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

• 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.

• The proposed implementation date of October 22nd, 2026 is no longer going ahead. The new timeline is TBC - Certain goods will now be subject to additional Partner Government Agency checks: The USA are introducing additional regulatory checks on postal shipments containing certain regulated goods. These checks are carried out by government agencies working alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

 
What This Means for Your Shipments:

Gifts

• Partner Government Agency (PGA) data does not need to be captured for consumer-to-consumer transactions under $100.
• When purchasing postage from Click & Drop it is not necessary to complete these fields for consumer-to-consumer transactions.
• Tax & Duty do not apply to consumer-to-consumer gifts under $100.

Goods

• PDDP limits were increased on the 24 July 2026 from $800 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.
• Certain goods may be subject to additional checks and require additional data, documents, certificates, permits or prior approvals before they can be cleared.

 
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.
• Goods and Gifts maybe subject to PGA requirements.  See ‘Sending Regulated Goods to the USA’ below.

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)