By TOMOYA FUJITA/ Staff Writer
August 26, 2025 at 12:18 JST
The sign of Japan Post Co. at a post office in Tokyo (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
Japan Post Co. will temporarily suspend acceptance of certain U.S.-bound mail items from Aug. 27 following U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to terminate duty-free treatment for low-value items.
The measure applies to parcels and other items containing goods that are either valued at more than $100 (14,700 yen) when sent between individuals or intended for commercial sale, the company announced on Aug. 25.
Letters, postcards and printed materials will continue to be accepted.
The U.S. presidential executive order issued on July 30 will end the tax exemption for postal items valued at $800 or less, effective Aug. 29.
However, gifts valued at $100 or less sent between individuals are expected to remain exempt from taxation, according to Japan Post.
Due to uncertainty surrounding the applicable procedures, Japan Post decided to halt acceptance of all mail items that may be subject to taxation for the time being.
Many overseas postal operators have adopted similar measures.
About 2.8 million mail items are sent to the United States annually through Japan Post.
About one-third are personal exchanges, while the remaining two-thirds are believed to include many goods intended for sale.
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