NIPOST Implements Mandatory $80 Prepaid Customs Duty for U.S.-Bound Shipments

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has introduced a new mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 (approximately ₦122,400) for all international postal shipments from Nigeria to the United States. The announcement was made by NIPOST Director of Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Musa, in an official statement released Friday in Abuja.

This measure aligns with a recent U.S. Executive Order that suspends duty-free exemptions on global postal shipments. Effective August 29, all non-document postal items, including parcels and packages destined for the U.S. will be subject to the fixed charge. Although the fee is imposed by U.S. customs authorities, NIPOST is mandated to collect payment at the point of acceptance at any postal outlet in Nigeria.

The policy reflects a broader shift in U.S. international postal policy and affects postal operators worldwide. NIPOST also indicated that heightened inspection measures by cargo carriers may lead to longer transit and processing times for shipments.

In response to these changes, NIPOST assured customers that it is collaborating with international partners, including the Universal Postal Union and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to minimize potential disruptions and maintain reliable service.