A EXECUTIVE order from US President Donald Trump that will impose extra fees on even the smallest parcels entering America has led Jersey Post to temporarily stop sending any parcels to the country as they adapt to the new rules.
Currently, goods and gifts under $800 can enter the US without extra duty fees under what is called “de minimis” treatment. But from 29 August, they will be charged and the US won’t accept any parcels where the fee hasn’t been paid.
The new legislation will require “a fundamental change in the way mail to the US is handled,” according to a Jersey Post spokesperson.
US duties will have to be calculated and paid before parcels are sent off, they explained – and US authorities will turn back any items that haven’t been paid for.
The change – announced on 30 July, and due to come into effect on 29 August – was too last-minute to adapt Jersey’s systems.
The spokesperson said that Jersey Post “are working as hard as we can to find a solution for [customers]”.
Around 2% of parcels sent from Jersey go to the US.
The executive order has faced “lobbying” from postal operators around the world, they added.
Paper and documents can still be sent to the US and FedEx can continue to operate, Jersey Post added.
The ban on US parcels is due to start on Monday, with the last date to send parcels on Saturday 23 August.
With hopes that the US government could still delay the order, Jersey Post recommended that customers keep checking their website.
