Service, Regulatory Updates and Important Notifications

Effective August 29, 2025, the United States will remove the duty-free de minimis exemption for all low-value commercial shipments entering the country. Imported goods that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption are subject to all applicable duties, to be paid in accordance with applicable entry and regular payment procedures.

This change was announced on July 30 through an Executive Order from the President of the United States. It builds on a previous suspension that took effect in May, which applied specifically to products of  China and Hong Kong.

What this means for our customers

Duties and Taxes Apply: All imports from all countries, including those valued at or under $800, will now be subject to applicable U.S. duties and taxes. 

Payment of duties, fees, and taxes may be required before your package is delivered.

Ensure all shipment details are complete and accurate to avoid delays, with precise product description, specific monetary value and currency, and shipper and recipient details on the air waybill or commercial invoice, as well as other information needed for informal or formal clearance. Include the applicable Incoterm for each shipment.

What Businesses Should Do   

• First, determine if this change affects their business —only customers who previously relied on the de minimis low-value exemption for shipments to the U.S. will see an impact. If they typically ship higher-value goods or goods otherwise ineligible for de minimis, they are likely already following the more formal customs clearance processes.

• Since the de minimis threshold (previously allowing shipments valued at $800 and below to clear without duties and a streamlined paperwork process) is being suspended, shipments will require more difficult entry processes (along with payment of applicable duties, fees, and taxes).

• For affected shipments, anticipate that duties, fees, and taxes may now apply regardless of shipment value.

• Use our easy online tools to estimate potential duties and taxes before shipping or receiving packages.

• Consider using FedEx Electronic Trade Documents (ETD) to facilitate customs clearance.  FedEx provides updated guidance, tools, and support to help you navigate customs clearance smoothly. Our brokerage services can assist with paperwork and compliance before you ship to help minimize delays and ensure timely delivery.

• Review and update shipping documentation to comply with new requirements. 

IMPORTANT: Provide specific cargo descriptions when creating shipments with FedEx.

1. Strong description of the products customers are shipping on the air waybill:

• What is it?

• How many are there?

• What is it made from?

• What is the intended use?

• What is the country of manufacture?

2. H.T.S. code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) for proper duties-and-taxes estimations on the air waybill

3. MID code is one of the required information for import clearance into the U.S particularly for certain product category - such as Textile and apparel products for commercial use). Click here to know more 

Incorrect or incomplete information submitted for customs clearance may be subject to service delay. 

In light of the above, it is extremely important for customers to accurately declare the country of origin for all shipments. U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) is scrutinizing this information very carefully.

The revised reciprocal tariffs for US bound shipments came into effect for countries and territories listed in the Executive Order 14257 (Executive Order), issued by President Donald Trump on August 7, 2025, 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).  

• New tariff rates for countries and territories listed in the revised Executive Order annexes will range from 10% to 41%. Refer Annex I to the Executive Order here.  
• On August 6, 2025, President Trump signed an updated Executive Order. Refer here imposing additional 25% ad valorem duty effective August 27, 2025.   
• Visit https://www.fedex.com/en-bw/service-news/us-tariff-impact-on-international-business-shipping.html for further details.

The Customs Authority in Abu Dhabi has announced a new regulation to harmonize customs procedures and improve product classification accuracy.

Effective August 1, 2025, the Harmonized System (HS) Code will change from an 8-digit format to a 12-digit format for all inbound and outbound shipments to/from Rest of the World and GCC countries. Once the new 12-digit HS Code format is implemented, the customs system in Abu Dhabi will no longer accept 8-digit HS Codes. It is mandatory that the correct 12-digit HS Code be included in the Commercial Invoice for all shipments.

The Customs Authorities in Dubai have announced a new regulation to harmonize customs procedures and improve product classification accuracy.

Effective August 1, 2025, the Harmonized System (HS) Code will change from an 8-digit format to a 12-digit format. The Customs authorities in Dubai have implemented this change for all inbound and outbound shipments to/from GCC countries only i.e., Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is advised that the correct 12-digit HS Code be included in the Commercial Invoice for export / import to and from Dubai to ensure smooth customs clearance.  

Effective immediately, FedEx has reinstated its pickup and delivery services for shipments destined to Israel and Iraq.

