Sending Mail To Belarus From The Usa: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sending mail from the USA to Belarus can be a complex process due to geopolitical tensions, civil unrest, and instability in the region. As of July 22, 2022, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has suspended its services to Belarus, including Global Express Guaranteed (GXP) Service. This means that alternative delivery methods and carriers must be considered.

One option is to use commercial companies such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL Express, which have their own fleet of cargo planes. Courier services, such as Qwintry, are another possibility, offering delivery by the state mail of Belarus, which is usually faster and safer than USPS Priority. Additionally, using a courier transit from Ukraine to Belarus can be a more cost-effective solution for packages weighing more than 4.5 kg.

When sending mail from the USA to Belarus, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on certain goods, such as luxury items, which require a license and an Internal Transaction Number (ITN). Customs forms and weight and size limits must also be carefully considered to ensure a smooth delivery process.

Choosing a courier service

When choosing a courier service to send mail from the USA to Belarus, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that as of July 22, 2022, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has suspended services to Belarus due to geopolitical tensions and civil unrest. This includes the suspension of Global Express Guaranteed (GXP) Service. Therefore, you will need to opt for a private courier service.

Private courier services such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL Express have their own fleet of cargo planes and provide express delivery services to Belarus. FedEx, for example, offers FedEx International Priority® Express, which delivers packages by midday in 1-3 business days to selected destinations.

Another option is to use a parcel forwarding company that operates in both the USA and Belarus. These companies often provide cost-effective solutions by grouping multiple packages together and using courier transit from a third country, such as Ukraine. For instance, Soroka-Vorovka, a parcel forwarding company, offers a cheaper alternative to USPS by sending parcels through a courier in Ukraine, with a transit time of about 2-3 weeks and delivery to your home address.

When choosing a courier service, it is essential to consider factors such as cost, delivery time, package weight and size limitations, and the reliability of the service. Additionally, due to the sanctions and political situation in Belarus, it is important to carefully review the list of prohibited items, which includes "luxury goods," alcoholic beverages, weapons, and certain cultural or historical artifacts.

Lastly, always check for any updates or advisories regarding the specific courier service and the destination country, as these can change frequently and may impact your ability to send mail to Belarus.

Preparing the package

When preparing a package to be sent from the USA to Belarus, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on certain goods. The US government has imposed sanctions on Belarus, prohibiting the export of "luxury goods" without a license and an Internal Transaction Number (ITN). This includes items such as alcoholic beverages, weapons and ammunition, narcotic substances, precious stones, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). In addition, Belarus has implemented a temporary ban on the importation of all animal products for human and animal consumption, including meats, dairy products, and animal by-products.

The weight and size limitations of the package should also be considered. The maximum weight limit for packages sent to Belarus through the United States Postal Service (USPS) is 40 lbs (18 kg). The specific size restrictions depend on the chosen delivery method, such as USPS Express, USPS Priority, or First Class. For example, the maximum length for USPS Express is 60 inches, while for USPS Priority, it is 42 inches. It is important to refer to the USPS website for detailed information on size restrictions.

Furthermore, the package should be properly labelled and addressed to ensure smooth delivery. Clear and accurate labelling is essential, especially when shipping internationally. The recipient's address should be written clearly and correctly, including the country and postal code. It is also advisable to include a return address, in case the package cannot be delivered and needs to be returned.

When preparing the package, it is crucial to choose an appropriate box or envelope that can withstand the shipping process. The container should be sturdy and made of durable material to protect the contents from potential damage during transit. It is also recommended to use cushioning materials such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts to secure the items and prevent breakage.

In addition, it is important to complete the necessary customs forms and declarations accurately and include them with the package. These forms provide details about the contents of the package, its value, and any applicable taxes or duties. Failing to complete these forms correctly can result in delays or even the return of the package.

Finally, consider purchasing shipping insurance to protect against loss or damage during transit. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case any issues arise during the delivery process.

