Islanders won’t temporarily be able to send any parcels to America, due to an executive order from US President Donald Trump that will impose extra fees on parcels of all sizes.
Currently, any goods and gifts under $800 can enter the US without extra duty fees. However, from 29 August, the duty free ‘de minimis’ will be suspended, meaning America won’t accept any parcels, of any size or value, unless a fee has been paid to US customs.
Jersey Post say that the new legislation will require ‘a fundamental change in the way mail to the US is handled’.
The changes will affect all customers and carriers who export goods to the USA, from any country.
If you only send personal correspondence (paper-based mail) to the US, you won’t be affected by these changes and can continue to send these items without a customs declaration.
The last day Jersey Post will be able to accept parcels to the US is on Saturday, 23 August. As all goods with value must in future have duties paid before shipping to the US, Jersey Post won’t be able to accept goods for delivery to the US until it has managed to implement an approved collection system for duties.
Jersey Post said: “These changes are not unique to Jersey Post and affect all countries and operators sending items to the USA.
“We are working hard to implement a compliant shipping solution to collect, process and pay for duties upfront in place as quickly as possible.
“We appreciate your patience whilst we work to find a solution for our customers.”
Customers can continue to send to the US using Jersey Post’s FedEx services.
You can read more information about the Executive Order here.
Changes to import duties in the European Union
Have your say on Jersey's postal service
Consumers warned of temporary mail delays following ferry service withdrawal