From 24 July 2026, the new postal informal entry process generally applies to eligible mailed goods valued at $2,500 or less, according to US Customs and Border Protection. The US has also set a 10% all-inclusive tariff on EU goods, with tariff rates on posted goods potentially varying by item and country of origin.
At a glance
- What changes
- New customs entry process for mailed goods
- From
- 24 July 2026
- Entry threshold
- Generally $2,500 or less, subject to eligibility
- EU tariff
- 10%, described as all-inclusive
- What to do
- Check item type, origin and informal entry eligibility
On this page
Which parcels fall under the new process
US Customs says the new postal process generally covers goods valued at $2,500 or less that qualify for informal entry. If you post goods to a US buyer, check both the parcel’s value and its eligibility when reviewing the entry rules.
The scope is goods arriving by international mail. This covers goods sent by mail from Ireland to the US.
The low-value mail exemption is suspended
On 24 June 2026, US Customs announced the indefinite suspension of the de minimis exemption for mail imports valued at $800 or less. De minimis is the name of that low-value exemption.
The announcement gives no end date for the suspension. For guidance aimed at Irish sellers, read shipping orders from Ireland to the US.
What the EU tariff announcement says
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee said the US will apply a 10% all-inclusive tariff on EU goods, within an all-inclusive ceiling of 15%, according to The Irish Times. The European Commission also described the new rate as all-inclusive.
Royal Mail advises that goods posted to the US from 24 July 2026 may face a wider range of customs duties and tariffs than before, as reported by ChannelX. Rates may vary by item type as well as country of origin, which may increase the cost of shipping to US buyers.
What to check before posting
Review the goods in each US order before setting a shipping charge. Use these checks:
- Check the value against the postal informal entry threshold.
- Check whether the goods qualify for informal entry.
- Review the tariff treatment for the item type and country of origin.
For the postage part of your costs, compare services on the Ireland to US route page.
Questions
When do the new US postal customs rules start?
They apply from 24 July 2026 to goods arriving in the US by international mail.
Are parcels worth less than $800 still covered by de minimis?
US Customs announced the indefinite suspension of that exemption for mail imports on 24 June 2026.
Will every parcel from Ireland have a 10% customs charge?
Minister Helen McEntee said the US will apply a 10% all-inclusive tariff on EU goods, within an all-inclusive ceiling of 15%. Royal Mail says tariff rates on posted goods may vary with the type of item and country of origin.
Sources
- US Customs and Border Protection (primary source): CSMS # 69183472 - Updated Global Guidance for International Mail, read 24 July 2026
- ChannelX: Changes to USA exports from 24th July, read 24 July 2026
- The Irish Times: Donald Trump threatens fresh tariffs on EU in retaliation for €890m Google fine, read 24 July 2026
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