Japan Post announced it will suspend the acceptance of certain parcels bound for the United States starting August 27, following new U.S. trade regulations ending duty-free treatment for low-value imports.
The suspension applies to parcels and mail containing goods valued above $100 (14,700 yen) when sent between individuals, as well as items intended for commercial sale. Letters, postcards, and printed materials will continue to be accepted.
The move comes after an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump that will abolish the tax exemption for international postal items valued at $800 or less, effective August 29. Only personal gifts worth $100 or below will remain exempt from duties.
With uncertainty surrounding customs procedures, Japan Post has opted to temporarily halt all potentially taxable items. Each year, about 2.8 million mail items are sent from Japan to the U.S., with roughly one-third being personal exchanges and the rest largely commercial in nature. Similar restrictions have also been implemented by other international postal operators.