Nigerians To Pay $80 Duty For Every Package Sent To US — NIPOST

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that Nigerians sending parcels to the United States will now be required to pay a mandatory customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent.

The new directive, contained in a circular issued by NIPOST on Friday, takes effect from August 29, 2025.

The agency clarified that the fee applies strictly to packages and does not cover letters or documents, which remain exempt.

According to NIPOST, the development is a direct consequence of a recent Executive Order issued by the United States government, which suspended de minimis exemptions for all postal shipments worldwide. The de minimis rule had previously allowed certain low-value items to enter the US without incurring customs duties or taxes.

“With effect from August 29, 2025, and in compliance with the Executive Order, all postal items to the United States, except for letters and documents, will now attract a prepaid customs duty of USD $80 (or its naira equivalent) at the point of acceptance in Nigeria,” the circular stated.

The new measure is expected to impact individuals and businesses that rely on NIPOST and other postal channels for shipping goods to the US, particularly small-scale exporters and online vendors who use e-commerce platforms.

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s logistics and e-commerce sectors are already expressing concerns that the policy could significantly increase the cost of doing business, reduce competitiveness, and discourage cross-border trade.

While the US government has argued that the suspension of de minimis exemptions is aimed at tightening border security and ensuring fair trade practices, critics say the blanket $80 duty could disproportionately affect developing economies.

NIPOST, however, urged Nigerians to take note of the changes and comply with the new regulations to avoid delays or rejection of items at the point of dispatch.