Royal Mail launches new US shipping service

Royal Mail has launched a new service for shipping goods to US after exemptions from import duties for goods valued under $800 were removed.

On 30th July, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order that states goods valued at $800 or less will no longer be exempt from import duties and taxes. Changes follow the President’s imposition of wide-reaching tariffs on all imports into the United States.

To ensure senders are compliant with the changes, which take effect from Friday 29th August, customers can use Royal Mail’s new postal delivery duties paid (PDDP) services when sending items from the UK to the United States.

Iain Johnson, Managing Director International, at Royal Mail said:

“We have been working hard with the relevant US authorities and our international partners to adapt our services in a very short timeframe. Our UK-based customers, whether consumers or businesses, can now send items to the US through all of our usual channels, including online and the Post Office, in time for the new customs requirements which come into effect on Friday 29 August.”

Now, with just a few exceptions, all goods entering the USA will attract duties which will need to be paid to the US Customs Authorities, a process that will be handled by Royal Mail. For business customers:

• Duties will be calculated applicable to where the items, being sent to the US, were manufactured, and paid to US Customs. Royal Mail will invoice customers for duties we have paid on their behalf.
• There will be a handling fee per parcel to cover the additional costs associated with providing clearance services into the US.

For consumers and some smaller businesses, postage can purchased online or at a Post Office, when duties will be calculated and collected. Gifts worth less than $100 dollars will not have to pay duty, and personal correspondence will also not be affected by the changes and can continue to be sent to the US without a customs declaration.