The Nigerian Postal Service 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 directive, which took effect on August 29, 2025, follows a policy change by the United States Government under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Through an Executive Order, Washington suspended duty-free exemptions for all countries, making the levy applicable to global postal operators and designated administrations, not only Nigeria.
According to NIPOST, the new requirement will impact individuals and businesses sending parcels to the U.S., particularly traders and SMEs that depend on international deliveries for commerce. Beyond the charges, the agency noted that global logistics operations are also being disrupted. Airlines and cargo carriers are adopting stricter measures for shipments bound for the U.S., a development that could extend transit times, delay processing, and subject all parcels to additional customs checks upon arrival.
The postal service confirmed it is already in discussions with the Universal Postal Union, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and airline partners to minimise disruptions and safeguard customer experience. It also gave assurances of its commitment to providing safe and reliable services despite the changing global regulatory environment.
The new levy highlights the growing complexities of international trade and logistics, with implications for exporters, e-commerce operators, and small businesses that rely on affordable cross-border delivery channels. For Nigeria and other developing countries, the suspension of duty-free exemptions underscores the need to strengthen local logistics frameworks while supporting businesses that depend heavily on external markets.
