Nigerians sending packages to the United States will now be required to pay a prepaid customs duty of $80, or its equivalent in naira, per package. This development, announced by the Nigerian Postal Service, takes effect from August 29, 2025. The new regulation, however, exempts letters and documents from the mandatory fee.

The change is in response to a US Executive Order that suspended de minimis exemptions for all postal shipments worldwide. As a result, all postal items to the US, with the exception of letters and documents, will attract the prepaid customs duty at the point of acceptance in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Postal Service explained that the global logistics industry is also being impacted, with airline and cargo carriers adopting more cautious measures in handling US-bound shipments. This may lead to extended transit and processing times, potentially resulting in delivery delays. Additionally, all US-bound shipments will undergo customs checks at their destination.

To mitigate the effects of these changes, the Nigerian Postal Service is engaging with the Universal Postal Union, US Customs and Border Protection, and airline partners to minimize service disruptions and safeguard customer experience. The agency has reassured its customers that it remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite the new regulatory requirements.

The introduction of the prepaid customs duty is expected to affect Nigerians who regularly send packages to the US. The Nigerian Postal Service has not provided details on how the new fee will be collected or what measures will be taken to ensure compliance. However, the agency has emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards of service and minimizing the impact of the changes on its customers.

The suspension of de minimis exemptions by the US is part of a broader effort to strengthen customs regulations and prevent the evasion of duties on international shipments. The move is likely to have far-reaching implications for the global logistics industry, with potential effects on shipping times, costs, and customer experience. As the Nigerian Postal Service and other stakeholders work to adapt to the new requirements, it remains to be seen how the changes will be implemented and what their long-term effects will be.