The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has disclosed that as from today, Nigerians sending parcels to the United States will now pay $80 (or its Naira equivalent) in prepaid customs duty.
The new charge, which excludes letters and documents, according toNIPOST, follows the enforcement of a U.S. Executive Order suspending the de minimis exemption on duty-free postal shipments.
NIPOST made the announcement through a public notice issued on Friday, and the notice clarified that the duty is not unique to Nigeria but applies to all countries under the U.S. directive issued through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The notice added that the order requires all postal operators and designates postal administrations worldwide to collect the levy before dispatch, just as it also cautioned that global logistics operations are being affected, as airlines and cargo carriers adopt stricter procedures for U.S.-bound parcels.
This development, according to the agency, could extend both transit and processing times, resulting in potential delivery delay, and addition, all shipments will undergo customs checks upon arrival in the U.S.
To mitigate disruptions, NIPOST said it is engaging with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and airline partners.
The agency also assured customers that it remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite the global regulatory change.
The agency added that the U.S. decision to suspend the de minimis rule is part of wider trade and security measures and affects all countries sending parcels through postal services.
The new policy, according to analysts, could have ripple effects on cross-border e-commerce, small businesses, and individuals who rely on international shipping for personal and commercial needs.
