Kuala lumpur: The Universal Postal Union (UPU) announced that 25 member countries have halted postal shipments to the United States due to uncertainties related to impending changes in US customs clearance rules for imports valued under US$800.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the UPU, which is a United Nations agency comprising 192 member countries, stated that it is working closely with US authorities to ensure clear guidance is provided to its members regarding the new operational requirements. The UPU's statement emphasized the need for coordination to mitigate potential disruptions.

The Director General of the UPU, Masahiko Metoki, has expressed concerns on behalf of member states about possible disruptions. In a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, Metoki highlighted the challenges posed by the upcoming changes.

An executive order signed by US President Donald Trump mandates the termination of the "de minimis" exemption rule, which currently allows goods worth less than US$800 to enter the US duty-free. This rule is set to end on August 29.

The UPU assured that it is taking all necessary measures to prepare its member countries for the impacts of these new requirements.