A sweeping surge in global customs enforcement is catching online retailers off guard, driving up costs and disrupting international supply chains, according to a new report by logistics and shipping solutions provider ePost Global.
In its 2025 shipping optimization analysis, ePost analyzed 15.6 million international ecommerce shipments totaling $421 million. It found that 73% of product categories now fall under tariff-sensitive classifications. That’s a sharp increase from prior years. As a result, many retailers are now facing steep compliance challenges and unexpected costs.
“Retailers are sailing into a perfect storm of regulatory changes,” said Kelly Martinez, co-president and founder. “The era of frictionless global shipping is over — routine shipments have become high-risk liabilities.”
How tariffs are affecting cross-border ecommerce
The report reveals that 42% of total shipment value is now tied to high-complexity customs categories — including electronics, luxury goods, and food products — which are under intensified scrutiny by customs authorities around the world.
Breakdown of shipment value by category
- Apparel & Textiles (39.2%): Trigger complex origin checks and Free Trade Agreement compliance.
- Luxury & Personal Items (16.8%): Subject to tight value verification and increased security.
- Electronics & Tech (10.0%): Affected by regional restrictions and battery regulations.
This crackdown comes amid broader shifts toward protectionist policies, tighter enforcement of de minimis thresholds, and efforts to close loopholes that once allowed low-value goods to move freely across borders.
Despite these challenges, ePost identifies several strategic opportunities:
- 97% of shipments still qualify under the EU de minimis limit.
- Over 52% of products have values under $20, suggesting consolidation opportunities.
- Value-based shipping strategies can reduce tariff exposure.
Retailers that proactively address four key documentation areas — product descriptions, HS codes, declared value, and country of origin — can protect margins and ensure faster customs clearance.
“What used to be back-office paperwork now determines profitability,” Martinez said. “Missteps like incorrect HS codes or vague product descriptions can lead to delays, penalties, or lost customers.”
Alison Layfield, director of product development at ePost Global, reinforced the urgency: “Defaulting on HS codes is no longer safe. Customs wants precision — and mistakes can cost up to 25% in unexpected tariffs.”
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