By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN postal agency on Tuesday said that it is taking all possible measures to keep packages flowing to the US after dozens of countries suspended service, in a statement issued in New York.
Universal Postal Union Director General Masahiko Metoki said “Maintaining the trust of the billions of people served by the postal network is our top priority.”
UPU noted that starting on 29 August, the US announced that it will suspend duty-free “de minimis” measures for low-value packages.
The packages worth less than $800 will no longer be exempt from customs duties and may require new processing requirements. There is no impact on letters, UPU said.
The UPU noted that each country has the sovereign right to adopt its own customs policies, the change “will entail considerable operational changes for postal operators around the world” given the short notice.
According to the UPU, the postal services in 25 countries have suspended their outbound postal services to the US, cited uncertainties related to transit.
UN agency said it is working to help countries adjust to new customs duty collection and remittance process and is in contact with the US Government to develop practical solutions.
