Letters or documents for the US should no longer be dropped in street post boxes. MaltaPost is instead offering a special document/letter express service to the US through its express international service, which can only be purchased at a post office.

The executive order, issued by US President Donald Trump on 15th August and coming into effect on 29th August, removes the duty-free threshold for all international postal shipments. Under the new rules, every postal item sent to the US, regardless of value or origin, will be subject to customs duties.

MaltaPost said that partners including cargo carriers and airlines are also suspending shipments to the US “until a workable process is put in place.” The company added, “The suspension is a temporary and necessary measure to allow for the development, testing, and implementation of new cross-border technical and airline carrier solutions to comply with the new U.S. requirements.”

Postal operators across Europe are “working together to meet these obligations as quickly as possible,” MaltaPost said, though several details remain unclear, including how US customs duties will be collected and how data must be submitted. “Limited technical guidance was only issued by US Customs and Border Protection on 15h August, leaving insufficient time for full implementation by the imposed deadline,” they said.

For now, Maltese residents and businesses sending parcels or goods to the US will need to adjust their plans and keep a close eye on updates from MaltaPost. With key details still unclear, the suspension highlights just how quickly international shipping rules can change and how important it is for postal services and customers alike to adapt. Stay tuned for more guidance from MaltaPost as they work to navigate the new US requirements.

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