UPS has begun warning customers that international packages may be destroyed if they fail to clear U.S. customs due to incomplete documentation, marking a dramatic shift in how America’s largest shipping companies handle regulatory compliance.
Story Highlights
- UPS confirms packages may be destroyed rather than returned if customs documentation is incomplete
- Policy stems from rapidly changing import rules and stricter U.S. Customs enforcement
- Company claims 90% of packages clear on first day, but remaining 10% face potential destruction
- Businesses and consumers bear increased risk of permanent package loss and additional costs
UPS Implements Destruction Policy for Non-Compliant Shipments
UPS spokeswoman Natasha Amadi confirmed the shipping giant’s new approach to handling international packages that cannot clear U.S. customs. When necessary documentation cannot be obtained after multiple contact attempts, packages may be returned to the sender at their expense or disposed of entirely in compliance with federal regulations. This represents a significant departure from traditional practices where packages were typically held indefinitely or eventually returned.
@nbcnews UPS discards internationally shipped packages amid new customs rules imposed by the Trump administration, leaving customers frustrated.
The policy change affects millions of international shipments entering the United States annually. UPS processes vast quantities of goods from overseas suppliers, making any procedural shift a potential disruption to global commerce. The company emphasizes that destruction occurs only as a last resort after making over three contact attempts per package to resolve documentation issues.
Regulatory Chaos Drives Shipping Industry Changes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has tightened enforcement requirements, demanding more detailed and accurate documentation for all imports. These evolving regulations create compliance challenges for shipping companies caught between federal mandates and customer expectations. The frequent rule changes stem from ongoing trade disputes, enhanced security protocols, and post-pandemic supply chain reforms that prioritize border control over shipping convenience.
International shippers now face heightened scrutiny as CBP requires precise documentation to prevent delays or destruction. Small businesses relying on cross-border shipments bear particular risk, as incomplete paperwork could result in permanent loss of inventory. This regulatory environment reflects broader concerns about border security and trade compliance that have intensified under changing political priorities and global economic pressures.
Economic Impact on American Businesses and Consumers
The destruction policy creates immediate financial risks for businesses importing goods and consumers expecting international deliveries. Companies may lose entire shipments if documentation errors occur, while consumers face potential loss of purchased items without recourse. Additional costs emerge when packages require return shipping, placing financial burden on senders who must pay international shipping fees twice for failed deliveries.
"UPS is telling customers that their packages coming to the US are marked for destruction" – Business Insider https://t.co/Rq6QF5lRR9
— @Gingersnap7163.bsky.social (@cdmorben) October 11, 2025
Long-term implications include potential shifts toward domestic suppliers as businesses seek to avoid international shipping risks. This development could support American manufacturing but may increase costs for consumers accustomed to lower-priced imported goods. The policy also raises questions about whether other major carriers will implement similar measures, potentially creating industry-wide changes that reshape global commerce patterns and increase operational costs across supply chains.
Sources:
UPS may begin disposing of imported packages over customs issues
