Sending Parcels to the USA in 2026: Tariffs, Duties and the New 10-Digit HS Code Rule

You can still ship from Australia to the USA, but the rules have tightened. Since 29 August 2025, goods entering the USA no longer qualify for the old duty-free exemption for low-value parcels, so duties can apply to any commercial shipment, whatever its value. Australia Post also requires a 10-digit HS tariff code on US-bound parcels from 24 July 2026. If you describe your goods accurately, include the right code and agree who pays duties before you send, most delays can be avoided.

This guide explains the changes in plain English. It's general information, not customs advice, so check official sources or a customs broker for anything specific to your goods.

What Changed for Parcels to the USA?

• The duty-free "de minimis" exemption ended. The USA used to let goods worth up to US$800 in without duties. A US executive order suspended that exemption for all countries from 29 August 2025, for postal and commercial shipments alike, regardless of value.
• Australia Post now sends to the USA through Zonos. Australia Post has resumed postal services to the USA for business customers, who need a free Zonos Verified Account so duties can be paid to US Customs and Border Protection. Shipments that aren't linked to an account and can't have duties paid are returned to the sender.
• 10-digit HS codes are now required. From 24 July 2026, Australia Post requires a 10-digit HS tariff code on parcels to the USA. Six- or eight-digit codes are no longer accepted, and items without a 10-digit code may be returned.
• The high-value threshold went up. Also from 24 July 2026, Australia Post's high-value declaration threshold for US parcels rose from US$800 to US$2,500.

These points come from Australia Post's US tariffs update, checked on 10 November 2026. The details apply to Australia Post's services; couriers have their own processes for the same US rules.

Who Pays US Duties?

It depends on the service and the shipping terms.

• With Australia Post, business customers pay duties on US-bound goods as the sender, through the Zonos arrangement, not the receiver. Personal senders should check Australia Post's current rules for their parcel. Zonos invoices business customers for the duties plus a handling fee of 10% of the duties and a flat admin fee. For shipments over US$2,500, the receiver remains responsible for import duties and fees.
• With international couriers, who pays depends on the terms of the shipment. If the receiver pays, they may need to settle duties and any courier fees before the parcel is released. If the sender pays, the costs are billed to you instead.

Duty rates depend on what the item is and where it was made, and US rates have changed several times since 2025. Check the current position before you send, and tell your receiver who will pay so they aren't caught out.

*Content Writer Note:* Confirm with the client who pays US duties on FedEx and DHL Express bookings made through Pacer (receiver by default, or sender on request for business accounts) and whether the booking form asks for an HS code. Then add one sentence under "With international couriers" stating Pacer's arrangement.

How to Find a 10-Digit HS Code

An HS code classifies what your item is, so customs can apply the right duty. The first six digits follow the international Harmonized System and are the same in most countries. The USA adds four more digits for its own 10-digit code.

• Start with the item's material and use. "Women's cotton T-shirt" leads to a far more precise code than "clothing".
• Look it up in the US schedule. The United States International Trade Commission publishes the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, where you can search for the full 10-digit code.
• Keep a list for products you send often. If you sell online, record each product's code once so you're not searching every time.
• Get help when it's unclear. For unusual or mixed goods, a customs broker can confirm the right classification.

How to Describe Your Goods

Customs relies on your description and declared value. Vague entries are a common reason parcels get held.

• Be specific: what the item is, what it's made of and what it's for.
• Give the quantity and value for each item, including gifts and samples.
• State the country of origin, meaning where the item was made, not where it's sent from.
• Match the paperwork to the box: the description, quantity and value should match what's actually inside.

Checklist Before You Send to the USA

• Confirm the item can be sent internationally. Perfume, for example, can't go by air freight.
• Find the 10-digit HS code for each item.
• Write a specific description, quantity, value and country of origin.
• Agree who pays duties, and tell the receiver.
• Use the receiver's full US address and phone number.
• Pack the item well and measure and weigh it accurately.
• Keep a copy of your declaration and receipts.

Choosing a Service to the USA

Through Pacer Logistics, you can compare international options to the USA from global couriers including FedEx and DHL Express. Each international quote shows the expected transit time, so you can weigh speed against price. See International Courier & Shipping for more on sending overseas.

Two things to know:

• Cover: Pacer's included transit warranty and optional extra cover apply to shipments within Australia only, not to international parcels.
• Tracking: you can follow international shipments with Track a Parcel using the tracking number.

If you're sending at Christmas, see our guide to Christmas postage and courier cut-off dates for the international dates. Not sure about your shipment? Contact our team before you book.

Questions About Sending Parcels to the USA