Bryan sought exemption for U.S. territories from new small-package duties

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with senior officials at the U.S. Department of the Interior during the week of Sept. 29, 2025, to seek an exemption for shipments to and from U.S. territories from Executive Order 14324, according to Government House.

The order suspended duty-free treatment for shipments valued at $800 or less. Government House said Bryan also organized a coalition of territorial governors to co-sign a formal request for an exemption for the U.S. Virgin Islands and other insular territories.

Government House said Bryan planned to send letters during the week of Oct. 6, 2025, to the secretary of the Interior and the president.

The administration said Bryan told Interior officials that the Virgin Islands' customs status is set by Congress under federal law and is administered by federal agencies, including the Treasury Department, the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-pushes-territorial-exemption-from-new-small-package-duties-after-meeting-with-interior-officials/