US Customs Changes from 24 July 2026: What They Mean for Shipping to the USA

Businesses shipping goods to the United States may have seen reports about new US customs changes coming into effect on 24 July 2026. These changes affect how international postal shipments are cleared by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with new requirements for customs data and duty assessment.

If you’re shipping with Transglobal Express, however, there’s good news: these changes will not affect any of our services, including USPS deliveries.

What is changing?

From 24 July 2026, the US is introducing a new customs process for goods entering through the international postal network.

Previously, many low-value postal shipments were processed under temporary arrangements introduced following changes to the US de minimis rules. Under the new system, postal shipments will be assessed using the normal customs tariff applicable to the goods being imported.

As part of this process, more detailed customs information is required, including:

• Accurate product descriptions.
• Country of origin.
• 10-digit US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes.
• Customs values and quantities where applicable.

The aim is to improve customs compliance, ensure the correct duties are collected and strengthen the screening of goods entering the United States.

The timing also coincides with the scheduled expiry of the temporary 10% import surcharge (Section 122). Although the future of these tariffs has yet to be confirmed, the date marks another significant milestone in the continuing evolution of US import rules.

Why Transglobal Express customers are unaffected

Although headlines refer broadly to changes for shipping to the USA, these new rules apply specifically to goods entering through the international postal system.

Transglobal Express does not use postal customs clearance for any of its services.

Instead, all shipments—including those delivered by USPS for the final mile—are cleared using commercial customs clearance before they enter the USPS delivery network. This means our customs processes are already aligned with the level of information required by US Customs.

We’ve also been preparing for increasingly stringent US import requirements for some time by enhancing the customs data collected during the booking process. This includes support for additional regulatory requirements, such as CPSC data where applicable.

As a result, our customers do not need to make any changes because of the 24 July postal clearance reforms.

Why accurate customs data is becoming more important

While these particular changes don’t affect Transglobal Express services, they reflect a wider trend in US customs enforcement.

In recent years, US authorities have introduced tighter controls on low-value imports, increased customs data requirements and expanded electronic reporting for regulated products. Providing complete and accurate customs information—including product descriptions, values and tariff classifications—is becoming increasingly important for avoiding delays and ensuring shipments clear smoothly.

Businesses that continue to rely on traditional postal services may see additional customs requirements during the booking process as these changes are implemented.

Ship to the USA with confidence

Whether you’re sending documents, parcels or commercial goods, Transglobal Express combines competitive international shipping rates with robust commercial customs clearance processes designed to keep your shipments moving.

Our systems are continually updated to reflect changing regulations, helping customers ship to the USA with confidence while minimising the risk of customs delays.

If you’re looking for a reliable way to ship to the USA, compare our international courier services today and see how easy commercial customs clearance can be.

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