USPS sends back more than 800 packages for US military in ‘disgraceful move’, what went wrong with new shipping rules

Operation Shoebox, a Florida-based nonprofit that also sends care packages to deployed troops, flagged the problem in September. “The USPS has begun to strictly enforce long-standing international customs regulations on military and diplomatic mail,” the organization wrote. “These rules were always on the books but were buried in postal regulations, rarely enforced, and rarely communicated. Even postal officials could not clearly explain why shipments were suddenly being rejected” (8).

The trigger appears to be a September 1, 2025 rule change that requires all international commercial shipments to include a six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code on customs declarations (9). The HS code system developed by the World Customs Organization allows customs authorities around the world to classify goods and determine duties.

The practical effect is significant: obscure details that worked for years no longer pass muster. According to USPS guidelines, customs forms now require descriptions that clarify “what the item is, what it is made of, and what its purpose is” (10). Writing “cosmetics” or “gifts” is not specific enough. You need to say “men’s deodorant stick” or “chocolate chip cookies”.

If your description does not meet these standards, your package may be rejected, returned or even destroyed by customs authorities in the destination country (11).

Here’s where it gets confusing for people who ship in the military. APO, FPO and DPO addresses (military postal designations) are treated as domestic addresses for postage pricing purposes. A first-class ticket can get mail to a service member anywhere in the world. But according to USPS guidelines, customs forms are still required for most packages sent to military addresses overseas (12).

So you pay domestic rates but face international paperwork requirements.

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Blumenthal says the boxes-to-boot situation is not an isolated incident. He is now aware of similar problems affecting individuals and groups across the country who have returned care packages (13).

His proposed solution: legislation that would treat packages destined for U.S. troops overseas as purely domestic mail, eliminating the customs form requirement altogether.

“There should be no additional burden,” Blumenthal said. “There is no excuse for what happened here at Boxes to Boots, and I hope their advocacy will have a national impact and move this problem forward” (14).

Operation Shoebox also called for congressional action and launched a petition asking lawmakers to clarify how military mail should be classified (15).

The legislation hasn’t been passed yet, which means the current rules remain in place for anyone transporting the military this holiday season.

If you’re sending a package to a service member overseas, here’s how to avoid the fate of those 884 boxes:

Be ruthlessly specific on customs forms. Don’t write “snacks” – write “salted peanuts, 8 oz bag” and “milk chocolate candy bar.” Don’t write “toiletries” – write “men’s disposable razor, pack of 4” and “SPF 30 sunscreen lotion, 3 oz tube.” Each item requires its own detailed description.

Use USPS digital tools. When you create labels through Click-N-Ship or Customs Forms Online, the system can help identify the correct HS codes based on your details (16). This reduces the chance of rejection. Order free military shipping supplies. The USPS offers a free military care kit that includes Priority Mail flat rate boxes, address labels, tape and customs form envelopes. You can order one at usps.com/shop or by calling 800-610-8734 (17).

Know your deadlines. Military mail usually takes 7-15 days depending on service level and destination. Priority Mail Express offers fast delivery in 3-7 days.

Double-check the address format. Use the APO/FPO/DPO designation with the correct military state code (AA for the US, AE for Europe and the Middle East, AP for the Pacific). Never include the name of the actual foreign country – that could route your package through the host nation’s postal system instead of the military mail network.

The boxes-to-boot situation raises a fundamental issue that Blumenthal’s legislation attempts to address: Should Americans sending care packages to US troops stationed at US military bases need to navigate international customs requirements?

For now, they do. And until the rules change, the burden falls on senders to get the paperwork right. That’s something that trips up even a nonprofit organization with a decade of experience.

Anyone interested in supporting Boxes to Boots can donate at boxestoboots.org. The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) charity, and according to its website, 100% of donations go directly to create and distribute care packages to troops stationed overseas (18).

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CT Insider (1); NBC Connecticut (2); WTNH (3); NBC Connecticut (4); NBC Connecticut (5); NBC Connecticut (6); NBC Connecticut (7); Shoebox Operation (8); Supply Chain Dive (9); USPS (10); USPS (11); USPS (12); NBC Connecticut (13); NBC Connecticut (14); Shoebox Operation (15); USPS (16); USPS (17); Box to Shoe (18)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.