The Treasury expects the change to raise around £500m a year once implemented

Rachel Reeves will wait four years before scrapping a controversial tax break that benefits low-cost foreign retailers such as Shein and Temu, hitting British high street chains who had pushed for immediate action in next week’s Budget.

The chancellor has confirmed she will abolish the UK’s ‘de minimis’ rule, which exempts parcels worth under £135 from import duties, but not until at least March 2029.

The move follows concerns that an abrupt change could snarl border operations and trigger widespread disruption for delivery firms and brands.

More than 1.6 million parcels enter the UK each day under the exemption.

The delay comes despite months of lobbying from companies including Next, Currys, and the Britis

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