Regulatory Updates
Beginning September 1, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service required all international commercial shipments to include a six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code on customs declarations.
While USPS is one of the first to set a deadline, this change reflects a broader push from destination countries to enforce HS code requirements across all carriers. To avoid delays or rejected shipments, it’s best to include HS codes on all international shipments, regardless of carrier. This update aligns USPS mailing standards with new regulations from the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
If you ship internationally using USPS or other carriers, including GlobalPost, this change could impact your label workflow and customs compliance process. Here’s what you need to know.
An HS code is a standardized six-digit number used by customs agencies around the world to identify and classify goods. It’s part of a global system maintained by the WCO that enables consistent duties, tariffs, and trade tracking across countries.
For example:
You can look up the appropriate HS code for your products using this free lookup tool from GlobalPost to find the right code for your products.
The change aligns with UPU regulations mandating six-digit HS codes on customs declarations for commercial goods. Many countries already require this information, and USPS is now formally updating its standards to comply.
This applies to all international mail classes—not just Priority Mail International or First-Class Package International Service.
USPS will not block label creation if the HS code is missing, but customs agencies in destination countries may hold or return your shipments.
Without the HS code:
Bottom line: Failing to include the HS code risks delivery delays, frustrated customers, and more manual work.
Shippers that sell internationally are taking several proactive steps:
If your shipment gets stuck in customs due to a missing HS code:
This manual process can take time, so prevention is key.
Countries begin enforcing the code requirements on September 1, 2025. To help avoid international shipping disruptions:
For more information, review the USPS bulletin, the WCO HS guide, and the UPU customs regulations.
Delivery is made by the country's postal service in 3 - 5 business days, depending on the destination.
Generally, it takes Priority Mail International six to ten business days. USPS hands off shipments at the border of the destination country before the local postal service completes the delivery.
While price varies depending on weight and destination, rates for this service begin at $17 dollars.
UPS Worldwide Saver is faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited, offering delivery by the end of the next business day to major business centers, compared to 2-5 business days for Worldwide Expedited. Worldwide Saver provides a more economical alternative to premium express services while maintaining quick delivery.
UPS Worldwide Saver guarantees delivery by the end of the business day, one day faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited. This service connects major business centers in over 220 countries and territories with time-definite delivery and customs clearance included.
DHL Express is a premium international shipping service that offers fast, time-definite delivery to over 220 countries and territories. It's designed for urgent packages, with door-to-door tracking, customs support, and express delivery options for businesses and individuals.
Flat Rate Envelopes are ideal for documents or small, dense items weighing 4 lbs or less, as they offer a single price based on the destination country. For items between 4 lbs and 70 lbs, or those that don't fit into the Flat Rate Envelopes, you'll need to ship by weight using your own packaging. It’s more affordable to use Flat Rate boxes if your item is under 20 lbs.
Stamps.com makes international shipping easy by offering international services from USPS, UPS, and other carriers including GlobalPost. We make customs forms hassle free, so you can complete them online with ou guidance, and simply print to include with your international shipment.
Yes. Your packages may be inspected to ensure compliance, as USPS is very strict about what items qualify for Media Mail.
