Sending post to the US this Christmas? Teabags, crisps and chocolate are now prohibited

Due to a US government directive that came into effect on August 29, certain items can no longer be sent by post this Christmas

Christmas packages being sent to the US can no longer include teabags, crisps, and chocolate in packets, due to a US government directive that came into effect on August 29. Picture: iStock.

As Christmas approaches and people get their Christmas packages ready to post, An Post is advising customers of new rules for sending parcels to the United States.

Due to a US government directive that came into effect on August 29, certain items can no longer be sent by post. These include teabags, crisps, and chocolate in packets, which are now prohibited.

The new rules will come as a disappointment to those living in the US who anticipate a package full of Irish goodies from home at Christmas.

An Post has advised that declarations with these items could be stopped and returned.

In addition, gifts sent to the US are limited to a value of €85.

Gifts with a value under €85 ($100) can still be posted without incurring extra charges, however, customers sending gifts to the value of more than €85 ($100) will incur taxes of a minimum of 15% to the value of the item.

This fee will have to be paid by the receiving customer before it can be delivered.

The change follows the removal of the previous tax exemption for goods under $800. All items entering the US are now subject to customs duties, although letters and documents are unaffected and can continue to be sent as normal.

An Post is urging customers to check these new restrictions before sending parcels overseas to avoid delays or returns.

In a post on Facebook, Mallow Post Office reminded customers of the new rules, saying that the post office can, unfortunately, no longer accept teabags, crisps or chocolate in packets bound for the United States.

“This may include other food items also and we are awaiting clarification with regard to what we can or cannot accept,” the post read.

For more information on the rules and what they mean, click here.