26 August, Berne, Switzerland – The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is taking all possible measures to prepare its member countries for the impacts that the United States’ imminent suspension of the duty-free de minimis exemption, and its associated requirements for the collection and remittance of customs duties, may have on their postal flows. It is also in contact with the United States (US) Government to convey other member countries’ concerns and cooperate on solutions.
“As the primary forum for postal cooperation, the UPU remains committed to facilitating dialogue between and developing practical solutions for its member countries and their postal operators to keep the mail moving. Maintaining the trust of the billions of people served by the postal network is our top priority,” said UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki.Operational implications
Effective from 29 August 2025, this measure introduces new requirements for carriers or other qualified parties to collect customs duties from senders in advance and to remit consolidated amounts to the US Customs and Border Protection agency. Exceptions apply to certain categories of mail, including documents and bona fide gifts valued up to 100 USD.
The UPU Acts safeguard the sovereign right of member countries to adopt customs policies consistent with their national interests and legislation. The US, through its executive order of 30 July 2025, has exercised that right.
However, the above decision will entail considerable operational changes for postal operators around the world.
The UPU’s secretariat has received communications from member countries expressing concerns about operational readiness, regulatory alignment, and continuity of postal flows. Indeed, the postal operators of 25 member countries have already advised the UPU that they have suspended their outbound postal services to the US, citing uncertainties specifically related to transit services. These suspensions will remain in place pending further information on how US authorities will operationalize these measures as well as actual implementation of the required operational changes.
Supporting member countries
Recognizing that the short implementation timeline poses a significant challenge for the international postal network, particularly for the delivery of e-commerce items, the UPU is working with the relevant US authorities to ensure that information on the operational requirements of the measures is communicated effectively to other member countries. Similarly, the UPU Director General conveyed member countries’ concerns regarding operational disruption in a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 25 August 2025.
In parallel, the UPU is working with relevant postal stakeholders on network-wide and sustainable solutions. One such initiative – already in motion – is the accelerated development of a scalable delivered duty paid solution that will facilitate duty collection and remittance across the UPU network.
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For press inquiries, please contact:
Yana Brugier, BrugierY@upu.int
About the Universal Postal Union (UPU):
Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the postal sector. With its 192 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players, helping ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. In this way, the organization fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and provides technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel, and financial services volumes and improve quality of service for customers.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Yana Brugier, BrugierY@upu.int
About the Universal Postal Union (UPU):
Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the postal sector. With its 192 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players, helping ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. In this way, the organization fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and provides technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel, and financial services volumes and improve quality of service for customers.