You order a pair of boots from Italy or a vintage lens from Japan. You wait. You check the tracking number. Then, the status changes to something you’ve never seen before: "Discarded" or "Disposed of." It sounds like a glitch, right? But for thousands of Americans over the last few months, this has been the cold, hard reality of international shipping.
Honestly, the logistics world is currently a mess. People are seeing their engagement rings, heirlooms, and high-end electronics literally tossed into industrial shredders or incinerators. It’s not a rumor. UPS has openly admitted to "disposing of" shipments that can't clear the new, incredibly dense maze of customs requirements.
The primary culprit? A massive shift in trade policy. Specifically, the Trump administration’s decision to kill the de minimis exemption. This wasn't just a minor tweak to a tax code; it was a wrecking ball to how the internet buys things.
The End of "Duty-Free" and the Rise of UPS Destroying Packages Due to Trump's Tariffs
For decades, there was a magic number: $800. If your package was worth less than that, it slid through U.S. Customs like a hot knife through butter. No duties. No taxes. Hardly any paperwork. This was the "de minimis" rule, and it’s why sites like Shein, Temu, and even small Etsy sellers in Europe could thrive.
Everything changed on August 29, 2025.
The administration effectively ended this exemption globally. The stated goal was to stop the flow of fentanyl and protect domestic businesses from "unfair" foreign competition. But the practical result was a bureaucratic tsunami. Suddenly, every single package—even a $10 t-shirt—required formal entry, precise Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, and often, proof of where the raw materials (like steel or aluminum) actually came from.
Why UPS is throwing your stuff away
You’ve probably wondered why they don't just send it back. Well, UPS actually has a specific process. They claim they try to contact the shipper or the recipient three times to get the missing info. If they don't get it, they have two choices: send it back at the shipper's expense or destroy it.
Here’s the kicker: many international sellers don't want to pay the return shipping. It costs more than the item is worth. If the seller refuses to pay to take it back, and the buyer can't provide the obscure customs data required by the feds, the package is legally considered "abandoned."
Under U.S. Customs regulations, UPS is then authorized to dispose of it. In a warehouse in Louisville, Kentucky—the massive "Worldport" hub—this means your stuff is gone forever.
The Human Cost: It's Not Just Cheap Plastic
We aren't just talking about fast fashion. The stories coming out are kinda heartbreaking. One woman in Michigan, as reported by the BBC, found out her wedding sari—a family heirloom worn by her mother—was flagged for disposal because of paperwork confusion.
Musical instruments, telescopes, and even diplomas have been caught in this web. Matthew Wasserbach, a brokerage manager at Express Customs Clearance, told reporters he’s never seen anything like this. It’s "totally unprecedented."
The system is struggling to keep up with the volume. In 2024, over 1.36 billion packages entered the U.S. under the old de minimis rules. Now, the government and carriers are trying to process that same mountain of mail with 100x the paperwork.
Conflicting signals and "Ghost" tracking
The tracking updates are enough to drive anyone crazy. People have reported seeing their package marked as "Destroyed," only for it to say "On the Way" three days later, followed by "Discarded" again.
This isn't just UPS being mean. It’s a symptom of a system that wasn't built for this level of scrutiny on low-value goods. The "reciprocal tariffs" system introduced by Trump adds hundreds of country-specific rates. If you’re a small business in France trying to ship a lamp, and you don't know the exact 10-digit HTS code for "hand-painted ceramic base with brass fittings," your package is basically a sitting duck.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Tariff Disposal
A lot of folks think this is just a "China problem." It isn't. While China and Hong Kong were the first targets, the removal of de minimis and the imposition of new tariffs now hit almost every trading partner.
- Canada: Effective August 2025, many U.S. imports from Canada faced a jump to a 35% tariff rate.
- Europe: Most recently, in early 2026, the administration threatened a 10% levy on eight European nations—including France and Germany—linked to a bizarre geopolitical push regarding Greenland.
- Small Businesses: These are the ones getting hit hardest. Big corporations have "Customs Brokers" and legal teams. A guy selling handmade leather wallets from Italy does not.
If the package contains even a trace of restricted materials—like specific types of steel or aluminum—the documentation requirements become even more "onerous," to use the word the BBC chose. You might be asked to fill out "anti-dumping" forms for a single kitchen gadget. If you miss that email from UPS? Shredder.
How to Protect Your Shipments in 2026
If you're still planning to buy from overseas, you've got to be proactive. You can't just "click and forget" anymore.
First, talk to the seller before they ship. Ask if they are providing a Commercial Invoice with a specific 10-digit HTS code. If they look at you like you have three heads, don't buy from them. Your package likely won't make it.
Second, make sure your email and phone number are perfectly accurate on the shipping label. UPS usually tries to reach out electronically. If that notification ends up in your spam folder, you’ve got a very short window before your item is marked as abandoned.
Third, consider using the "Guaranteed Landed Cost" services that some carriers now offer. It's more expensive upfront, but it means the duties are calculated and paid at the point of sale, which significantly reduces the chance of a customs hold.
Looking Ahead: Is This the New Normal?
We are currently in a period of "Tariff Turmoil," as some e-commerce experts call it. The Supreme Court is actually weighing in on whether the President has the authority to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose these broad tariffs. A ruling is expected later in 2026.
Until then, the backlog at hubs like Louisville isn't going away. UPS handles roughly 3.2 million international shipments every day. They claim to clear 90% of them on day one. But that 10% that gets stuck? That's 320,000 packages a day facing potential delays or destruction.
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Basically, if you're importing anything right now, you're gambling with a system that is currently designed to prioritize enforcement over speed.
To keep your packages safe, always request a "Formal Entry" if the item is high-value, and never assume a "low value" label will save you from the customs officer's desk. Verify the HTS code for your specific product via the U.S. International Trade Commission database before the seller prints that label. Staying informed is the only way to make sure your next delivery ends up on your porch instead of in a bin.