The Department of Posts has announced a temporary suspension of all postal bookings to the United States, effective 25 August 2025, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 14324 by the U.S. Administration. The order, which revokes the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800, mandates that all incoming postal items to the USA will now be subject to customs duties under the International Emergency Economic Power Act tariff framework. Gift items valued up to USD 100 will remain exempt.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has stipulated that only designated “qualified parties” or transport carriers may collect and remit duties on international postal shipments. However, with key processes for designation and duty collection still undefined, U.S.-bound air carriers have expressed their inability to accept postal consignments after 25 August, citing operational and technical constraints.
In response, the Department of Posts will halt booking of all postal articles to the USA, except for letters, documents, and gift items within the USD 100 exemption. These categories will continue to be accepted and dispatched, pending further clarification from U.S. authorities.
The Department is actively coordinating with stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore full services at the earliest. Customers who have already booked non-exempt articles may apply for a refund of postage. The Department has expressed regret for the inconvenience and reaffirmed its commitment to resuming normal operations swiftly.
