Photo File: NIPOST Logo

The Nigerian Postal Service has announced from today, all postal shipments from Nigeria to the United States, except letters and documents, will attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent.

In a public notice issued to customers, NIPOST explained that the new levy stems from a recent Executive Order signed by the United States Government, which suspends duty-free exemptions—known as de minimis treatment—for all postal shipments entering the country. The directive was enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and applies to all designated postal operators globally, not just Nigeria.

“This Executive Order applies to all postal operators and designated postal administrations worldwide, and the payment of the additional duty affects all global postal inflows into the United States,” the statement read.

The agency warned that the policy shift would have significant implications for Nigerians sending parcels to family, friends, and business associates in the U.S., as global logistics networks are already adjusting to the new requirements. Airlines and cargo carriers have reportedly adopted stricter protocols for handling U.S.-bound shipments, which may lead to extended transit and processing times.

“All U.S.-bound items will undergo additional Customs checks on arrival, which may compound waiting times for recipients,” NIPOST added.

To mitigate disruptions, the postal service said it is actively engaging with international partners, including the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and airline operators, to ensure minimal service interruptions and protect customer experience.

Despite the regulatory adjustment, NIPOST reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services. “We reassure our customers that NIPOST remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite this global regulatory adjustment,” the statement concluded.

The development follows the U.S. Government’s decision to end tariff exemptions on small packages valued at or below $800, citing concerns over tariff evasion and illicit drug smuggling. According to reports, the new policy could see parcels subjected to duties ranging from $80 to $200, although some personal items and gifts may still qualify for exemptions.

Postal services in several countries—including France, Germany, India, and Japan—have already begun suspending acceptance of U.S.-bound packages in response to the directive, raising concerns over global trade flows and cross-border e-commerce.

In a public notice issued to customers, NIPOST explained that the new levy stems from a recent Executive Order signed by the United States Government, which suspends duty-free exemptions—known as de minimis treatment—for all postal shipments entering the country. The directive was enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and applies to all designated postal operators globally, not just Nigeria.

“This Executive Order applies to all postal operators and designated postal administrations worldwide, and the payment of the additional duty affects all global postal inflows into the United States,” the statement read.

The agency warned that the policy shift would have significant implications for Nigerians sending parcels to family, friends, and business associates in the U.S., as global logistics networks are already adjusting to the new requirements. Airlines and cargo carriers have reportedly adopted stricter protocols for handling U.S.-bound shipments, which may lead to extended transit and processing times.

“All U.S.-bound items will undergo additional Customs checks on arrival, which may compound waiting times for recipients,” NIPOST added.

To mitigate disruptions, the postal service said it is actively engaging with international partners, including the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and airline operators, to ensure minimal service interruptions and protect customer experience.

Despite the regulatory adjustment, NIPOST reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services. “We reassure our customers that NIPOST remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite this global regulatory adjustment,” the statement concluded.

The development follows the U.S. Government’s decision to end tariff exemptions on small packages valued at or below $800, citing concerns over tariff evasion and illicit drug smuggling. According to reports, the new policy could see parcels subjected to duties ranging from $80 to $200, although some personal items and gifts may still qualify for exemptions.

Postal services in several countries—including France, Germany, India, and Japan—have already begun suspending acceptance of U.S.-bound packages in response to the directive, raising concerns over global trade flows and cross-border e-commerce.