Teabags, crisps, and chocolate can no longer be mailed from Ireland to US, An Post says

An Post, Ireland's state-owned postal service, has issued an advisory for people in Ireland planning to send mail and goods to the US.

"There are some food items which cannot currently be accepted into the USA, including teabags, crisps and chocolate," An Post says on its webpage about sending items to the US.

"Declarations with these items listed could be stopped and returned."

Post offices in Ireland have taken to social media to advise customers about the changes.

Mallow Post Office in Co Cork said the restrictions are 'unfortunate,' and added that there is a limit of €85 on all gifts to the USA.

Newmarket Post Office, also in Co Cork, posted a similar advisory.

Meanwhile, An Post has explained how it is responding to the suspension of the de minimis tariff exemptions in the US.

In July, US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order suspending duty-free de minimis tariff exemptions for low-value shipments from all countries, including Ireland.

Under the de minimis treatment, imported goods valued at or under $800 were exempt from tariff duties.

As per Trump's directive, as of August 29, all parcels originating in Europe and containing goods must have taxes paid on those goods before they can enter the US. 

An Post noted that the only exceptions to this new ruling are traditional letters, documents, and parcels containing gifts valued at less than €85/USD$100. An Post later said that only books that are deemed "purely educational" are exempt from tariffs.

Items sent containing anything with the headings dictated by the United States International Trade Commission are not eligible for delivery within the US, An Post said.

In the wake of the changes, An Post said: "While some other European posts are turning off destination USA for a period of time, An Post has worked on a solution to allow goods to continue to travel and taxes to be collected by the recipient in the USA."

Senders of eCommerce goods and gifts over USD$100 must now provide the recipient's email so an An Post International Logistics Partner can contact the US recipient and request payment of taxes, along with an administration fee.

A time frame of five calendar days applies for the customer to pay, An Post says. 

Once paid, the eCommerce parcel will be delivered to the USA. If not paid, the item will be returned to the sending customer. No credit will be due to the sending customer in this instance.