Federal Register #2026-15420

USPS Rule: Prepaid Customs Duties for Mail from Insular Possessions to U.S.

This interim final rule from the U.S. Postal Service updates mailing standards for goods shipped from American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands to the customs territory of the United States (CTUS). - Government Buyer: - U.S. Postal Service (USPS) - OEMs and Vendors: - Zonos (licensed customs broker providing the Prepay app) - Key Requirements: - Mailers must use a licensed customs broker, such as Zonos, to prepay all applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees before mailing goods to the CTUS - Proof of payment (declaration ID or QR code) must be presented at the Post Office retail counter - Customs forms must include mandatory data elements: sender/recipient info, item description, tariff code, country of origin, and more - Postal employees must verify proof of duty payment or exemption and link it to USPS tracking numbers - Notable Details: - This is a regulatory change, not a procurement of products or services - Zonos is the only OEM/vendor specifically mentioned as a provider of the required customs prepayment solution - The rule affects mail procedures for shipments from U.S. insular possessions and territories to the mainland U.S.

Description

The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), section 608, to provide instructions for customs clearance and the prepayment of applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees for certain goods mailed from American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands destined to the customs territory of the United States (CTUS). This interim final rule is effective July 30, 2026, and aims to implement new requirements immediately to avoid delays or suspension of service for items sent from these territories. Mailers must use a licensed customs broker service to prepay duties and present proof of payment at the time of mailing. The rule includes detailed instructions for mailers and Postal Service employees regarding customs forms and duty payment procedures.

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