The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that, with effect from August 29, 2025, all postal shipments from Nigeria to the US, except letters and documents, will attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent.
NIPOST noted in a public message to its customers on Friday that the increased charges are the result of a recent Executive Order signed by the United States Government that suspends de minimis exemptions for all postal shipments worldwide.
It stated the instruction was made under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
“The Nigerian Postal Service 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,” the notice read.
According to NIPOST, Washington’s decision affects all designated postal operators worldwide and is not confined to 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, not just those from Nigeria,” it added.
The agency stated that the new measure will have far-reaching implications for Nigerians sending parcels and goods to family, friends and business partners in the U.S.
It cautioned that global logistics operations were already adapting to the strategy, with airlines and cargo carriers implementing stricter measures for processing items bound for America.
“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,” NIPOST stated.
The warning further indicated that all commodities headed for the United States would be subject to additional Customs checks upon arrival. Officials warned that this could lengthen recipients’ wait times.
NIPOST, however, assured customers that it was actively working with international partners to cushion the impact.
“NIPOST is actively engaging with the Universal Postal Union, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and our airline partners to minimise service disruptions and safeguard customer experience,” the agency said.
The postal service emphasised its commitment to ensuring efficient and reliable service delivery despite what it described as a “global regulatory adjustment”.
It added, “We reassure our customers that NIPOST remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite this global regulatory adjustment.”
