UPS, one of the world's largest logistics giants, announced it may begin discarding imported packages that do not meet U.S. customs documentation requirements.

The move comes amid stricter and ever-changing import regulations driven by recent U.S. trade policies. According to UPS told FOX Business that held packages that cannot be cleared due to missing information or incomplete documents will have only two options: to be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense, or to be disposed of in compliance with federal customs regulations. “If we are unable to obtain the necessary information to clear the package, there are two options,” explained Natasha Amadi, a UPS spokesperson.

“First, the package can be returned to the original sender at their expense. Second, if there is no response from the customer, the package can be disposed of as permitted by U.S. customs regulations.”

More packages stranded by new rules

UPS said that recent changes to import rules have caused a significant increase in packages stranded at its distribution centers across the country. These delays are linked to requirements for more detailed documentation, such as accurate descriptions of imported goods, and the end of the "de minimis" duty exemption, which previously allowed low-value goods to enter without complex customs procedures. Now, even low-value shipments may require full declarations, which means longer wait times, additional costs for senders and receivers, and a more overloaded logistics network. Despite the challenge, UPS says it makes multiple attempts to contact customers before making a drastic decision. According to the company, about 90% of packages are shipped on the same day of arrival, and on average, at least three contact attempts are made per shipment to obtain missing information.

Searching for Solutions

UPS stated that it is actively working to close the gap in understanding between customers and the new customs requirements. It also remains committed to its mission of “expediting the arrival of every package to its destination” in compliance with federal regulations.

The current landscape reflects how trade tensions and regulatory changes can directly impact the global supply chain, and how businesses and consumers must quickly adapt to a more demanding regulatory environment.