South African Post Office Explains Parcel Suspension to US

The South African Post Office has addressed concerns regarding its suspension of parcel services to the United States.

Despite halting the shipment of goods, the agency will continue to deliver documents, letters, and exempted mail, including military correspondence.

The Post Office initially announced the suspension of all outbound parcels containing goods to the US with immediate effect, sparking confusion among customers.

However, in a subsequent statement, the agency sought to reassure the public that essential channels remain operational.

According to the Post Office, the suspension applies only to parcels containing goods, which cannot be dispatched under new US regulations introduced on July 30, 2025. Letters and documents will continue to be delivered to the United States.

Items already lodged at the Germiston international mail centre that do not comply with the new regulations will be returned to senders.

The Post Office explained that a new system is needed to manage compliance with the regulations before parcels can be dispatched again.

The suspension is a result of sweeping trade changes by the US administration, which removed the duty-free allowance on incoming parcels. The trade storm in Washington has deepened, with a US appeals court ruling that most of the tariffs imposed are illegal. The administration has vowed to appeal the decision.