To keep providing you with the best possible shipping experience, we periodically review our shipping fees to reflect changing market conditions. These adjustments help us to continue delivering the reliable shipping solutions and exceptional service you rely on.

• Revised Dimension Rounding: FedEx will round every fraction of an inch/centimeter up to the next-higher inch/centimeter. This rounding up will change for all regions.

• Revised U.S. Inbound Processing Fee ¹: To cover additional cost incurred for clearance of U.S import shipments, the U.S. Inbound Processing Fee will be revised from USD1.5 to USD2.5 per shipment. This fee will be a part of the customer’s transportation invoice.

¹US Inbound processing fee not applicable on FICP

Due to changes in market conditions, FedEx will suspend Demand Surcharges applicable on Outbound / Inbound international movements from/to Botswana. This change will be effective June 1, 2025. FedEx reserves the right to reassess and/or reinstate the Demand Surcharge at its sole discretion.

The applicability, duration, and amount of the Demand Surcharge is determined for each region based on regular assessments of shipping volume and available capacity within our network and other considerations.

Dubai Airports has announced scheduled maintenance for the runway at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) from April 7 and April 24, 2025.

All cargo and commercial airlines flying into and out of the airport will be impacted during the period, resulting in changes to the flight schedules of FedEx and other commercial flights.

All service changes have been carefully considered by FedEx, in line with our commitment to provide outstanding service to our customers.

Collaborative Shipping Tool, a new digital feature that helps simplify import shipments from different countries, is now available on FedEx Ship Manager^TM.

The tool enables seamless collaboration between importers and shippers, improving shipment visibility, flexibility and pickup efficiency. Customers can share the airway bill creation process for their import shipments with shippers, who can then review and edit shipment details and schedule pickup.

Additionally, customers remain in control by deciding which information shippers are permitted to edit and ensuring that sensitive details like shipping rates and the account stay secure.

Click here to discover more about Collaborative Shipping Tool.

For additional information and support, please contact FedEx Customer Service Team.

On December 19 and 30, 2024, the Mexican government published regulations raising import duties for some textile and apparel goods, and modifying the simplified customs clearance, adding restrictions, and adjusting and expanding information obligations on the clearance of express shipments arriving in Mexico. The increase in tariffs took effect on December 20, 2024, while those applicable to the simplified clearance of express shipments effective January 1, 2025. Please click here for more information.

Money-Back Guarantee (MBG) is now reinstated for U.S. inbound shipments with a ship date starting February 11, 2025 for these services:
• FedEx International First®
• FedEx International Priority®
• FedEx International Priority® Express
• FedEx International Priority® Freight
• FedEx International Priority DirectDistribution®
• FedEx International Priority DirectDistribution® Freight
Note: MBG was suspended for shipments with ship dates from January 29 – February 10.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is rolling out an automated capability to enforce the de minimis threshold that allows for the duty and tax-free entry of shipments with an aggregate value of $800 or less per person, per day.

Please be reminded that if a recipient’s aggregated imported shipments exceed the $800 de minimis daily threshold, then informal or formal entries may be required—including payment of all applicable duties, taxes, and fees—and may be subject to delays as a result.

To avoid potential clearance delays, FedEx encourages you to follow these best practices to remain in compliance with CBP guidelines:

• Provide precise cargo descriptions when creating shipments with FedEx.

  • These guidelines include a precise product description, specific monetary value and currency, shipper and recipient details, as well as an HS code (where required). Vague merchandise descriptions violate CBP guidelines and may delay clearance.

  • To learn more about writing a clear commodity description and HS code, watch our video here.
    

• If inbound shipments are heading to fulfillment centers:

  • Follow CBP’s guidance during shipment creation, including listing the consignee name as “[Merchandise Owner Name] c/o [fulfillment center name]”.

Ensure you are using FedEx Ship ManagerTM at fedex.com or the most updated version of FedEx shipping software.

Effective immediately, FedEx economy and freight services to Lebanon have been temporarily discontinued until further notice. We continue to accept International Priority (IP) shipments.
Providing excellent customer experience is a top priority for us and regret for any inconvenience this may cause.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that it will begin rejecting any U.S. import shipment data containing vague or no descriptions, effective November 12, 2024. This rejection will make it impermissible to move shipments into/ transiting through the U.S. until complete and accurate data is submitted.

