Couriers in Hong Kong still accept US-bound parcels but customers may pay more

Private courier firms are maintaining parcel deliveries to the United States despite Hongkong Post’s suspension of such services after the US flip-flopped on its mailing rules, although customers face higher costs and must provide additional documentation.

Major courier firms including SF Express, DHL, FedEx, UPS and JD Express confirmed that they were continuing to accept US-bound parcels, but some warned that senders now had to provide more detailed customs information while recipients might incur taxes under new US regulations.

The United States Postal Service caused confusion on Wednesday by announcing a suspension of parcels from Hong Kong and mainland China, then quickly reversing its decision.

Hongkong Post said it would continue to stop accepting items containing goods for the US despite the U-turn. It pointed to “areas which require further clarifications, including the US’ requirement to impose tariffs” on the city as reasons for the suspension.

The major couriers have implemented different requirements to comply with the new regulations. SF Express required receipts for goods shipped and US customs could charge additional clearance fees, a customer service representative said.

FedEx said on its website that customers had to provide complete customs information including manufacturer identification codes and 10-digit Harmonised System (HS) codes. HS codes provide a highly specific classification for traded products, used for tariff and statistical purposes.