Duty Collection for Domestic Mail Arriving From Certain Insular Possessions and Territories
What happened
The U.S. Postal Service is revising its Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to include instructions for customs clearance and the prepayment of duties, taxes, and fees for certain goods. This applies to mail sent from American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands to the customs territory of the United States (the 50 States, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico). This interim final rule, signed by Donald Trump, is effective July 30, 2026, and implements changes following the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for international postal network imports.
Why it matters
This change means individuals and businesses sending items from these U.S. territories will now need to factor in customs duties and fees, which were previously not required for small value items. Mailers will have to prepay these charges and use computer-generated customs forms, ensuring items can reach their destination without delays.
Who it affects
- ›Mailers in American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands
- ›Individuals sending goods to the 50 States, DC, and Puerto Rico
- ›US Postal Service operations
- ›Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The receipts are official. The summary is ours.
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