Australia Post has announced it will temporarily and partially suspend sending parcels to the United States (US) and Puerto Rico from 26 August 2025 until further notice.
The decision follows significant changes to customs and import tariff rules introduced by the US Government. Under the new measures, the longstanding De Minimis exemption for inbound goods valued under USD$800 has been suspended. In addition, tariffs on goods must now be pre-paid before an item arrives in the US.
According to Australia Post, the suspension will affect Business Contract, MyPost Business and Retail customers who send goods through the postal network. Letters, documents, and gifts valued at less than USD$100 will not be impacted.
Australia Post Executive General Manager, Parcel, Post & eCommerce Services, Gary Starr, acknowledged the disruption the decision will cause, noting that the organisation had little choice given the sudden and complex regulatory changes.
“Australia Post is focused on providing a reliable and competitive postal service for customers sending parcels internationally. Guidance from CBP has only recently been issued and, like more than 190 other postal providers, we’ve been working at pace to find a solution,” Starr said.
“We are disappointed we have had to take this action, however, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers.”
The suspension is expected to impact thousands of Australian retailers and individual sellers who rely on Australia Post to reach the US market. Many businesses use Business Contract and MyPost Business services to fulfil online orders, and the US represents a significant destination for Australian exports through the postal network.
Australia Post confirmed it is working with Zonos, an authorised US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) third-party provider, to create a solution that will allow the resumption of services for Business Contract and MyPost Business customers. Once operational, the system will enable tariffs to be calculated and paid upfront, in line with the US requirements. Customers will be contacted directly by Australia Post with instructions on how to prepare for the new arrangements.
The suspension also applies to Puerto Rico, which is under US Customs territory and subject to the same changes. Items destined for the US or Puerto Rico lodged on or after 26 August 2025 will not be accepted until further notice.
Australia Post said it continues to work closely with US and Australian authorities, as well as international postal partners, to restore postal services as a priority.
Customers seeking further updates can check the Australia Post website or call 13 POST (13 7678).
