Starting November 2025, individuals and businesses in Belize planning to send packages to the United States must adhere to a new customs declaration process. The Belize Postal Service has introduced the Customs Declaration System (CDS), requiring all senders to complete a detailed form before mailing goods to the U.S. This change follows the U.S. government’s Executive Order 14324, issued in July 2025, which eliminated the “duty-free de minimis” rule that previously allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. tax-free. Now, every package must declare its contents, value, and country of origin, and all are subject to applicable tariffs. To ensure public compliance, the Belize Postal Service has launched a nationwide roadshow to educate customers on the updated requirements. The CDS, developed by the Universal Postal Union, enables electronic transmission of customs data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. While Belize temporarily suspended U.S. mail services to align with the new regulations, officials anticipate resuming shipments by the end of November. Importantly, regular postage fees remain unchanged, with only the added customs duties mandated by the U.S. government. These duties are calculated based on the item’s origin and the corresponding tariff rate, payable at the time of shipment.
