USPS will now bill US merchants for unpaid foreign customs charges on their international shipments, under an interim final rule that took effect October 19. The shipper owes the charge once a foreign customs agency or postal operator reports it, even if the parcel was lost, damaged, or sent back. Merchants must pay in full, plus 6% annual interest once overdue, even while disputing the bill, since USPS only fixes its own billing errors and leaves the rest to whoever assessed the charge. USPS tied the rule to the EU ending its de minimis exemption on July 1, but the rule covers any country that requires prepaid duties or tries to collect them. A merchant who refunds an order after a buyer refuses delivery over a surprise customs fee can still be billed for that fee.
