Federal Express Corporation is strengthening its support for Asia Pacific businesses as they prepare for the European Union’s removal of the de minimis duty exemption on 1 July 2026, a move that will introduce new customs requirements and cost implications for cross-border shipments into Europe.
Ahead of the implementation, FedEx engaged more than 5,000 businesses across 12 Asia Pacific markets through a series of customer education webinars. The initiative was designed to help organisations ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to multinational companies better understand evolving customs clearance requirements, maintain operational efficiency and reduce the risk of unexpected costs in an increasingly complex global trade environment.
Awareness of EU De Minimis Changes Is High, but Readiness Remains Uneven
Insights gathered after the webinars show that while awareness of the EU de minimis changes is strong across the region, readiness levels remain mixed.
Just over half of APAC businesses, or 59 per cent, reported being fully or mostly prepared for the changes, while 41 per cent said they were still at an early stage of preparation or remained unprepared. Among the key challenges cited were limited access to clear and actionable guidance, a lack of internal expertise on EU customs regulations, and difficulty keeping pace with evolving rules and implementation timelines.
FedEx noted that businesses that are not fully prepared for new product data requirements, product identifiers, EU-wide handling fees and stricter documentation standards may face delays at EU borders once the new rules take effect.
Rising Compliance Costs Are Reshaping Trade Strategies
The company said growing compliance requirements and cost pressures are already prompting businesses to rethink how they approach the European market.
According to the findings, 45 per cent of respondents see EU customs regulations as a constraint to growth, driven largely by higher landed costs and increased compliance burdens. More than one-third of businesses, or 36 per cent, have already adjusted or plan to adjust their pricing for the EU market, while half said the regulatory changes are influencing their broader trade corridor strategies and leading them to reassess market priorities.
Among businesses looking to diversify beyond Europe, Intra-Asia and the United States are emerging as key alternatives, highlighting the importance of strong regional and global logistics connectivity in a shifting trade environment.
FedEx Focuses on Compliance, Guidance and Network Strength
FedEx said it is expanding support across three main areas to help customers remain compliant and keep shipments moving smoothly.
Digital systems aligned to new EU requirements
With many businesses prioritising digital customs and compliance tools, FedEx said its shipping, invoicing and clearance platforms are already aligned with the new EU customs processes and data requirements. This is intended to help customers continue shipping with greater confidence as the regulatory framework changes.
Practical guidance and expert support
To address demand for clearer regulatory guidance, FedEx has launched a proactive customer support programme that includes direct outreach and detailed guidance on Product Identifier (PID) requirements and the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS). Customers will also have access to FedEx clearance and compliance specialists for support on customs classification, documentation and clearance processes.
In addition, the company has launched a dedicated EU de minimis information page across APAC markets featuring updated guidance, videos and trade resources.
Stronger Asia-Europe connectivity
FedEx is also enhancing network capacity and flexibility across the Asia-Europe corridor to support continued cross-border trade. Over the past year, the company has added five weekly flights between Asia and Europe, bringing the total to 26 weekly flights supporting APAC-to-Europe shipments. According to FedEx, this expanded network enables express deliveries in as little as 48 hours.
Helping Businesses Adapt with Confidence
Salil Chari, president of FedEx Asia Pacific, said businesses across the region are facing growing regulatory complexity even as they continue to pursue growth across key markets.
He said FedEx is combining trade expertise, digital capabilities and the strength of its global network to help businesses adapt quickly, operate with confidence and continue growing across Europe and beyond.
As companies adjust to new customs requirements and trade realities, FedEx said it remains focused on supporting continuity by helping customers stay compliant, manage costs and maintain reliable access to European markets.
Businesses seeking the latest guidance on the EU de minimis changes are encouraged to visit the FedEx Go-To Europe Hub and contact their local FedEx representative for tailored support.
