US-bound items to attract $80 duty-NIPOST

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that all postal items sent from Nigeria to the United States, except letters and documents, will now attract a prepaid customs duty of $80 at the point of acceptance.

The new levy, which took effect on August 29, 2025, follows an Executive Order issued by the U.S. Government suspending duty-free exemptions for all countries under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

NIPOST, in a statement issued on Friday, warned that beyond the fresh charges, global logistics operations have also been impacted, as airlines and cargo carriers are adopting stricter measures for U.S.-bound shipments.

This, it said, could extend transit and processing times, leading to possible delivery delays.

The agency disclosed that it is in talks with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and airline partners to reduce service disruptions.

NIPOST reassured customers of its commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient services despite the new global regulatory framework.

“The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) wishes to inform our esteemed customers of a recent policy change by the Government of the United States of America, enacted through the Executive Order on “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries” under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

“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, not just those from Nigeria.

With effect from 29th August 2025, and in compliance with the Executive Order:

“All postal items to the United States, except for letters and documents, will now attract a prepaid customs duty of USD $80 (or its Naira equivalent) at the point of acceptance in Nigeria.

“Global logistics operations are also being affected, as airline and cargo carriers adopt more cautious measures in handling U.S.-bound shipments. This may extend both transit and processing times, potentially resulting in delivery delays.

“All U.S.-bound shipments will additionally undergo Customs checks at the destination.

NIPOST is actively engaging with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and our airline partners to minimise service disruptions and safeguard customer experience.

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 read.