Prohibited items

When sending mail from the USA to Belarus, it is important to be aware of the prohibited items that cannot be sent to the country. Belarus has strict regulations on certain goods, and attempting to send them may result in legal consequences. Here is a detailed list of prohibited items:

• Narcotics, psychotropic substances, and their precursors, as well as plants and mushrooms containing these substances. This includes their fruits, seeds, and spores.
• Opium and other substances containing narcotics.
• Alcohol products, including ethyl alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
• All weapons, arms, and ammunition, as well as their parts and accessories.
• Explosive or combustible substances, or other dangerous matter.
• Radioactive materials.
• Substances harmful to the ozone layer.
• Unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones and copters, except for entertainment aircraft without recording equipment. Permitted aircraft must be controlled remotely by the operator and monitored by visual observation.
• Tobacco and tobacco products, including those containing nicotine and intended for inhalation or smoking.
• Precious stones in any form and condition, except when set in jewellery.
• Coins, bank notes, currency notes, securities payable to the bearer, traveller's cheques, platinum, gold, and silver. These items are admitted only in insured Priority Mail International parcels, with a maximum value of $200 USD for foreign currency.
• Printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry containing information that may be harmful to the political and economic interests of Belarus or the health and morality of its citizens.
• Articles of cultural value.
• Currencies of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation.
• Metalized yarn made with or of gold thread; ornamental trimming or woven fabric made with or of gold thread.
• Pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms.
• Photographic and cinematographic films, undeveloped photographic plates, and photographic paper.
• Plants and plant seeds.
• Medicaments and vitamin preparations without authorization from the Public Health of Belarus.
• Veterinary preparations, biological materials, and collectors' items of animal origin without written authorization from the State Veterinary Inspectorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods in Belarus.
• Perishable food products, perishable infectious substances, and perishable non-infectious substances.

It is important to carefully review the list of prohibited items before sending mail to Belarus to ensure compliance with the country's regulations. Any violation of these regulations can result in serious consequences.

Customs and duties

Sending mail from the USA to Belarus involves navigating various customs procedures and regulations. Here is a detailed overview of the customs and duties considerations:

Customs Forms and Documentation:

To clear customs, specific forms and documentation are required, depending on the contents of the mail. For instance, the PS Form 2976-B, enclosed in a PS Form 2976-E plastic envelope, is necessary for correspondence, business papers, documents, and merchandise samples without commercial value. For merchandise and articles subject to customs duty, the same forms are used, with additional information transmitted electronically.

Prohibited and Restricted Items:

Belarus has strict regulations regarding prohibited and restricted items. Prohibited goods include narcotics, firearms, explosives, counterfeit products, explicit adult content, and hazardous materials. Restricted items, on the other hand, include alcohol, tobacco, plants, animal-derived products, drugs, antiques, precious metals, and specific electronic devices. These restricted items may require special permits or documentation.

Customs Duties and Taxes:

Belarus imposes various customs duties and taxes on incoming shipments. Customs duties typically range from 5-15% based on the product type, while a 20% Value-Added Tax (VAT) is calculated on the total customs value, including duties paid. Excise taxes are levied on tobacco, alcohol, and fuel, ranging from 25-100%. Additionally, there may be handling and processing fees, storage fees for delayed shipments, and license or permission requirements for restricted goods, all contributing to the final cost.

Shipping Options:

When choosing a shipping option, consider the weight and size limitations. For instance, USPS First-Class Mail International has a weight limit of 3.5 oz for letters and postcards and 15.994 oz for large envelopes. USPS Priority Mail International has a weight limit of 66 lbs, while USPS First-Class Package International Service has a limit of 4 lbs.

Courier Services:

Courier services like USPS, DHL, UPS, and FedEx offer shipping to Belarus, but their services may be limited due to sanctions. Local courier services, such as Qwintry, can also be considered. They offer delivery through the state mail of Belarus or courier services, depending on the recipient's preference.

Tracking the delivery

Tracking your delivery from the USA to Belarus can be done through the postal service or courier you choose to send your package with.

Tracking with USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers tracking for its international deliveries. USPS international tracking differs from private courier services like UPS, FedEx, and DHL. When mail leaves the U.S., the last scan will be from an International Service Center (ISC) in the U.S. Subsequently, USPS awaits updated tracking information from transit or destination countries. More current tracking details may be available from the destination country's postal service online tracking tools. This approach can be beneficial for finding delivery/routing errors, delays, or exceptions that may not be transmitted to the U.S. Postal Service.

Tracking with Courier Services

Courier services such as Dwarka Courier also offer online tracking systems to monitor the progress of your shipment. They provide live tracking for deliveries from Belarus to the USA, with SMS and email notifications to keep you informed until your product is successfully delivered.

Tracking with Delivery Services

Delivery services like Qwintry, which uses USPS and commercial companies for shipping, also offer tracking. Qwintry provides an online calculator to check the current delivery time for your package.

Frequently asked questions