USPS Suspends Some International Service: Rating API Changes
by EasyPost
Starting in April 2020, USPS has placed temporary service suspension to certain countries due to COVID-19. The Postal Service continues to add additional countries to the list of international mail-acceptance suspensions. Please view USPS service alerts to learn more.
EasyPost will temporarily block the rating and generation of USPS labels to all countries with suspended service, as it may be updated from time to time. EasyPost’s API responses will let you know if the country is affected.
What services available through EasyPost will be affected?
These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), and First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®).
How does this change the way I use EasyPost today?
EasyPost will temporarily block the rating and generation of USPS labels to the above-listed countries with suspended service. This will prevent inundating the USPS with packages that will otherwise require Return to Sender service, thereby freeing up their bandwidth to accommodate the delivery of packages containing essential items. Additionally, this will prevent our customers from buying postage and shipping a package that will inevitably be returned (see below for details on requesting a refund should a package be returned due to this limitation).
What about packages have already been handed over to USPS?
For packages already in the mailstream, Postal Service employees must endorse them “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mailstream for return.
What about return packages?
For any returned item bearing a customs form, the Postal Service will, upon request, provide refunds on the postage for mail returned due to the suspension of service. However, this will be a manual process and distinct from the normal process of requesting refunds. Customers need to provide their request for refunds in a letter on their respective company letterhead, including the tracking number, the reason (Return to Sender due to temporary suspension of service) and the amount requested. This needs to be sent to EasyPost Support, after which EasyPost will work with the USPS to process the requests. As soon as the USPS confirms the refund, EasyPost will directly credit your EasyPost account for the amount approved by the USPS.
Our team is available for any questions you may have regarding this update. Please reach out to your EasyPost point-of-contact or covid-response@easypost.com for further assistance.
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