NIPOST Introduces $80 Prepaid Customs Duty on U.S.-Bound Parcels

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that all non-document parcels destined for the United States will now attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 (or its Naira equivalent), effective immediately.

The agency explained that the adjustment follows a new U.S. Executive Order under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which suspends duty-free exemptions for international postal shipments. This means every parcel, regardless of value, must pay the fixed duty at the point of acceptance in Nigeria.

NIPOST noted that the directive applies to all designated postal operators worldwide, not just in Nigeria. The service also warned of possible longer transit times, stricter customs checks, and additional processing by U.S. authorities.

To cushion the impact, NIPOST states that it is collaborating with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and global logistics partners to ensure service continuity.

The development has already sparked concerns among Nigerians, with many describing the new duty as burdensome for businesses and individuals who frequently ship items abroad.