The Boston 2026 World Expo Organizing Committee has announced that stamps and covers imported into the United States will once again be admitted duty-free – resolving months of uncertainty within the international philatelic community.
Earlier this year, new country-specific tariffs were applied under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS 9704), which had previously exempted philatelic materials from duty. The unexpected change raised concerns that international dealers, exhibitors and postal administrations attending the Boston 2026 World Expo would face significant costs.
Following weeks of consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the committee confirmed that the prior ruling introducing tariffs has been declared void ab initio – null from the beginning – and a new ruling letter reaffirming the tariff-free status of philatelic material will soon be issued.
“This is a major relief for the global philatelic community,” said Thomas M. Fortunato, Boston 2026 public relations chair and U.S. east commissioner. “We are grateful to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for working with us to restore the long-standing tariff-free entry of stamps and covers into the country. This ensures that collectors, dealers and postal administrations from around the world can participate in Boston 2026 without facing unexpected financial barriers.”
To further assist international participants, Boston 2026 organizers have retained Vantage Point Services, a customs brokerage firm that will guide foreign exhibitors – including dealers, auction houses, postal administrations and commissioners – through the import process. The firm will provide instructions and documentation for smooth entry through major U.S. ports, including Boston, New York, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The Boston 2026 World Expo will be held May 23–30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Updates and additional show details are available at Boston2026.org and on Facebook, X and Instagram. Collectors and exhibitors may also subscribe to the Expo’s email list for the latest announcements.