New Releases

[Todd]

DHL, however, still delivers packages to the US.

Not per CNET:

Delivery Companies Around the World Stop Shipments to the US: Here's Who's Affected

[Que]

Not per CNET:

Delivery Companies Around the World Stop Shipments to the US: Here's Who's Affected

The word here is that deliveries from the Netherlands are, unlike some other countries, always through DHL Express, which is supposedly unaffected.
But that is of little help to US collectors that order from the UK or Germany..

https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/new-us-customs-regulations-temporary-restrictions-on-postal-goods-shipping-to-the-us-for-private-and-business-customers.html

[Todd]

The word here is that deliveries from the Netherlands are, unlike some other countries, always through DHL Express, which is supposedly unaffected.

https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/new-us-customs-regulations-temporary-restrictions-on-postal-goods-shipping-to-the-us-for-private-and-business-customers.html

The fourth bullet point is the important one:

"Packages and parcels that contain only gifts from individuals to individuals with a value of up to $100 and are declared as "gift," as well as documents, can continue to be sent as usual."

Individual sellers from eBay or any marketplace typically describes a product as a gift.  That's what happened last time I imported from an individual in Europe using a marketplace.  Corporate sellers will not be able to do that.  That will apply everywhere in Europe, and indeed around the world.  Auditors - internal or third party - would find that in the next audit.  DHL generates sufficient revenue in the US market such that it will under no circumstances want to be found violating US laws, and the same will apply to almost every non-US retail company with any material US revenue. I'm not familiar with laws pertaining to fraud in European jurisdictions, but falsely claiming to be an individual may not be consequence free.

Of course, one workaround is to buy more than the de minimis threshold.  I've done that once, when I ordered ~$1000 from HMV Japan in one order.  I don't plan on doing that again.  Another workaround, provided the de minimis exemption remains nullified for a long enough period of time, is for European proxy buyers to set up shop, a la White Rabbit in Japan.  I have no intention of using such services.  I'll just stream or download or forgo a luxury product or two - and all musical recordings are luxury products.

[JBS]

FWIW, this is what Prestoclassic has posted on its website

From August 29th 2025, The US Government removes the $800 de minimis exemption for all commercial shipments from all countries. Since 2016 this exemption has allowed parcels under this value to be shipped into the US from other countries without customs duties being levied on top.

CDs, Sheet Music and Books
This change was announced less than a month ago, so there has been very limited time for retailers and carriers to prepare. However, we are pleased to report that CDs, Sheet Music and Books are all classed as informational materials, which means they remain exempt from tariffs.

Furthermore, in order to ensure frictionless delivery (and no nasty surprises for you) we have instructed our carriers (USPS and Fedex) that in the event that the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) do deem tariffs are applicable they should bill us rather than you. We will not retrospectively then try and pass on any of these costs to you.

Musical Instruments and Accessories
Our understanding is that some of the other items which we sell, such as musical instruments and accessories will be subject to tariffs. The rates are based on the country or origin of the product, which for a UK manufactured product would for example be 10%. We have decided that whilst the dust settles and new processes bed in we will absorb these costs also, as we feel quite strongly that when you choose to purchase something from us you should know what the final price will be, and not be subject to unknown fees and duties which may or may not be charged at a later date.

Short term expectations
With such a major change being introduced at such short notice, it would be naive to not expect some disruption and possibly short delays, but please rest assured we're keeping a very close eye on things to make sure your experience stays as smooth and hassle-free as possible. As always if you ever have any questions, our customer service team is ready to help.

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/6705--announcement-tariff-update-for-our-us-customers

[Madiel]

Discogs similarly has an article saying that music ought to be exempt. But they clearly think there'll be a spot of trouble while the system is worked out. https://www.discogs.com/about/news/united-states-tariff-impact-music-media-2025/

[Mandryka]

[Mandryka]

[Mandryka]

[Mandryka]

[Brian]

This looks both important and fun: