The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that, beginning August 29, 2025, all shipments from Nigeria to the United States—excluding letters and documents—will attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent.
In a public notice issued Friday, the agency explained that the new charges are a direct consequence of an Executive Order signed by the U.S. government suspending de minimis exemptions for all postal shipments worldwide. The directive was issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
According to NIPOST, the decision applies to all postal operators and is not targeted specifically at 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,” the notice stated.
The postal service cautioned that the new measure would significantly affect Nigerians sending goods to family, friends, and business partners in the U.S. It further warned that U.S.-bound items will undergo stricter Customs checks upon arrival, potentially leading to delivery delays.
“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 explained.
The agency added that it is engaging the Universal Postal Union, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and airline partners to minimise disruption and cushion the impact on customers.
The policy is part of sweeping changes introduced by Washington. On Friday, the U.S. formally ended tariff exemptions on small packages valued at or under $800, a move the Trump administration said would curb tariff evasion and reduce smuggling of narcotics.
Instead, affected shipments will now either face tariffs applicable to their country of origin or a flat duty ranging between $80 and $200 per item, though exclusions remain for certain personal items and gifts.
While U.S. officials argue the measure plugs loopholes and generates fresh tariff revenue, postal services in countries including France, Germany, Italy, India, Australia, and Japan have already announced that they would no longer accept most U.S.-bound packages.
NIPOST reassured Nigerians that despite the new global policy, it remains committed to providing “safe, reliable, and efficient” courier services.