners, the detailed obligations around content values, origin reporting, FTZ treatment, and separate handling of non-steel/aluminum content are non-negotiable. Future Forwarding remains committed to providing expert guidance and operational support to help you navigate these requirements with confidence and precision.

The New Lumber Tariff Landscape: What Section 232 Wood Products Tariffs Mean for Your Supply Chain

The recent implementation of Section 232 tariffs on timber, lumber, and derivative wood products marks a significant shift in global trade policy that will impact supply chains across multiple industries.

Understanding the New Tariff Structure

President Trump’s recent proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 has introduced a comprehensive tariff framework targeting wood product imports. The policy establishes several key duty rates that businesses must navigate:

A baseline ten percent global tariff now applies to softwood lumber imports. For manufacturers and distributors working with upholstered furniture, a twenty-five percent global tariff has been implemented, with an increase to thirty percent scheduled for January 1. Kitchen cabinets and vanities face similar initial rates of twenty-five percent, though these will escalate more dramatically to fifty percent at the start of the new year.

Regional Variations: Advantages for Strategic Trading Partners

Not all markets face identical treatment under this framework. The United Kingdom, European Union, and Japan benefit from more favorable arrangements that reflect their existing trade relationships with the United States.

For businesses importing from the UK, the Section 232 tariff ceiling is set at ten percent. Companies sourcing from the EU or Japan should note that their combined Section 232 and most-favored nation tariffs will not surpass fifteen percent. These distinctions create meaningful opportunities for logistics optimization and strategic sourcing decisions.

Implications for Your Business

These tariff adjustments will create ripple effects across numerous sectors that depend on wood products as inputs. Construction companies, furniture manufacturers, cabinet makers, and retailers will all need to reassess their sourcing strategies and cost structures.

The escalating tariff rates on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities present particular planning challenges. Businesses have a narrow window before January 1 to finalize shipments at the lower initial rates, making timing and logistics coordination critical.

Strategic Considerations for Supply Chain Management

Forward-thinking businesses should consider several tactical approaches in response to this evolving landscape:

Evaluate sourcing geography carefully. The preferential treatment afforded to UK, EU, and Japanese suppliers may make these origins more cost-effective than previously competitive alternatives. Your freight forwarding partner can help model total landed costs across different sourcing scenarios.

Accelerate critical shipments strategically. For products facing January 1 tariff increases, expedited ocean or air freight solutions may deliver significant cost savings by clearing customs before the higher rates take effect.

Assess domestic alternatives. With the stated goal of encouraging domestic production and the acknowledgment that US capacity could theoretically meet ninety-five percent of softwood demand, new domestic supply relationships may emerge as the market adjusts.

Build flexibility into contracts. The reference to ongoing negotiations and potential alternatives for trading partners suggests the tariff landscape will continue evolving. Sourcing agreements with flexibility provisions can help manage uncertainty.

Need help assessing how the lumber tariffs impact your specific supply chain? Contact our team today.

U.S. Tariffs on Drugs, Trucks, and Furniture: What Shippers Need to Know

New U.S. tariffs announced last week signal another round of disruption for global supply chains. Effective immediately, the federal government has imposed:

A 100% duty on branded pharmaceutical imports, unless manufacturers have broken ground on U.S. facilities.
A 25% tariff on heavy-duty trucks.
Additional duties on kitchen and bath cabinetry (50%) and upholstered furniture (30%).

While the measures are framed as a national security priority and a boost for domestic industry, the operational reality for importers and logistics managers is more complex.

Rising Landed Costs and Pricing Pressure

Importers of furniture, medical products, and commercial vehicles should expect immediate landed cost increases. For pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, the added duties feed directly into inflationary pressures across the U.S. market. For transportation providers, higher tariffs on heavy trucks may increase the cost of equipment procurement, which can flow down into freight rates and distribution budgets.

Country-Specific Complications

Some trading partners — including Japan and the European Union — negotiated tariff caps on pharmaceuticals. However, no explicit protections were included for furniture or trucks, leaving those sectors fully exposed. British exports of branded drugs are particularly affected, subject to the full 100% duty despite a trade deal earlier this year. Importers sourcing from Vietnam and China, who dominate U.S. furniture flows, are likely to feel the sharpest cost increases.

Compliance and Risk Management

The new tariffs are issued under Section 232 national security authority. That means importers must ensure:

Correct tariff classification and declaration of affected commodities.
Updated landed cost modeling, including duty, freight, and insurance.
Review of supplier contracts and Incoterms to confirm who bears the added costs.

Failure to correctly file under new duty rates could trigger audits, penalties, or shipment delays. Importers should not assume that existing trade deals automatically reduce exposure — the White House has indicated that protections apply only where explicitly written into agreements.