It is important to provide precise cargo descriptions when creating shipments with FedEx to ensure your shipments comply with CBP’s regulations. After the effective date, any shipments identified by CBP as containing vague descriptions will be rejected by CBP and may incur delays. For more information, please refer to the CBP link here

FedEx is anticipating a surge in shipping volumes for the peak season. Effective October 14, and until December 31, 2024 (inclusive), we will temporarily adjust our transit times (TT) for FedEx.

The transit time extension will be in place until December 31,2024; at which time the situation will be reviewed. We appreciate your understanding and our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Transit times will be temporarily adjusted, as below.

MEISA Direct- Serve Markets: India, UAE, Bahrain, Botswana, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Eswatini/ Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia

MEISA GSP Markets: Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Benin, Bhutan, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire/ Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Djibouti, Algeria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Lesotho, Libya, Morocco, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Maldives, Mozambique, Niger, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires all customers shipping from within and outside the Kingdom.to enter a ‘short address code/ National address’ of the receiver/ consignee, to ensure faster delivery of your shipments.

This requirement is already in effect and, and has now become mandatory to follow, for all residents, citizens and companies operating inside Saudi Arabia.

If you have not already done so, please reach out to the receiver/ consignee of your shipment based in Saudi Arabia, for their ‘short address code/ National address’ so that you may input the code when creating your shipments.

For more information on the ‘short address code/ National address’, please visit https://splonline.com.sa/en/national-address-1/

If you’re a business outside Canada exporting commercial goods into Canada and responsible for the payment of any duties and taxes as the Importer of Record (IOR), it’s important to take the necessary steps now to help prevent your FedEx Express shipments from being delayed at the border when CARM is fully implemented.

Please click here to learn more.

Effective July 16, 2023, the Money-back Guarantee (MBG) will resume on FedEx International Priority^® services¹ in Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (AMEA). This will be applicable to international shipments shipping from/ to and within AMEA, and eligible for payor based in AMEA.

For more information about MBG, please visit our Standard Conditions of Carriage here.

Should you have further enquiries, please contact our Customer Service team.

¹FedEx International Priority^® services include FedEx International First^®, FedEx International Priority^® Express, FedEx International Priority^®, FedEx International Priority^® Freight, FedEx International Priority^® DirectDistribution and FedEx International Priority DirectDistribution^®Freight

New regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia require all customers shipping to and within Saudi Arabia to enter a ‘short address code/ National address’ of the receiver/ consignee to ensure faster delivery of your shipments. This requirement impacts anyone shipping to Saudi Arabia from within and outside the Kingdom.

Please request the receiver/ consignee of your shipment based in Saudi Arabia, for their ‘short address code/ National address’ to ensure faster delivery of your shipments.

The requirement is already in effect and in the coming time the national address will become mandatory for all residents, citizens and companies operating inside Saudi Arabia.

In order to avoid possible delays or return of shipments, please adhere to the new requirements and help ensure your package(s) reach their destination.

For more information on the ‘short address code/ National address’, please visit https://splonline.com.sa/en/national-address-1.

Effective June 1, 2023, we have enhanced the transit times^ for our FedEx International Priority^{® 1} and FedEx International Economy^{® 2} portfolio of services from India, The United Arab Emirates, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and South Africa to key³ markets in Europe, Asia Pacific and to the Americas⁴. Now reach markets with early delivery of your shipments – within 2-3 business days using FedEx International Priority^® and 4-5 business days for less urgent shipments with FedEx International Economy^® portfolio of services. Our comprehensive services are designed to help meet your varied business needs.

Additionally, we have reinstated our FedEx International Economy^® services⁵ in Asia Pacific. You will be able to import your less time-sensitive shipments from Asia Pacific (APAC) markets into MEISA with a day-definite delivery which provides you assurance and peace of mind.

Now you will have more choices with the door-to-door, customs-cleared service to satisfy your international shipping needs. Check out FedEx shipping service page to learn more about our full portfolio of services along with our rates and transit time.

We look forward to supporting your international shipping journey!

^Transit time does not include clearance time, and may vary contingent on origin and destination.

