GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026
Exemptions for Low Value Freight
Faster clearance and lighter paperwork for small parcels – that is the practical benefit of de minimis thresholds in international trade.
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Source: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-procedures/simplified-procedures_en
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Definition & Explanation
Faster clearance and lighter paperwork for small parcels – that is the practical benefit of de minimis thresholds in international trade. Exemptions for low value freight allow consignments below a defined customs value to be imported with waived or significantly reduced duty and tax formalities. Applicable thresholds vary considerably by destination country, commodity type, and applicable trade agreement. Parcel carriers and freight forwarders benefit from reduced documentation and shorter transit times on qualifying shipments. Customs authorities worldwide are nonetheless tightening scrutiny in this segment: deliberate undervaluation in high-volume cross-border e-commerce has become a structural compliance concern that is driving regulatory reform across multiple jurisdictions.
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