NIPOST Imposes $80 Duty on Packages to the US: Impact on Nigerians
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has implemented a mandatory $80 (approximately N123,000) prepaid customs duty on all non-document postal shipments from Nigeria to the United States, effective August 29, 2025.
This policy, announced by NIPOST’s Director of Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Musa, aligns with a U.S. Executive Order suspending duty-free de minimis exemptions for global postal shipments under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The order applies to all postal operators worldwide, not just Nigeria, and aims to curb tariff evasion and smuggling. Letters and documents are exempt from the fee, but all other parcels and packages require the $80 payment at the point of acceptance in Nigeria.
NIPOST has warned that the policy may lead to extended transit and processing times due to stricter protocols by airlines and cargo carriers, potentially disrupting global logistics. The agency is engaging with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and airline partners to minimize service disruptions.
The new fee has raised concerns among Nigerians, particularly small businesses and e-commerce operators, as it significantly increases shipping costs for low-value goods. Reports indicate that postal services in over 20 countries, including France, Germany, and Japan, have restricted U.S.-bound shipments due to the same U.S. policy, with some carriers suspending services entirely. NIPOST has emphasized its commitment to maintaining reliable service despite these changes.
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