88 Postal Operators Suspend US Deliveries After Duty-Free Rule Change

Postal services from 88 countries have halted deliveries to the United States following a major customs regulation change. The US ended its duty-free de minimis exemption on 29 August, causing global postal traffic to fall sharply.

The Universal Postal Union (UPU), the UN agency overseeing global mail cooperation, has launched a technical solution to help postal operators resume service.

UPU Response and Solution

• UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki emphasized the agency’s role in ensuring smooth postal flows.
• A new landed-cost calculator is now available via API, allowing postal operators to calculate and collect duties at the point of origin.
• Postal staff will receive training and procedural guidance to implement the solution efficiently.

Impact on Global Postal Traffic

• Postal traffic from UPU member countries to the US dropped 81% on 29 August compared to the previous week.
• 88 postal operators reported full or partial suspension of mail services to the US.
• Low-value goods shipments were most affected due to the removal of the duty-free exemption.

Key Takeaways

• The de minimis rule change caused an immediate disruption in international mail.
• UPU’s technical solution aims to restore delivery services quickly.
• Postal operators can integrate the solution directly into their retail and counter systems.

This rapid deployment aims to prevent long-term interruptions in global postal flow and support international trade.