MANILA, Philippines (June 2026) — Shipping products to Europe is about to become more expensive and paperwork-heavy, and many businesses across Asia-Pacific admit they are still unprepared for the change.
Starting July 1, 2026, the European Union will remove its de minimis duty exemption, introducing new customs requirements and additional costs for goods entering the region. The policy change is expected to affect exporters of all sizes, from small online sellers to multinational companies.
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) said it has been working with businesses across the region to help them prepare for the transition through customer education webinars, digital tools, and customs support.
Many businesses are still catching up
Based on feedback from more than 500 businesses that participated in FedEx webinars across 12 Asia-Pacific markets, awareness of the upcoming rule changes is high, but preparedness varies widely.
While 59% of respondents said they are fully or mostly prepared, the remaining 41% admitted they are either still in the early stages of preparation or not ready at all.
Businesses identified several obstacles to compliance, including:
- Limited access to practical guidance (27%)
- Lack of in-house expertise on EU customs regulations (24%)
- Difficulty keeping up with changing rules and implementation timelines (22%)
Companies that fail to comply with new product data, documentation, and customs requirements could face shipment delays and additional costs once the rules take effect.
Higher costs are changing business plans
The tighter customs rules are also influencing how companies approach the European market.
Nearly half, or 45%, of respondents said EU customs regulations have become a barrier to growth because of rising landed costs and increased compliance requirements.
More than one-third, or 36%, have already adjusted or are planning to adjust their pricing for European customers. Meanwhile, half of the businesses surveyed said the regulatory changes are prompting them to reconsider where they expand next.
Among those looking beyond Europe, intra-Asia trade ranked as the top alternative at 28%, followed by the United States at 23%.
FedEx expands customs support
Salil Chari, president of Asia Pacific at FedEx, said businesses are operating in an increasingly complex global trade environment and need both digital tools and logistics expertise to remain competitive.
“As global trade continues to evolve, businesses across Asia Pacific are navigating increasing regulatory complexity while pursuing growth across key markets,” Chari said. “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.”
To help customers manage the transition, FedEx has expanded several services, including:
- Shipping, invoicing, and customs systems updated to support the new EU requirements.
- Access to customs and clearance specialists who can assist with product classification, documentation, and compliance.
- Dedicated online resources covering Product Identifier requirements, the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS), and other customs procedures.
- Five additional weekly flights between Asia and Europe over the past year, bringing its network to 26 weekly flights that can deliver express shipments in as little as 48 hours.
FedEx said it will continue supporting customers as businesses adjust to the new customs environment and maintain access to European markets.
Editor’s note: The survey findings are based on responses from more than 500 participants who attended FedEx customer webinars conducted across 12 Asia-Pacific markets in April and May 2026. The release does not provide a market-by-market breakdown of the results.
