USPS announced it will begin enforcing stricter requirements for mail going to and coming from members of the military stationed abroad. Sellers should familiarize themselves with the customs requirements since mail not in compliance will be returned to the sender.
The US Postal Service issued the following advisory on January 15, 2026:
USPS Enforcement of Customs Data Requirements for Military and Diplomatic Mail on March 16, 2026
Effective March 16, 2026, USPS will engage in enhanced post-acceptance screening efforts to enforce customs declaration form requirements on mail sent to or from addresses at any overseas Military Post Office (MPO) and to or from addresses at any Diplomatic Post Office (DPO). This includes any Army Post Office (APO) for the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force, and any Fleet Post Office (FPO) for the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. These requirements are in accordance with Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) (sections 608.2.3.4 and 703.2.7).
Mail sent to or from these locations that:
a) contains a good (regardless of weight, shape, or mail class)
b) weigh 16 ounces or more (regardless of contents, value, shape, or mail class)
c) is sent as Priority Mail Express must bear a properly completed, computer-generated customs declaration form.
Additionally, data associated with the customs form must be electronically transmitted to USPS using USPS-approved software and electronic submission methods.
Mail that is not in compliance with these requirements will be returned to sender – the address on the USPS shipping label – beginning March 16, 2026.
Please contact Global Trade Compliance at globaltradecompliance@usps.gov for questions or more details.
