U.S. Authorities have announced new tariff policies which impact sending items of value to the U.S.
As of 24 February 2026, 12:01 a.m. EST, the current IEEPA tariffs applied to goods of value being sent to the U.S. will be formally terminated and replaced by a new 10% global import surcharge. This duty applies to most imports from all countries. Until then, current IEEPA tariffs remain in force.
- For Corporate customers: Tariffs will be charged based on when items arrive in the U.S.
- For Retail customers: For pre-paid shipment options, SingPost will apply the 10% import fee as of Monday, 23 February, as items will reach the U.S. once the new tariffs are in play.
The suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for all shipments, regardless of value or origin, remains in place.
The regulatory environment remains subject to change. While the situation continues to evolve, SingPost's services to the U.S. remain operational. Customers will be charged the relevant taxes and duties in accordance with these updated U.S. requirements.
SingPost is monitoring these developments closely and will provide further updates as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions:
President Trump has announced that he is increasing the Section 122 surcharge from 10% to 15%. Why is SingPost only collecting 10%?
The announcement to raise the surcharge from 10% to 15% was done via the social media platform Truth Social and the executive order has not been signed. Until that is done and upon further guidance from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it will be 10%.
What exactly has changed with US tariffs?
As of 24 February 2026 (12:01 a.m. EST), the previous IEEPA reciprocal tariffs have been replaced by a new 10% global import surcharge on most goods entering the US. This is a broad measure applied to imports from nearly all countries.
Why is SingPost charging me the 10% fee starting Monday, 23 February?
While the official US start date is 24 February, shipments sent from Singapore on Monday will arrive in the US after the new policy has taken effect. To ensure your items clear customs without delay or additional penalties, SingPost is applying the relevant 10% surcharge at the point of posting.
Does this apply to low-value item?
Yes. The US authorities have maintained the suspension of the duty-free de minimis treatment. This means all items of commercial value are subject to the surcharge and must be formally declared.
Will these rates change again?
The current situation remains fluid, and U.S authorities may adjust these rates further. SingPost is monitoring the situation daily. We will continue to provide services to the U.S without interruption, and we will update our customers as soon as new information becomes available.
I paid higher tariffs previously. Can I get a refund for tariffs I paid under the old system?
Currently, US authorities have not issued specific directives regarding refunds for previously paid tariffs. As SingPost only facilitates the collection of these duties on behalf of U.S Customs and does not hold the funds, we cannot issue refunds directly. We will provide updates if a formal refund process is established by the US government.
Are any items exempt from the 10% surcharge?
Certain categories, such as specific pharmaceuticals and critical minerals, may be exempt based on the latest US Proclamation. However, for the vast majority of retail and corporate shipments, the 10% surcharge will apply. Our staff can assist you with the necessary declarations at the point of posting.
Key steps to send packages at the Post Office
To ensure a smooth and efficient process at the post office, customers using the new service must have the following prepared:
- Item for Shipment: Bring your item to be shipped. To ensure compliance, all items will be repackaged into either the standard envelope or small box, regardless of any existing packaging materials.
- Country of Origin: Know the country where your item was manufactured. This is a new mandatory requirement for U.S. customs.
- HS Code: Have the 10-digit Harmonised System (HS) Code for your item ready. This 10 digit code is a universal classification for products and is now mandatory for customs clearance. If you do not know the HS Code, our staff will assist you in finding the correct one.
- Recipient Information: Provide the full and correct name, address, and contact number of the recipient in the U.S. to ensure accurate delivery.
- Retail services available to the U.S include Speedpost Saver International, Speedpost Priority International, and Speedpost Express International
Please note that SingPost has suspended the acceptance of items with commercial value via our standard Post service for shipments to the U.S. since 25 August 2025. The following services to the U.S. are impacted: Speedpost Standard International, Speedpost Economy International, Registered Service (Air and Surface), Basic Package (Air and Surface) and ePac.
Shipments of letter mail (documents with no declared value) via Post are not affected and will continue to be accepted as usual.
SingPost will not be responsible for and the sender will bear all risks and liabilities associated with customs clearance for postal items containing items with commercial value sent to the U.S., including delays, returns, penalties, and confiscation.
Additional Information:
Starting 29 August 2025, the U.S. suspended the de minimis exemption for all international shipments. This means that duties and taxes will now apply to all imports to the U.S., including those valued at US$800 or less.
New Mandatory Customs Information
To ensure your shipments are not delayed, it is also now mandatory to provide a Country of Origin and a 10-digit Harmonised System (HS) code for each item in your shipment.
What is a Country of Origin?
This refers to the country where the item was manufactured or produced.
What is an HS code?
This is a globally standardised code used by customs authorities to classify products. You can find your product's HS code here: https://hts.usitc.gov
