SingPost Launches Shipping Service to US at a Flat Rate

Move follows tariff changes that removed "de minimis" exemption for small packages

- Benjamin Lim

Customers who want to send parcels to the US can now do so with Singapore Post's new shipping service at a flat rate. They will also have to pay duties and taxes upfront before shipping.

Starting on Sept 15, the new service comes following changes on Aug 29 to US tariffs, which removed the "de minimis" exemption for postal shipments to the US worth less than US$800 (S$1,026).

Previously, the exemption allowed most international shipments valued under US$800 to enter the US without duties or taxes.

SingPost said it suspended standard postal services for commercial items to the US on Aug 25 to protect customers from potential delays or parcel seizure.

It added that the traditional post system is not equipped to handle the changes, which subject all commercial items to duties, taxes and enhanced scrutiny.

But it will now be able to resume postal shipments to the US with its Speedpost Direct International (Retail) service, which it said is a compliant and reliable alternative.