Getting Mail from Abroad

All mail originating from foreign countries and U.S. overseas territories, other than the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is subject to U.S. Customs Service examination upon entering the United States. Many imported goods are subject to the payment of U.S. Customs duty. When dutiable merchandise enters the United States by mail, the amount due is determined by the Customs Service, but is collected by the Postal Service. When the duty is collected on behalf of the Customs Service, the Postal Service also collects a customs clearance and delivery fee on each dutiable item. This fee offsets the cost of collection and remittance.

For customs information, please write to:

UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
1301 CONSTITUTION AVE NW
WASHINGTON DC 20229-0001

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