Our Reporter
Nigerians sending parcels to the United States will from 29 August 2025 be required to pay a mandatory customs duty of $80 (or its naira equivalent) on each shipment, a policy expected to increase costs for families, small businesses and exporters who rely on cross-border trade.
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) announced the directive on Friday, noting that it was the direct outcome of a recent Executive Order by the U.S. government suspending duty-free concessions on low-value packages under the de minimis rule.
The order, issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, abolishes the $800 threshold that previously exempted small parcels from tariffs. With the change, all packages—except letters and documents—will attract duties, beginning at $80 per item.
NIPOST warned that the new regime would have far-reaching implications:
- Higher costs for Nigerians sending goods to relatives, friends, or partners in America.
- Potential delays, as U.S. Customs subjects all items to additional checks.
- Strain on small businesses, particularly exporters who use affordable shipping to access diaspora markets.
“This Executive Order applies to all postal operators and designated postal administrations worldwide, not just Nigeria. Global logistics operations are already being affected, as airlines and cargo carriers adopt stricter measures for U.S.-bound shipments,” NIPOST said.
A Global Shockwave
The United States argues that the measure is aimed at closing loopholes used to evade tariffs and smuggle drugs. Former President Donald Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, defended the move, saying it would help restrict the inflow of “narcotics and other prohibited items” while raising tariff revenues.
But the fallout has been immediate. Postal services in France, Germany, Italy, India, Japan and Australia have already moved to restrict U.S.-bound shipments. Analysts warn that consumer costs could climb globally, with extended transit times becoming the norm.
Nigeria’s Response
NIPOST said it was engaging with the Universal Postal Union, U.S. Customs and airline partners to minimise disruption. It also pledged to maintain “safe, reliable and efficient” services despite the global policy shift.
Still, for Nigerian households and entrepreneurs, the new rule translates into steeper costs and longer waits for sending or receiving goods from America.
For many Nigerians, especially those who routinely send goods, small business samples or gifts to relatives and partners in the U.S., the new rule represents a significant increase in cost. Logistics experts warn that it may also undermine small-scale exporters who depend on affordable shipping to reach diaspora markets.