The battlefield of cross-border e-commerce is intensifying, with TikTok Shop emerging as a new frontier for international sellers through its unique social commerce model. However, every platform policy adjustment creates waves among merchants. Recently, TikTok Shop US introduced what's being called its "strictest-ever" logistics regulations, significantly shortening delivery windows and presenting sellers with a true test of speed and efficiency.
Understanding the New Regulations: Tighter Timelines and Stricter Penalties
The core of TikTok Shop's new US regulations focuses on stringent delivery timelines and harsher penalties for non-compliance. Key elements include:
Dramatically Reduced Processing Times
The new policy implements a phased approach. During the transition period from January 12-25, 2026, orders must be marked as "shipped" within four business days of creation. Starting January 26, 2026, this window shrinks to just two business days. This compressed timeline demands unprecedented supply chain responsiveness, requiring sellers to complete order processing, packaging, and shipping within an extremely tight timeframe.
Escalated Penalties for Late Shipments
Stores exceeding a 10% late dispatch rate (LDR) will face severe consequences:
- Order volume restrictions: Daily order limits will directly constrain business growth
- Extended payment cycles: Settlement periods will stretch to 31 days after delivery, straining cash flow
- Financial penalties: $5 fines per delayed order will erode profit margins
Strict Tracking Number Requirements
The platform has implemented rigorous tracking number rules. When using USPS, merchants must utilize TikTok Shipping's official label system. For third-party carriers like UPS MI or FedEx SmartPost, the system will validate number ownership, rejecting invalid entries to ensure transparency.
Merchant Strategies: Building Efficient Logistics Systems
To meet these challenges, sellers must develop robust logistics systems across multiple dimensions:
Supply Chain Optimization and Localization
Traditional cross-border shipping struggles to meet the new requirements due to customs and long-distance transport factors. Establishing local production and fulfillment centers in the US enables "local order processing, production, and shipping," dramatically reducing delivery times.
Diversified Logistics Channels
Beyond TikTok's official logistics, merchants should evaluate multiple third-party providers based on price, reliability, and performance during peak seasons. This diversification enhances flexibility and reduces risk.
Leveraging Official Logistics Services
TikTok offers solutions like FBT (fulfillment by TikTok) and TikTok Shipping & CBT (cross-border transportation). FBT combines local warehousing with efficient distribution, while TikTok Shipping & CBT provides streamlined services for smaller merchants.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While TikTok Shop's new logistics rules present significant hurdles, they ultimately aim to improve platform efficiency and merchant standardization. With over 1.5 billion global monthly active users across 150+ countries and strong US performance, TikTok Shop continues to demonstrate remarkable growth through its "short video + live streaming + e-commerce" model.
This policy shift effectively tests merchants' operational capabilities. Those who can rapidly adapt their supply chains and select optimal logistics partners will gain competitive advantage in TikTok Shop's expanding cross-border e-commerce ecosystem.