TikTok Shop U.S. USPS Shipping Label Policy Update: Full Breakdown for Sellers

TikTok Shop U.S. USPS Shipping Label Policy Update

TikTok Shop has announced an important update to its U.S. shipping policy that will impact how sellers use USPS shipping labels and tracking numbers. This change is part of TikTok Shop’s continued effort to ensure compliance with U.S. postal regulations and prevent postage-related fraud.

Background: Why TikTok Shop Is Updating Its Policy

TikTok Shop stated that it has always been committed to:

• Compliance fulfillment

• A fair business environment for sellers

• A reliable consumer experience

According to U.S. federal law (Title 18, United States Code, Section 501), it is unlawful to use, sell, or distribute packages with counterfeit or unauthorized postage. Violations may result in criminal or civil penalties.

To ensure full compliance and prevent misuse of USPS postage, TikTok Shop is tightening how USPS labels and tracking numbers are used on its platform.

Starting January 2026, the policy will apply to all sellers on TikTok Shop U.S., not just cross-border merchants.

What Is Changing in January 2026

Beginning January 2026:

• Sellers using USPS must use TikTok Shipping labels

• Sellers will not be able to upload or submit USPS labels that were not purchased through TikTok Shipping

• If a seller attempts to sync or mark an order as shipped using a USPS label not generated by TikTok Shipping, the system will return an error

Important clarification:

• Sellers who use other carriers may continue to ship using their own labels

• The restriction applies specifically to USPS labels and USPS tracking numbers

The Key Issue: USPS Tracking and Last-Mile Delivery

TikTok Shop does not allow sellers to submit USPS tracking numbers unless the label is purchased through TikTok Shipping.

This creates a challenge for carriers that rely on USPS for last-mile delivery most notably DHL eCommerce.

How to Track Your TikTok Shop Order When Using DHL eCommerce

To solve this, DHL introduced a new DHL eCommerce tracking number that works within TikTok Shop’s system.

How the DHL eCommerce Tracking Works

• DHL generates a new tracking number (not a USPS tracking number)

• This tracking number is:

  • Accepted by TikTok Shop

  • Fully trackable end-to-end

  • Valid even though USPS completes the final delivery

• Sellers do not need to submit USPS tracking at any point

How to track my TikTok Shop order's shipment on Deftship

When fulfilling orders through Deftship, the DHL eCommerce tracking number can be retrieved via the Deftship API.

1. Go to get parcel

2. Find +provider_number

The corresponding value of provider number is the DHL eCommerce tracking number you can use to monitor the shipment.

For a full walkthrough with screenshots, visit:

How to track my TikTok Shop order's shipment

Key Takeaway for TikTok Shop Sellers

TikTok Shop’s USPS policy update is not a ban on third-party fulfillment but a restriction on how USPS labels and tracking are used.

For sellers who want to:

• Avoid USPS label submission issues

• Continue using third-party fulfillment

• Stay compliant with TikTok Shop rules

DHL eCommerce with its new tracking number, supported by Deftship, provides a compliant solution.