NIPOST imposes $80 duty on US-bound parcels after US ends tariff exemption for small packages, sparking global shipment delays and cost hikes
NIPOST imposes $80 duty on all non-document postal shipments from Nigeria to the United States, effective August 29, 2025, in response to a sweeping policy change by the U.S. government that ends long-standing tariff exemptions for low-value imports.
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In a public notice issued Friday, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) announced that all parcels—excluding letters and documents—destined for the U.S. will now attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent.
The agency attributed the new cost to an Executive Order signed by former President Donald Trump, which revokes the “de minimis” duty-free threshold of \$800 for international postal shipments under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
“This Executive Order applies to all designated postal administrations globally. The payment of this duty is now mandatory for all U.S.-bound packages,” NIPOST said.
The change has triggered disruptions in global logistics, with postal authorities and cargo carriers across countries including France, Germany, India, and Japan either suspending US-bound shipments or adjusting their rates and protocols.
NIPOST warned that Nigerian senders should expect longer delivery times, as all U.S.-bound parcels will now undergo additional customs checks, likely leading to processing delays and increased scrutiny at American entry points.
“Airlines and cargo operators are enforcing stricter handling protocols, and this may extend both transit and processing times,” the statement read.
Despite the impact, NIPOST assured customers that it is working with global stakeholders, including the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to minimise service disruptions.
“We remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient service despite this global regulatory adjustment,” NIPOST said.
The agency also clarified that the \$80 duty is a flat-rate charge imposed by U.S. authorities and not a NIPOST-generated fee.
The U.S. government has justified the policy shift as a measure to close a loophole allegedly exploited to evade tariffs and smuggle illicit items, including narcotics.
Trump’s former adviser, Peter Navarro, aid the change will “help restrict the flow of dangerous goods” and “boost U.S. tariff revenues.”
However, businesses and postal operators globally have raised concerns over increased shipping costs and potential economic ripple effects on small exporters and e-commerce platforms.
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With the month-long lead time provided in the U.S. directive, many countries—including 25 that have already suspended U.S.-bound mail—are scrambling to adapt their logistics and inform senders of the new reality.
