Sending items to the USA?

Recent changes in U.S. trade policy mean that import duty arrangements for items entering the United States are being updated. We want to ensure our customers understand what is changing and how it may affect sending items to the USA.

Timeline of Changes

• August 2025 - De Minimis Rules: $800 Duty‑free de minimis treatment remains suspended. This means that all goods entering the USA—regardless of value—continue to be subject to duties and customs controls under a standalone executive authority.
• February 2026 - IEEPA Tariffs Ended: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that the tariffs previously charged under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) would stop being collected from 12:00 a.m. EST on 24 February 2026.
• February 2026 - New Section 122 Surcharge: From 12:01 a.m. EST on the same day, the IEEPA tariffs were replaced by a new 10% global surcharge, introduced under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This change applied to all imported goods. 
• July 24^th, 2026 – PDDP Threshold Increase: From the 24^th of July 2026, the maximum eligible value for Postal Delivered Duties Paid (PDDP) shipments to the USA will increase from $800 to $2,500.

• Standard duty rates apply to all postal shipments: From the 24^th of July 2026, postal shipments will no longer benefit from preferential duty treatment. Standard duty rates, including any applicable Section 232 and 301 duties such as Forced Labour, will apply, will apply.

• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can now be used for postal shipments: Under the new entry process, qualifying postal shipments may benefit from reduced duty rates through applicable FTAs. FTA eligibility is not automatic, and customers must provide the required documentation and attestations to claim any available FTA benefits.

   

  Please note further USA changes are expected. The USA has announced additional regulatory changes, with the next phase due to be implemented in September 2026. We will continue to monitor developments and provide further updates as more information becomes available.

 
What This Means for Your Shipments:

• PDDP limits have now been increased up to $2500.
• Standard duty rates now apply to all postal shipments.
• Free Trade Agreements can now be used for postal shipments where applicable.
• Duty and tax calculations used by Royal Mail and our partners have been updated to reflect the changes.

 
How to ensure your items continue to move smoothly through U.S. customs:

• Provide complete and accurate electronic customs data with every item.
• Check HS codes to ensure correct classification and that 10 digits are present.
• Collect appropriate duties at check out (where applicable) for goods bound for the USA.
• Check Free Trade Agreement Eligibility and supply relevant documentation/attestations at check out.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and will update this page as soon as further guidance is received from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Information about our PDDP services to the USA

Royal Mail has USA PDDP services and customers are able to choose from Tracked, and Standard service options.

• Familiar experience - labelling, tracking, and notifications.
• Available on send.royalmail.com/send and in all UK Post Offices. A small service fee will apply.
• Data requirements - electronic data submission remains largely unchanged, so you can continue using current data entry processes with confidence.
• Simple customs clearance – the service will provide Royal Mail shipping, calculation and payment of actual duties to US CBP which will enable your items to pass through US customs.
• Transparent Pricing - we’ll display all postage, duties and handling fees, so you know exactly what charges are due are for each item.
   

Using our PDDP services to the USA

Sending customers are responsible for understanding the latest shipping and customs requirements and accounting for any duties required for the items they are sending. Royal Mail will continue to provide shipping, calculation and payment of actual duties to the US authorities, enabling items to pass through US customs.

Please note through the postal channel, it is not possible for businesses to declare packages as gifts. For businesses wishing to send promotional “gifts”, which do not form part of a sale. The customs declaration must be completed in full and accurately, including the provision of an intrinsic value (e.g. Using recognised valuation methods such as the cost of production)