Postal Service Changes How International Mailers Pay Customs Charges
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 19, 2026, the Postal Service is updating rules for international mailers about customs charges, especially for packages going to the European Union. Mailers now must follow new customs payment steps and might have to pay extra fees if customs info is wrong or duties aren’t collected from the receiver. These changes help mailers avoid surprises and keep international shipping smooth and fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Required Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Use
If the destination country requires a delivered duty paid (DDP) solution, you must send the mailpiece using USPS Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service and ensure all applicable duties, taxes, and import fees are timely paid. This rule is effective October 19, 2026.
Postal Invoicing for Unpaid Customs Charges
If a destination party seeks to collect duties, taxes, or import fees and those amounts have not been paid in full, the Postal Service will send you an invoice and you must pay the entire amount in accordance with the invoice terms. This obligation applies even if you dispute the assessment and even if the item is delivered, lost, damaged, or returned, effective October 19, 2026.
6% Interest and Collection Costs on Late Payments
If you do not pay a Postal Service invoice by its due date, interest will accrue on the unpaid amounts at a rate of 6 percent per annum until paid, and the Postal Service may also recover its collection costs to the extent allowed by law. These terms apply to unpaid duties, taxes, and import fees invoiced under the new procedures.
Accurate Customs Information Is Your Responsibility
You must ensure the electronically generated customs form is complete and all information is accurate. If you fail to comply, provide false or incomplete information, the mailpiece may be returned or confiscated and you may be subject to additional charges.
Limited Dispute Rights for Foreign Assessments
You may only dispute Postal Service accounting errors to seek a refund; any challenge to the total duties, taxes, import fees, or other charges assessed by foreign customs or destination parties must be addressed directly to that foreign party, not the Postal Service.
Possible Refunds or Adjustments for Foreign Credits
If the Postal Service receives a cancellation, refund, or credit for an amount you already paid or reimbursed, it may, in its reasonable judgment and when practical, make a corresponding adjustment or refund to you; DDP refunds are subject to section 365. This is discretionary by the Postal Service.
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Key Dates
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