FEDERAL CUSTOMS PLAN COULD RAISE MAIL COSTS FOR USVI SHIPPERS

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has put forward a plan that would reshape how parcels move by mail from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the mainland and Puerto Rico, potentially adding expense and administrative burden to residents and businesses.

Published on October 8 in the Federal Register, the proposal targets shipments valued at $2,500 or less. It would introduce Entry Type 13, a fully electronic customs process replacing the current informal postal-entry system. Senders would need to submit shipper and recipient details, tracking numbers and tariff classifications through CBP's Automated Commercial Environment before or when their parcel arrives.

Packages that land without proper customs documentation would be held by CBP. After 15 days in agency custody without a filed entry, the parcel would be treated as voluntarily abandoned and handled by the U.S. Postal Service, which could return it or destroy it.

CBP estimates the shift would raise average brokerage fees by roughly $30 per shipment, accounting for the tighter timelines and individual filing requirements. The agency says the stricter process would strengthen duty collection and help spot illegal drugs, unsafe goods and banned items.

Owners and purchasers may file entries themselves or hire a licensed customs broker. A consignee who holds neither status would generally need to appoint a broker as the importer of record. The proposal also mandates customs bonds for covered mail entries, though CBP notes such bonds already exist under present informal postal rules.

The $2,500 figure sets the bar for informal entry eligibility only and does not exempt goods from duty. Bona fide gifts valued up to $200 mailed from the territory may still qualify for duty relief under existing rules.

The move follows CBP's suspension of the $800 de minimis exemption, in place since at least August 29, 2025. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. began gathering documentation from residents and businesses in March about elevated postal costs after that suspension, seeking backing for a federal relief request.

The public has until December 7, 2026 to submit comments through the federal rulemaking portal using docket number USCBP-2026-0298. CBP is asking for feedback on the requirements, their economic impact and any alternatives that could ease the load on smaller operations.