Gradual Suspension of International Mail to the U.S.... "EMS Premium Still Available"

International postal shipments from South Korea to the United States will be suspended in stages. This measure is in response to changes in U.S. customs policy. For the time being, international mail to the U.S. will likely only be available through the "EMS Premium" service.

The Korea Post announced on August 22 that it will suspend acceptance of airmail parcels to the U.S. starting August 25, and all EMS shipments except for documents starting August 26, at post office counters.

The suspension of international postal shipments is due to the U.S. administration's change in customs policy, which will take effect at midnight on August 29 local time. Until now, the U.S. had exempted items valued at $800 or less from customs duties when imported from overseas.

However, starting August 29, all international postal items sent to the U.S., except for documents and letters, will be subject to declaration and a 15% customs duty. With the obligation to declare and pay customs duties now applying to virtually all goods sent to the U.S., it has become difficult to process shipments through the current international postal network. As a result, Korea Post has decided to temporarily suspend acceptance of international mail to the U.S.

This situation is not unique to South Korea. Other countries, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, France, Switzerland, Denmark, and Belgium, have already suspended international postal shipments to the U.S.

During the suspension period, the "EMS Premium (private partnership)" service will still be available for shipments to the U.S. EMS Premium is operated by private courier companies, which handle customs clearance on behalf of the sender, and the recipient pays the customs duties.

This service can only be accessed at post offices. For heavy items (defined as 4.5 kg or more for individual customers), the rates are lower than standard EMS. However, for lighter items under 4.5 kg, the cost may increase.

Korea Post plans to quickly develop countermeasures to minimize inconvenience for the public.

Cho Haekeun, President of Korea Post, stated, "Due to changes in U.S. customs policy, customer uncertainty has increased," adding, "We will closely monitor related developments and swiftly establish measures to minimize inconvenience for the public."