What Shippers Can Do Now

For importers and their logistics teams, a few proactive steps can help mitigate risk:

Re-evaluate sourcing: Explore alternate suppliers in unaffected regions or consider U.S.-based options where feasible.
Update landed cost analysis: Incorporate new duties into pricing, margin planning, and customer communications.
Align with your forwarder: Ensure that filings, cut-offs, and compliance checks reflect the latest duty schedules.
Plan equipment budgets: For fleets and carriers, factor higher truck costs into procurement and long-term operating strategies.

Future Forwarding’s View

Global trade rarely moves in a straight line. Tariffs, duty changes, and evolving trade laws can shift market conditions overnight. At Future Forwarding, we monitor these changes closely and work with clients to:

Ensure correct tariff filings.
Provide visibility into shifting landed costs.
Help manage compliance risk across complex supply chains.

The new tariffs are a reminder that vigilance is not optional. Importers that stay informed and align with the right partners can adapt more effectively to uncertainty — and protect their margins in the process.

Planning Ahead for China’s Golden Week

If you’re shipping goods to or from China, you probably already know that Golden Week isn’t just another holiday, it’s a logistical maze. October kicks off a week-long celebration in China, one of the biggest in the country, and it’s no secret that factories shut down, ports slow to a crawl, and schedules get… let’s say, “unpredictable”. You might think a week off is just a blip, but for importers and exporters, that “blip” can translate into delays, missed deadlines, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

Why China’s Golden Week Matters for Importers and Exporters

Golden Week is more than fireworks and parades. Millions of workers travel home, factories close, and the entire supply chain takes a collective pause. Ports operate with limited staff, trucking companies run skeleton crews, and customs clearance times can stretch unexpectedly. Last October a container sat idle for days because the booking wasn’t confirmed ahead of time? That’s exactly what happens if you don’t plan around this national holiday.

Timing Your Shipments Around October Holidays

Planning your shipments isn’t just helpful, it is essential. Think at least 2–4 weeks ahead. Early bookings give you breathing room to navigate port congestion, trucking delays, and potential customs backlogs. It’s also a good idea to double-check vessel schedules and supplier timelines. Even a small misalignment, like a factory reopening a day later than expected, can cascade into a big delay.

Air vs. Sea Freight: Choosing the Right Option During Golden Week

Not all shipments are created equal, especially during Golden Week. Ocean freight will be cheaper, but slower, and that slowdown can extend beyond the holiday itself due to port congestion. Air freight costs more, but it’s often worth it if timing is critical.

Communication Is Key

Talk to everyone involved. Suppliers, Future Forwarding staff, and your customers. Keeping everyone in the loop can reduce problems later. Share expected timelines, flag potential delays early, and leave room for last-minute changes. Even a small buffer, like an extra day for customs clearance, can make the difference between smooth sailing and a minor disaster.

Golden Week Shipping Checklist: Stay Ahead of Delays

Confirm factory shutdown dates
Book your vessels or air freight early
Alert your freight forwarder about deadlines
Double-check customs documentation
Keep a small buffer for unexpected hiccups

Golden Week doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With careful planning, open communication, and a dash of flexibility, your shipments can keep moving, customers stay happy, and you avoid scrambling at the last minute.

How We Can Help

This years Golden Week runs from 1st – 7th October 2025. If you want guidance tailored to your shipments this October, reach out to us and we will help you navigate the holiday surge with confidence and clarity.

To request a quote or speak to one of our freight specialists.

What the End of the De Minimis Rule Means for UK Exporters Shipping to the US

The recent end of de minimis tariff exemptions in the United States has set off alarm bells across global retail. While much of the commentary has focused on the impact to Asian manufacturing powerhouses, UK exporters are also bracing for change. With the rule change that came into effect on 29 August, shipments under $800 entering the American market are no longer exempt from duties or fees. For UK brands, this shift carries major implications, especially in the e-commerce, direct-to-consumer (DTC), and online fashion sectors.

Why UK Retailers Are Paying Attention

Analysis from retail tech communications provider Flagship shows that UK search interest in “Trump Tariffs” surged by 90% in late August as British fashion retailers and marketplace sellers scrambled to understand the new trade environment. Flagship also reported that searches for “de minimis rule” spiked 52.5% in the week leading up to the deadline, while searches for “US tariffs” climbed 78.9% compared with two weeks prior.

The scale of the UK’s exposure to this policy change is significant. According to Flagship, 41 million de minimis shipments entered the US from the UK last year, making the UK the fourth-largest sender of low-value parcels after China (944 million), Canada (98 million), and Mexico (94 million).

Immediate Cost Pressures

The new structure places flat fees of $80 to $200 per shipment for the first six months, according to the US administration. For small to mid-sized retailers, particularly in fashion and lifestyle goods, this creates a margin squeeze at a time when competition is already intense. The narrow window between announcement and enforcement—just over a month—also left little time for businesses to adapt pricing models or customer communications.

