News Summary: The United States has ended the duty-free “de-minimis” rule for low-value imports. From 29 August 2025, all imports are dutiable. For postal shipments (e.g., via NIPOST), the U.S. allows a temporary specific duty option of $80 / $160 / $200 per item (band depends on the country’s effective tariff rate) or an ad-valorem duty (10–50%). NIPOST has announced a prepaid $80 per item duty (payable in naira equivalent) for U.S.-bound parcels, excluding letters/documents.
What exactly changed?
- On 30 July 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order titled “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries.”
It takes effect 29 Aug 2025. - De-minimis (the old $800 duty-free threshold) is suspended for all countries and all modes.
- For postal network shipments, carriers must collect and remit duties using either:
- Ad-valorem duty at the “effective IEEPA” rate by country (often 10–50%), or
- a specific duty per item of $80 (if <16%), $160 (16–25%), or $200 (>25%) — available only for the first six months after 29 Aug 2025. After that, ad-valorem applies.
- NIPOST has said it will collect a flat $80 per item (naira equivalent) for U.S.-bound parcels at acceptance (letters/documents excluded).
Will there be delays?
Yes, at least near-term. The global postal network is adjusting to new processes. Several postal operators have announced pauses or limits on U.S. parcels; some express providers continue operating but with normal customs clearance and duties.
What this means for Nigerian SMEs
- Budget a U.S. duty on every shipment. If you use NIPOST during the 6-month window, plan for $80 per item (collected in naira) unless your shipment falls in a higher band; outside the postal network (e.g., DHL/UPS/FedEx), expect ad-valorem duties at import.
- Be precise with paperwork. Accurate country of origin, item description, value, and invoices are now critical. Postal carriers must declare origin and remit duty. Missing/unclear data risks holds.
- Decide your duty model at checkout. Clearly tell U.S. customers whether you prepay duty (you absorb it or add a surcharge) or have it collected on delivery by the carrier.
- Choose the right channel per order.
- Postal (NIPOST): predictable flat duty during the transition ($80 band announced by NIPOST), but expect some network adjustments and potential delays.
- Express (DHL/UPS/FedEx): shipments continue with standard customs entry; duties are assessed by country rate and HS code. Often faster/more predictable, but charges vary.
- Avoid “gift” mis-declarations. Mislabeling to dodge duty is illegal and risks penalties. (Legitimate traveler/household personal exemptions aren’t affected.)
- Refresh pricing. Add a “U.S. Duty & Compliance” line in your pricing. For low-value items, test higher AOV bundles or local U.S. fulfillment to stay profitable.
- Track returns carefully. Returned goods may involve additional paperwork; factor this into your policies.
Simple scenarios
- Postal (NIPOST) during transition: A ₦30,000 item shipped to the U.S. is charged a $80 per item duty collected in naira at acceptance, plus postage/fees.
- Express carrier: Duty is ad-valorem by origin and HS code at import; your carrier/broker will calculate and bill it (or bill your U.S. buyer).
Key sources
- White House Executive Order (July 30, 2025)
- CBP Federal Register (Implementation Notice; effective Aug 29, 2025)
- UPU: Global postal readiness
- Reuters: Operators pausing or limiting U.S. parcels
- DHL: Postal restrictions vs DHL Express
- Guardian NG: NIPOST announces $80 per item prepaid duty
Compliance note: This article summarizes official notices & carrier statements. Policies can change; always confirm with your carrier or broker before shipping.
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