Information Americas, BELMOPAN, Belize, Weds. Aug. 27, 2025: The Belize Postal Service, (BPS) has introduced the instant suspension of sure shipments containing items to america, citing sweeping new U.S. customs guidelines that take impact on August 29.
The suspension follows an govt order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump beneath his “America First” marketing campaign, which eliminates the long-standing de minimis duty-free exemption for low-value imports. Beforehand, items valued as much as US$800 may enter the U.S. duty-free. Now, each cargo – irrespective of how small – might be topic to customs duties from the very first greenback.
In accordance with the BPS, the brand new guidelines place the duty for customs duties squarely on the sender, who should pay all relevant taxes to U.S. Customs and Border Safety earlier than the merchandise enters the nation. “With out this exemption restrict, each cargo of products, irrespective of how small or how precious, should be declared and cleared with U.S. Customs,” the company defined.
Postal officers famous that unresolved questions round legal responsibility, tax assortment procedures, and implementation have made compliance tough, prompting the non permanent suspension of products shipments.
Whereas the foundations apply broadly, a couple of slim exemptions stay. These embody:
- Items valued beneath US$100 (together with postage), despatched between people.
- Shipments containing solely paperwork.
The BPS confirmed that every one put up workplaces in Belize would cease accepting items shipments sure for the U.S. as of Wednesday. In its public discover, the company stated: “We’re making each effort to allow the resumption of all shipments as quickly as attainable in compliance with the brand new laws. We sincerely remorse any inconvenience this non permanent suspension might trigger and admire your understanding.”
The change is a part of Washington’s broader technique to tighten commerce flows and enhance tariff revenues. Critics say the transfer may closely disrupt small exporters and on-line sellers in nations like Belize that depend on reasonably priced, low-value shipments to the U.S. market.
With america remaining Belize’s largest buying and selling companion, the suspension of products shipments is anticipated to trigger instant challenges for companies, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and people who depend on postal commerce hyperlinks for supplemental revenue.
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