¹ FedEx International Priority^® services include FedEx International First^®, FedEx International Priority^® Express, FedEx International Priority Distribution, FedEx International Priority^® and FedEx International Priority^® Freight.

² FedEx International Economy^® services include FedEx International Economy^®, FedEx International Economy^® Freight

³ For details on specific origins and destinations, please check our get rates and transit time page.

⁴ America- North America including Canada and South America

⁵ APAC International Economy^® services include : FedEx International Economy^® services include FedEx International Economy^®, FedEx International Economy^® Freight and FedEx International Economy^® DirectDistribution.

MEISA customers can continue to bill clearance service fees to their shipment's recipient/consignee, or choose the new options of billing to themselves as the shipper or even to a third-party. The new billing option is available from June 6, 2022.

In case of India inbound low value (courier clearance) shipments cleared at the Mumbai gateway and all high value (cargo clearance) shipments billed to the customers outside India, the new billing option is available from June 13, 2022.

Expanded billing option is available for LAC from July 31, 2021 and for APAC from January 15, 2022.

Note that when you select “Bill duties & taxes to shipper” on the FedEx Air Waybill, applicable duties and taxes and/or all clearance service fees incurred in the destination will be billed to your shipper account.

For details on Ancillary Clearance Service Fees applicable at destination, visit the market specific Ancillary Clearance Service Fees webpage at fedex.com. With greater flexibility in billing options, you can get the edge your business needs to succeed in the international marketplace.

Effective January 3, 2022, we can deliver your shipments by 10:30 a.m. or noon to select postal codes in the below countries and territories¹ with our new service FedEx International Priority^® Express, or deliver by the end of the day to more than 220 countries and territories using our FedEx International Priority^® service.

¹Service availability and exact delivery time depend on origin and destination postal codes. Terms and conditions apply. For detailed information, please log in to fedex.com to obtain a quotation, or refer to Rate & Transit Times.

Due to the situation in the country, service to and from Afghanistan is temporarily disrupted. We will not accept shipments to or from Afghanistan at this time.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping Products Will Be Prohibited on Domestic and International Shipments from March 1, 2021.

FedEx is changing its policy on the transportation of electronic cigarettes and other vaping products due to the increasingly complex regulatory environment. The prohibition on such products will be effective from March 1, 2021.

From this date, FedEx customers will no longer be able to ship electronic cigarettes and other vaping products through any of the FedEx/TNT domestic or international networks.

If an unauthorized electronic cigarette or vaping product shipment is identified in any FedEx/TNT network during the handling process, it will be treated as a prohibited item in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of carriage.

With the restoration of trade links with Qatar, FedEx has reestablished document shipping between Qatar and the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia with immediate effect, including pick-up and delivery services of document shipments.

Our leading network, and comprehensive service portfolio will help strengthen trade links between these markets. We are absolutely confident in supporting you and look forward to successfully navigating your return to trade between Qatar and the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

FedEx Express is making the following changes to our Dangerous Goods (DG) shipping policy. This independent initiative anticipates prospective regulatory changes in response to growing concerns about the safe handling of bulk or standalone shipments of lithium batteries.

As of January 1st, 2017 FedEx Express customers sending bulk shipments of lithium batteries (United Nations (UN) number 3090 & United Nations (UN) number 3480) can only do so by treating all such shipments as fully regulated Dangerous Goods (DG) commodities.

Although this will not apply to individual lithium batteries packed with or contained in equipment (Section II UN 3091 & UN 3481), after January 1^st, 2017, the United Nations (UN) number must be added to the IATA Lithium Battery Mark. If any further changes are required, we will notify you in advance.

IATA has reported that lithium batteries are now the preferred energy source for many consumer goods ranging from mobile phones to children's toys. Such batteries are however dangerous goods that can pose a safety risk if not prepared in accordance with transport regulations. Click here to read more from IATA.

Shipment monitoring from pick-up to delivery

This initiative will help us increase the visibility of lithium battery types throughout our network and ensure the integrity of such DG shipments until their final destinations.

How does this initiative change bulk lithium battery shipments?

With effect from January 1st, 2017, FedEx Express customers shipping UN 3090 & UN 3480 shipments must carry out the following steps:

• Add a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods which can only be completed by DG-trained personnel.

