USPS Hikes Prices to Send Mail to Tiny French Island Outpost
Published Date: 1/30/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 30, 2025, the Postal Service is updating prices and rules for several international mail services, like Priority Mail and First-Class Package International. These changes affect customers sending packages to about 180 countries, including new country groupings and fees for extras like insurance. Expect some price bumps and service tweaks, especially for mail going to St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
ISAL Price Jump of 28.9%
If you use International Surface Air Lift (ISAL), the price increases by 28.9% starting January 30, 2025. This is a much larger increase than for other international services.
Broad 4.9% Price Increase
If you send packages internationally, prices for Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, First-Class Package International Service, and International Priority Airmail increase by an average of 4.9%, effective January 30, 2025. This raises what you pay for those services across about 180 countries.
Higher Extra-Service Fees and New Insurance Rates
Fees for international extras change effective January 30, 2025: merchandise insurance is free up to $200 but costs $11.85 for $200.01–$300 and follows the published incremental table up to a $5,000 maximum; competitive International Registered Mail increases to $21.75; the customs clearance and delivery fee increases to $8.85; and certificate of mailing fees include $2.10 per individual article and bulk pricing (first 1,000 pieces $11.65, each additional 1,000 $1.52).
Click‑N‑Ship Customers Pay Retail
The Commercial Base discount applies when you prepare and pay via permit imprint, USPS.com, or authorized PC Postage; customers who prepare Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, or First-Class Package International shipments via Click‑N‑Ship pay retail prices instead. This rule is effective January 30, 2025.
Money‑Back Guarantee Suspensions
Due to airline travel restrictions and cancellations, Priority Mail Express International service with a Money‑Back Guarantee has been suspended for several destinations until further notice; this affects senders of PMEI to those destinations. The change is noted as of the final rule effective January 30, 2025.
St. Pierre and Miquelon Reassigned
The Postal Service changed the country assignment and Foreign Office of Exchange code for Saint Pierre and Miquelon: the FOE code is revised to 'ROI' and the country is moved to new price groups (Priority Mail International and First‑Class Package International assigned to Price Group 15), effective January 30, 2025.
Free Tracking for Some Small Packages
Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation International (E‑USPS DELCON INTL) tracking is available at no charge for First‑Class Package International Service items to select destination countries, effective January 30, 2025. If you send small packages to those countries, you may get free tracking.
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Key Dates
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