PHLPost Suspends Acceptance of Mail and Parcels to the US Due to Customs Policy Changes

PHLPost’s Suspension of US-Bound Parcels

In a significant move, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has suspended the acceptance of all mail and parcels destined for the United States, effective from August 28, 2025. This pause extends to items accepted as early as August 22, with no resumption date announced yet.

The action comes as a direct reaction to new customs regulations implemented by the United States, marking the suspension of a long-standing duty-free de minimis exemption for imports. Under this exemption, shipments valued below certain thresholds previously arrived free of import duties—a benefit now revoked.

Retrieval and Refund Procedures for Affected Shipments

For parcels and mails already lodged before the suspension, PHLPost offers customers the option to request retrieval and refunds, provided they comply with the existing claim guidelines and submit the necessary documentation to support their requests. Updates regarding the reinstatement of services are to be communicated once available.

The De Minimis Exemption and Its Global Impact

The de minimis rule has been a cornerstone of US import policy since 1938, originally designed to streamline customs operations by exempting low-value imports—valued at $800 or less—from duties. This measure was intended to save time and reduce the administrative burden of processing large numbers of small shipments.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically in 2025 when the US government chose to eliminate this exemption as part of a broader measure aimed at recalibrating the country’s trade balance and addressing concerns about the influx of cheap foreign goods.

What Changed in US Customs Policy?

• Low-value shipments to the US, previously duty-free, now face flat fees ranging from $80 to $200 or tariffs varying by country between 10% and 50% of the shipment’s declared value.
• The move intends to close loopholes exploited by some e-commerce firms and to address security and safety concerns related to illegal goods entering through low-value shipments.
• Earlier in 2025, similar duties were imposed on imports from China and Hong Kong, further tightening controls.

Consequences for Postal Services and Logistics Providers

Such sweeping changes have created confusion and logistical headaches worldwide. Many national postal services and parcel carriers, including PHLPost, have temporarily halted deliveries to the US citing the sudden policy shift and the challenge of adapting quickly to the new customs declarations and duties.

Logistics networks face increased costs, complex compliance requirements, and the necessity to revise documentation processes. For freight and parcel forwarding operators, this unsettles supply chains and requires agile response to maintain reliability.

Table: Key Impacts of the US De Minimis Suspension

Aspect	Effect
Customs Duties	Low-value parcels ($800 or less) now subject to tariffs or flat fees
Parcel Carriers	Suspension of US-bound shipments; increased customs paperwork
Consumers and SMEs	Potentially increased cost of online imports; delayed deliveries
Postal Operators	Need to update policies; refund mechanisms implemented

The Wider Logistics Perspective

From a logistics standpoint, these developments underscore how regulatory shifts can ripple throughout international supply chains, especially in cross-border cargo and parcel shipments. This suspension might not shake the global logistics foundation dramatically but highlights the importance of flexibility and preparedness for sudden customs policy changes. Freight forwarders and logistics providers now must pay even closer attention to emerging customs regulations to prevent operational disruptions.

Businesses dealing in e-commerce, international parcel delivery, and freight forwarding will have to navigate increased costs and compliance checks, which could lead to reevaluating pricing and routing strategies. Handling bulky and valuable shipments through platforms like GetTransport.com will require clear visibility and coordination with carriers versed in evolving customs requirements.

Why This Matters to You

The suspension by PHLPost serves as a reminder that despite the rapid growth of global parcel trade and e-commerce, regulations can tighten unexpectedly, influencing shipping costs and timings. Customers and logistics professionals alike benefit from staying informed and flexible to ensure shipments reach their destination without unnecessary holdups or surcharges.

Even the best reviews and feedback on logistics services can’t substitute firsthand experience. On GetTransport.com, you have access to a global marketplace for ordering cargo transportation at competitive, transparent prices. This platform enables you to choose from a wide range of options, whether you’re moving household goods, bulky items, or business freight, all while managing costs and timing efficiently.

Its convenience, affordability, and extensive choices ensure your shipment needs—be it courier parcels, bulky cargo, or international freight—are met with confidence. The transparent booking process and reliable service providers on GetTransport.com make navigating complex logistics feel like a walk in the park. Book your Ride on GetTransport.com for efficient and affordable transport solutions.

Looking Ahead: How the US Customs Changes Could Affect Cargo Flow

While this suspension might not cause a seismic shift in global cargo flows, it signals an era where international shipping must be more agile in adapting to sovereign customs policies. Especially for countries like the Philippines, where parcel and mail volume to the US is substantial, postal operators and logistics providers must innovate and communicate clearly to avoid alienating customers.

GetTransport.com keeps a finger on the pulse of such regulatory changes, aiming to provide seamless freight dispatch, haulage, and contract logistics services worldwide. Whether it’s office or home moves, bulky cargo deliveries, or vehicle transport, the platform offers an affordable and reliable alternative when traditional postal channels face hurdles. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Conclusion

The suspension of PHLPost’s parcel service to the US highlights how evolving customs duties can complicate global deliveries, particularly affecting low-value e-commerce shipments. This change challenges postal operators and freight providers alike to adjust swiftly, impacting costs and delivery times. For logistics, vigilant adaptation to such shifts is essential to maintain service quality.

Platforms like GetTransport.com bring clarity and flexibility to this complex environment by offering accessible, cost-effective transport options for a wide array of shipment types—connecting customers with carriers worldwide. Whether moving household goods, managing parcel shipments, or forwarding bulky cargo internationally, GetTransport.com simplifies the intricate world of logistics and ensures your freight travels smartly and economically.