Destroyed" Packages: "Death Notice" Appears in UPS Logistics

Recently, U.S. consumers have frequently seen the notice "Package failed customs clearance and has been destroyed in accordance with customs regulations" on UPS logistics pages. According to NBCNEWS, affected by the new customs policies of the Trump administration, thousands of UPS packages are stranded at logistics hubs across the United States. A New York customs clearance company described the backlog scale as "unprecedented."

UPS responded that thousands of packages fail to clear customs on the first day and are detained daily. If senders cannot supplement the required documents, the packages will be destroyed in accordance with customs regulations.

New Policy Is the Trigger

The U.S. canceled the duty-free policy for imported packages under $800 on August 29, triggering a chain reaction:

Customs Clearance Paralysis: The original T86 fast clearance channel is invalid. All packages need to be declared one by one, extending the process to 3-5 days, and customs are overloaded.

Cost Surge: During the transition period, packages are subject to a fixed tariff of \(80-\)200 per item; after the transition period, tariffs of 10%-50% will be levied based on the goods value, with stricter declaration requirements.

Stricter Supervision: The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and customs have joined hands to "approve goods in limited quantities," with enhanced inspections on food-contact products.

Multiple Parties Fall Into Anxiety

Sellers: Profit margins shrink, business volumes of some platforms plummet, and stockpiled goods face the risk of destruction.

Consumers: "Loss of both money and goods" occurs frequently, with consumer complaints surging by 300%.

Industry: As the year-end peak season approaches, 26 countries have suspended shipping to the U.S. Logistics costs have risen by 30%-50%, and the delay rate has exceeded 15%. The industry fears a scenario of "millions of packages backlogged and 30% destroyed."

Response Directions for Sellers

Switch to Overseas Warehouses: Shift from "cross-border direct shipping" to "local delivery" to avoid customs clearance risks.

Strengthen Compliance: Establish a professional customs declaration team to ensure complete documents and conduct FDA compliance testing in advance.

Adjust Products: Combine low-unit-price products for sale to share costs; purchase insurance for high-value products.

Conclusion

This incident is essentially a crisis caused by U.S. unilateral trade policies. Although the new policy seems to increase tax revenue, it will actually cost U.S. households an additional $47 billion annually. Cross-border practitioners need to actively adapt to the rules and respond flexibly to get through the difficult times. Welcome to share your logistics dilemmas and response experiences in the comment section.