NIPOST Introduces $80 Customs Duty on All U.S Bound Packages
NIPOST has introduced a compulsory $80 customs duty on all packages sent from Nigeria to the U.S.
The new rule, effective August 29, excludes letters and documents but raises concerns for traders.
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that Nigerians sending packages to the United States will now be required to pay a compulsory customs duty of $80, or its naira equivalent. The new charge, which took effect on Friday, August 29, 2025, excludes letters and documents.
According to NIPOST, the policy was introduced in line with a U.S. Executive Order that eliminates the de minimis exemption for all international postal shipments. The exemption had previously allowed low-value packages to enter the United States without attracting customs duties.
In a circular, the agency explained that the new levy must be prepaid at the point of acceptance in Nigeria. It further disclosed that the measure is already affecting global logistics, with airlines and cargo operators adopting stricter procedures for shipments headed to the U.S. This could lead to longer transit times, delays in processing, and additional scrutiny by U.S. Customs on arrival.
NIPOST noted that it is working closely with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and airline partners to reduce potential disruptions and keep services stable.
The development has raised concerns among small businesses, online vendors, and frequent shippers in Nigeria, who fear that the mandatory duty will drive up costs for e-commerce and cross-border trade, especially for low-value items.