New Rules for Mailing to the U.S.

If you’re planning to send a package to the United States, there’s something new you need to know. The Belize Postal Service is rolling out a new process that requires all customers to fill out a Customs Declaration System (CDS) form before mailing goods to the U.S.

To help the public understand how it works, the service has launched a nationwide roadshow. The sessions are designed “to educate the public and improve compliance with updated international mailing requirements.” Officials say the new system will make mailing “smoother” and “more efficient” for customers.

The change comes after the U.S. Government issued Executive Order 14324 in July 2025, taking effect on 29 August. The order removes the “duty-free de minimis” rule that previously allowed goods under 800 U.S. dollars to enter duty-free.

Now, every package entering the US must declare its contents, value, and country of origin, and all are taxable.

Belize had to suspend U.S. mail services temporarily after carriers stopped transporting parcels until the country complied with the new customs data and duty requirements.

The CDS, developed by the Universal Postal Union, allows countries to send customs data electronically to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Belize Postal Service says it is now testing the system internally and expects to resume shipments by the end of November.

Postal officials confirmed there are no increases in the office’s regular postage fees at this time, only added customs requirements mandated by the U.S. government. These duties are based on each item’s country of origin and its corresponding tariff rate. The customs costs must be paid at the time the package is shipped to the United States.