Starting Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Japan Post has announced that it will temporarily suspend acceptance of commercial mail bound for the United States.
What is suspended?
This suspension affects:
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Small Packages.
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Standard Parcels.
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EMS (goods).
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Surface Mail.
According to Japan Post, this applies to shipments of merchandise for sale (taxable items) and personal gifts valued over $100.
What is still accepted?
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Mail containing documents (letters, postcards, printed materials, EMS documents)
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Personal gifts valued under $100.
However, since most shipments made through ZenMarket contain merchandise, they will fall under the suspended categories.
Japan Post explained that this measure aligns with steps taken by other countries’ postal services, citing uncertainty around the new US guidelines and challenges with the current postal clearance system.
What about Private Courier Services?
The good news is that private international couriers are not affected.
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FedEx: Officially confirmed that express shipments to the US will continue from all countries.
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UPS: Continues to accept, deliver, and clear packages through its own customs network without disruption.
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DHL Express: Clarified that while postal shipments are suspended, deliveries through DHL’s commercial customs routes remain available.
These companies already handle customs clearance directly and prepay duties, allowing them to operate normally under the new US rules.
What This Means for ZenMarket Customers
Because of the suspension, Japan Post services (Small Packet, Parcel Post, EMS for goods, and Surface Mail) cannot be used for shipping items to the US until further notice.
Since there is no confirmed date for Japan Post’s service resumption, we strongly recommend using alternative shipping methods such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL Express. These carriers have confirmed service and remain reliable options for US-bound deliveries.
Already Shipped and Pending Parcels
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Parcels already shipped via Japan Post will be handled as usual and sent to the US. However, please note there is still a chance they may face customs clearance issues or be returned to us.
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Parcels that have been created, packed, and paid for but not yet shipped as of today, August 26, 2025, will require action. We will ask customers to choose an alternative shipping method in the meantime to avoid delays.
Conclusion
ZenMarket will continue to monitor updates from Japan Post and share information as soon as changes are announced. In the meantime, please select a private courier when checking out to ensure smooth and timely delivery of your items from Japan to the United States.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support!