Businesses across Asia Pacific that ship products to Europe are facing a major regulatory shift. Beginning July 1, 2026, the European Union will remove its de minimis duty exemption, introducing new customs requirements and additional costs for cross-border shipments entering the region.
As companies prepare for the transition, FedEx is expanding its support efforts to help businesses navigate compliance challenges, avoid shipping disruptions, and continue growing in key international markets. Through digital solutions, expert guidance, and enhanced logistics connectivity, the global transportation company aims to make the transition smoother for organizations of all sizes.
APAC Businesses Aware of EU De Minimis Changes, But Many Are Not Yet Ready
While awareness of the upcoming EU de minimis policy change is relatively high, readiness levels tell a different story.
FedEx recently engaged more than 5,000 businesses across 12 Asia Pacific markets through a series of educational webinars focused on customs compliance and evolving trade regulations. The sessions included participants ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to multinational corporations.
Insights gathered after the webinars revealed that although many companies understand the changes ahead, a significant number still need additional preparation.
According to the findings:
- 59% of APAC businesses say they are fully or mostly prepared
- 41% remain in the early stages of preparation or are not yet ready
Several challenges continue to hinder readiness among businesses, including:
- Limited access to practical and actionable compliance guidance (27%)
- Lack of in-house expertise on EU customs regulations (24%)
- Difficulty keeping up with changing requirements and implementation timelines (22%)
Without adequate preparation, businesses could face customs delays, higher costs, and shipment disruptions when the new regulations take effect.
New Compliance Requirements Could Increase Costs for Exporters
The removal of the de minimis exemption is prompting many companies to reassess how they approach European markets.
Nearly half of surveyed businesses, or 45%, identified EU customs regulations as a barrier to growth. Among the biggest concerns are rising landed costs and increased compliance responsibilities.
Businesses cited the following challenges:
- Higher landed costs (24%)
- Additional compliance requirements (23%)
As a result, more than one-third of respondents, or 36%, have already adjusted or are planning to adjust pricing strategies for products sold into the European Union.
The regulatory changes are also influencing broader trade decisions. Around half of businesses surveyed say they are re-evaluating trade corridors and market priorities as they explore growth opportunities outside Europe.
Among companies considering alternative markets, Intra-Asia trade emerged as the leading option at 28%, followed by the United States at 23%.
These shifts highlight the growing importance of resilient supply chains and strong global logistics networks in an increasingly complex trade environment.
FedEx Expands Support for Businesses Navigating EU Customs Changes
Recognizing the challenges businesses face, FedEx is rolling out additional resources designed to simplify compliance and keep shipments moving efficiently.
Digital Tools Designed for New EU Requirements
As customs regulations become more data-driven, many businesses are looking for technology solutions that can streamline compliance processes.
FedEx reports that 29% of surveyed businesses identified digital customs and compliance tools as a top priority.
To address this need, the company's shipping, invoicing, and customs clearance platforms have been aligned with upcoming EU requirements. These systems are designed to help customers manage documentation more effectively and reduce the risk of delays at the border.
Access to Expert Guidance and Regulatory Support
Beyond technology, businesses are seeking practical support to understand the new rules.
FedEx has launched a proactive customer assistance program that includes:
- Detailed guidance on Product Identifier (PID) requirements
- Support for businesses using the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) framework
- Direct access to customs clearance and compliance specialists
- Assistance with classification, documentation, and customs procedures
- Dedicated EU de minimis information hubs across APAC markets featuring updated resources, videos, and trade insights
The initiative aims to provide businesses with clearer, step-by-step guidance as they adapt to changing regulations.
Stronger Asia-Europe Connectivity to Support Trade Growth
In addition to compliance support, FedEx continues to invest in network capacity between Asia and Europe.
Over the past year, the company added five additional weekly flights connecting Asia and Europe, increasing shipping capacity and providing greater routing flexibility.
Today, FedEx operates a total of 26 weekly flights supporting shipments between the Asia Pacific region and Europe. This expanded network enables express deliveries in as little as 48 hours, helping businesses maintain speed and reliability despite evolving customs requirements.
FedEx Sees Compliance Readiness as Key to Future Growth
According to Salil Chari, President of Asia Pacific at FedEx, businesses must balance regulatory compliance with growth ambitions as global trade continues to evolve.
He explained that companies across the region are navigating increasingly complex regulations while pursuing opportunities in international markets.
"As global trade continues to evolve, businesses across Asia Pacific are navigating increasing regulatory complexity while pursuing growth across key markets," said Salil Chari, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx. "At FedEx, we combine deep trade expertise, digital capabilities, and the strength of our global network to help businesses adapt quickly, operate with confidence, and continue growing across Europe and beyond."
Preparing for the Next Phase of EU Trade
The upcoming removal of the EU de minimis exemption represents one of the most significant customs changes affecting exporters in recent years. For businesses that rely on European customers, early preparation could help minimize disruptions, avoid unexpected costs, and maintain a competitive edge.
With new compliance requirements on the horizon, access to expert guidance, digital customs tools, and reliable logistics support will play an increasingly important role in helping businesses continue trading confidently across Europe and beyond.