Postal services to USA still suspended

IOM Post Office hopes it'll be reinstated in the new year

The Isle of Man Post Office says it's taking steps towards reinstating the sending of goods to America, but the service is currently still suspended.

Manx residents haven't been able to send packages there since August after US government changed its rules.

The Post Office says an initial update to its systems earlier this month marked a 'key step forward', but it will not resume in time for this year's Christmas posting period.

The sending of letters is unaffected.

A spokesperson from IOMPO says: "From 29th August 2025, the US removed the ‘de-minimis’ postal exemption, which had previously allowed goods valued under $800 to enter without import duty. Under the new rules, duty must be paid in advance and detailed electronic customs data must be submitted before parcels leave the sending country.

"Since the suspension, IOMPO has been working closely with Royal Mail on the significant system changes required to meet these updated requirements. 

"An initial update to our systems took place on 1st December, which is a key step towards the further development and integration work needed to reinstate the service. 

"This subsequent development work is now under way and will enable us to resume postings to the USA once completed.

"Given the scale and complexity of these changes, it is now confirmed that services will not resume in time for this year’s Christmas posting period. System updates are expected to be fully in place in the new year."