The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that, starting August 29, 2025, all postal shipments from Nigeria to the United States—except letters and documents—will attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent.
In a public notice issued on Friday, NIPOST explained that the new charge follows a recent Executive Order by the U.S. government suspending duty-free de minimis exemptions for all postal shipments worldwide. The order was enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
According to NIPOST, the directive applies to every designated postal operator globally and is not limited 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,” the agency stated.
The measure is expected to impact Nigerians sending parcels, merchandise, or gifts to family, friends, and business partners in the U.S. NIPOST also noted that airlines and cargo carriers are adopting stricter protocols for U.S.-bound shipments, which could lead to longer transit times and delivery delays.
The agency added that all items arriving in the U.S. would undergo enhanced Customs checks, further increasing processing times for recipients.
Despite these changes, NIPOST assured customers that it is working closely with international partners to reduce disruptions. “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 statement read.
