Belize Post Office suspends services for posting of packages to USA
By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Aug. 28, 2025
The Belize Post Office has suspended its services which involve the transfer of packages containing goods to the United States effective Wednesday, August 27, as it prepares to comply with a new tariff-related Executive Order (EO) 14324 issued by the Trump administration. The Post Office set the deadline for delivery of any parcel intended for the U.S. as noon Wednesday at post offices in the district towns, and at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon for their Belize City office.
The only exemptions to the new U.S. regulation would be small gifts to individuals, where the value of the merchandise and postage does not exceed USD$100.00 (BZ $200), and other mail which contains only documents.
The new U.S. law takes effect on Friday, August 29, 2025, and eliminates the long-standing “de minimis” duty-free exemption for low-value shipments, which previously were duty-free if the value was less than USD$800.00. As a result of the new U.S. legislation, however, duty is being charged on all goods sent to the US, and the sender, not the recipient, is now responsible for paying all customs duties. Any shipment valued at over USD$100, no matter how small, must be declared, and the sender must pay all applicable duties and taxes to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, before the parcel can enter the U.S.
Belize is not being singled out for any special treatment here; the new rule applies to all countries around the world. The U.S. government has yet to explain exactly how it will receive or accept payment of these taxes and Customs duties; and it has not yet indicated in detail who will become liable in the event that the parcel is not delivered, or if the parcel is sent before the duty has been paid.
The Belize Post Office said it is making every effort to establish procedures by means of which those sending packages may comply with the new regulations, so that postal services for packages can resume as soon as possible. The public’s patience and understanding will be much appreciated, while the Post Office works to adapt to the new U.S. regulations. Anyone needing more information may contact the Postmaster General, Marsha Price at: 223-7381 or by email: [email protected].