Strategic Shifts Underway

Uncertainty remains, particularly after a recent Court of Appeals ruling challenged the legality of the tariffs. Still, exporters cannot afford to wait on the outcome of a potential Supreme Court review. Data cited by Flagship from Retail Economics indicates that 76% of UK exporters are already diversifying away from the US, with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region—especially the UAE—emerging as attractive growth markets.

This trend reflects a broader need for resilience in cross-border trade strategies. Relying too heavily on any one market leaves businesses vulnerable to sudden regulatory or policy changes.

How Freight Forwarders Can Support Retailers

At Future Forwarding, with offices in both the UK and the US, we see this policy shift as more than just a disruption—it is a call to action. Exporters need reliable partners who can help them:

Navigate Tariff Complexities: Understanding new fee structures and ensuring compliance is essential to avoid unexpected penalties.
Re-evaluate Supply Chains: Reviewing origin points, distribution hubs, and last-mile strategies can mitigate additional costs.
Explore New Markets: Expanding into alternative geographies requires freight forwarding expertise, local knowledge, and trusted carrier relationships.
Stay Agile: With trade policy in flux, building flexible logistics networks enables companies to pivot quickly when conditions change.

Looking Ahead

The end of the de minimis exemption is a stark reminder that global trade is not static. Exporters who adapt quickly—by diversifying markets, re-engineering supply chains, and working with freight partners who provide proactive guidance—will be best placed to maintain competitiveness.

Future Forwarding remains committed to helping UK and US clients navigate these shifts with clarity, agility, and a focus on long-term growth.

Planning Ahead for China’s Golden Week

Why China’s Golden Week Matters for Importers and Exporters

Timing Your Shipments Around October Holidays

Air vs. Sea Freight: Choosing the Right Option During Golden Week

Communication Is Key

Golden Week Shipping Checklist: Stay Ahead of Delays

Confirm factory shutdown dates
Book your vessels or air freight early
Alert your freight forwarder about deadlines
Double-check customs documentation
Keep a small buffer for unexpected hiccups

How We Can Help

To request a quote or speak to one of our freight specialists.

SEA-AIR SERVICES

Understanding SEA-AIR Services from Asia: Fast and Cost-Effective Shipping Solutions

What is SEA-AIR?

Why Choose SEA-AIR Services from Asia?

How SEA-AIR Works

Services You Can Expect

Who Should Use SEA-AIR Services?

Conclusion

EU to End Duty-Free Small Parcel Imports: What It Means for Cross-Border E-Commerce and Global Shippers

Tariff Authority on Trial: How the Supreme Court Decision Could Reshape Global Trade

What’s Happening

What It Could Mean

How Businesses Can Prepare

Handling the Heavy Loads

How Our Road Freight Department Keeps Goods Moving Across the UK and Europe

Large and Abnormal Loads

Road Freight That Fits Your Business

Why Clients Choose Future Forwarding

Ready to Move?

Accurate Reporting of Section 232 Duties: A Vital Reminder for Steel & Aluminum Imports

Why This Matters

Key Reporting Requirements

1. Proper Reporting of Steel & Aluminum Content

2. Melt, Pour, Smelt & Cast Origin Reporting

3. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Entries

4. Duties for Aluminum from Russia

5. Application of Reciprocal Tariffs

6. Reporting Entry Summary Lines with Multiple HTS Numbers

Tips for Staying Compliant

The New Lumber Tariff Landscape: What Section 232 Wood Products Tariffs Mean for Your Supply Chain

Understanding the New Tariff Structure

Regional Variations: Advantages for Strategic Trading Partners

Implications for Your Business

Strategic Considerations for Supply Chain Management

U.S. Tariffs on Drugs, Trucks, and Furniture: What Shippers Need to Know

Rising Landed Costs and Pricing Pressure

Country-Specific Complications

Compliance and Risk Management

What Shippers Can Do Now

Future Forwarding’s View

Planning Ahead for China’s Golden Week

Why China’s Golden Week Matters for Importers and Exporters

Timing Your Shipments Around October Holidays

Air vs. Sea Freight: Choosing the Right Option During Golden Week

Communication Is Key

Golden Week Shipping Checklist: Stay Ahead of Delays

How We Can Help

What the End of the De Minimis Rule Means for UK Exporters Shipping to the US

Why UK Retailers Are Paying Attention

Immediate Cost Pressures

Strategic Shifts Underway

How Freight Forwarders Can Support Retailers

Looking Ahead

Planning Ahead for China’s Golden Week

Why China’s Golden Week Matters for Importers and Exporters

Timing Your Shipments Around October Holidays

Air vs. Sea Freight: Choosing the Right Option During Golden Week

Communication Is Key

Golden Week Shipping Checklist: Stay Ahead of Delays

How We Can Help

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Future Forwarding Company

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U.K. Head Office

Future Forwarding Company Ltd

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