Bryan administration sought public documentation on postal fees tied to suspended de minimis exemption

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on March 2, 2026, that his administration had begun a territory-wide effort to collect documentation from residents and businesses on postal fees and other effects tied to the suspension of the federal de minimis exemption.

Government House said the exemption for many low-value shipments affecting the territories had been suspended beginning in late August 2025, increasing costs for households and businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The administration said the outreach was being led by Teri Helenese, the governor's director of state-federal relations and Washington representative, in coordination with the Office of the Governor's legal counsel.

According to Government House, Bryan had raised the issue in meetings with federal officials, including Interior Department officials in October 2025, and joined other territorial governors in a formal request to the president for a customs-duty exemption on small packages shipped to and from the territories.

Government House said White House officials had asked the Virgin Islands to provide documented examples showing the cost effects on residents and businesses.

The administration asked people on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John to submit information including mailing or pickup dates, whether shipments were personal or business-related, copies of notices or receipts if available, and descriptions of unexpected costs, delays or other disruptions.

Submissions were requested by March 27, 2026, through the email address postalfees@go.vi.gov.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-launches-territory-wide-outreach-to-strengthen-white-house-push-on-postal-fees-and-restore-de-minimis-relief/