• Add Class 9 and Cargo Aircraft Only label
  

• Include the United Nations (UN) number on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Lithium Battery Mark

• Review all lithium battery shipment packing to ensure it meets IATA packing instructions UN 3480 - PI965 & UN 3090 - PI968

• Approve a Dangerous Goods Handling surcharge

Where can you find more information?

• Visit http://www.fedex.com/bw/learn/lithium-batteries.html
  

• Contact your FedEx Express Customer Services and ask for the Dangerous Goods Specialist
  

• As of October 12th, 2016 the new FedEx Express Lithium Battery Policy Change is included in IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations Manual available for purchase at iata.org This also carries information on lithium battery packing, marking, labelling & documentation
  

Next steps

We will keep you fully informed with updates and further details as soon as they are available. In the meantime, if you have any urgent questions, please contact FedEx Express Customer Service and ask for the Dangerous Goods Specialist.

Unauthorized use of FedEx® Business Names, Service Marks and Logos

FedEx has been alerted to the unauthorized use of its business names, service marks and logos by persons or companies fraudulently representing themselves as FedEx or as representatives of FedEx.

Millions of fraudulent e-mails and sms messages are deployed daily. They claim to come from a wide variety of sources, and some claim to be from FedEx or representing FedEx. Fraudulent e-mail and sms messages, often referred to as "phishing" or brand "spoofing," are becoming increasingly common. These types of messages often use corporate logos, colors and legal disclaimers to make it appear as though they are real. They are sent in an attempt to trick people into sending money and providing personal information such as usernames, passwords and/or credit card details, and for the purpose of committing theft, identity theft and/or other crimes.

Recognizing Phishing Scam E-mails and sms messages

Recognizing phishing scam e-mails and sms messages is key to protecting yourself against such theft and other crimes. Indicators that an e-mail or sms message might be fraudulent include:

• Unexpected requests for money in return for delivery of a package or other item, personal and/or financial information, such as your Social Security number, bank account number, or other identification.

• Links to misspelled or slightly altered Web-site addresses. For example, variations on the correct Web-site address fedex.com, such as fedx.com or fed-ex.com.

• Alarming messages and requests for immediate action, such as "Your account will be suspended within 24 hours if you don't respond" or claims that you've won the lottery or a prize.

• Spelling and grammatical errors and excessive use of exclamation points (!).

FedEx does not request, via unsolicited mail, e-mail or sms messages, payment or personal information in return for goods in transit or in FedEx custody. If you have received a fraudulent email or sms message that claims to be from FedEx, you can report them to FedEx immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns about services provided by FedEx, please review our services at FedEx Services or contact FedEx Customer Service.

The Internet is an important channel connecting FedEx to its customers. While there is no foolproof method to prevent the unauthorized use of the FedEx name, we continuously watch for such activity in order to help safeguard our customers' interests.

Thank you for helping us identify and take action against e-mail & sms fraud.

NOTE: FedEx is not responsible for any charges or costs incurred as a result of fraudulent activity that abuses the FedEx name, service marks and logos.

FedEx does not require money transfers through third-party escrow services or online payment services prior to shipment delivery.

The use of the FedEx logo and name on these websites is unauthorized and our legal department will address this matter with the relevant authorities.

FedEx is committed to protecting the security and integrity of our network.

While there is no foolproof method to prevent the respected FedEx name from being used in spam emails or potential scams, we are constantly monitoring for such activity and work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies around the world.

We urge customers to be suspicious of any request not coming directly from a FedEx employee or domain name, especially if it contains an attachment which the customer is asked to open.

Customers should not hesitate to contact us if they have questions regarding the legitimacy of an email soliciting payment in advance or requests to provide additional or personal information.

Go to our FedEx FedEx Trust Center to learn more about protecting yourself online. By following a few simple tips, you can make your online experience safer and more secure.

For more information on other fraudulent emails, you can visit our U.S. website by clicking here.

 FedEx International Priority inbound and outbound service to and from Ukraine has been reinstated covering the majority of Ukrainian postal codes. Pick-up and delivery services will be performed according to local authority instructions, where it is safe and possible. 

All Russian and Belarusian FedEx International services continue to be suspended until further notice.

Continue to check this page for updates. For specific shipment status information, please track your shipment at fedex.com.