TikTok Shop announced a major update to its U.S. shipping policy. Starting January 2026, all sellers using USPS must buy and print USPS labels directly through TikTok Shipping (4PL). This update aims to stop counterfeit postage and ensure full compliance with U.S. federal law.
Summary
GeekSeller users don’t need to worry. We’re already integrating TikTok Shipping (4PL), so you’ll be able to buy and print TikTok-approved USPS labels directly through GeekSeller.
If you use Walmart MCS or Amazon MCF for TikTok orders, there’s no official update yet, but both companies handle a high volume of TikTok shipments. We expect the solution to be ready before Jan 1, and we’ll support it right away.
More updates soon.
Below is a simple breakdown of what changes, what stays the same, and how GeekSeller users should prepare.
What Is TikTok Shipping (4PL)?
TikTok Shipping (4PL) is TikTok’s official internal shipping system.
It works like this:
• TikTok buys USPS postage directly from USPS at official rates.
• Sellers request the shipping labels through the TikTok API or the TikTok Shop portal.
• Sellers must use these labels for any USPS shipments.
4PL simply means TikTok is acting as the “fourth-party logistics provider,” managing the shipping layer between USPS and the seller.
What Is Changing on TikTok Shop in 2026?
TikTok is updating its fulfillment policy for all U.S. sellers:
• If you use USPS, you must purchase USPS labels through TikTok Shipping (4PL).
• You cannot upload or use USPS labels purchased from any other source.
• If you try to submit an external USPS label, TikTok will return an error.
• Sellers using non-USPS carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) can continue using their own labels.
These rules apply to all sellers starting January 2026.
Cross-border sellers are already under the updated rules since October 27, 2025.
Why TikTok Is Making This Change
TikTok Shop is aligning with U.S. federal law (Title 18 USC 501), which prohibits using postage that is not officially issued. The goal is to prevent fraud and ensure consumer protection while keeping the marketplace compliant.
Do GeekSeller Users Need To Worry?
No — GeekSeller users are covered.
GeekSeller is already integrating TikTok Shipping (4PL) capabilities.
This means you will be able to buy and print official TikTok 4PL USPS labels directly while managing orders through GeekSeller.
You will not need to switch systems or change your workflow.
What About Walmart WFS Multichannel (MCS) and Amazon FBA/MCF?
At this moment, TikTok has not released official guidance on how these programs will work with the new USPS requirement.
However:
• Walmart WFS MCS and
• Amazon FBA / Amazon MCF
…both handle a large volume of TikTok orders today. Because of this, we are confident both programs will release a compliant solution before January 1, 2026.
GeekSeller will adapt immediately once details are published.
How GeekSeller Is Preparing
We are already implementing:
• Full TikTok Shipping (4PL) USPS label support
• Updated shipping templates and rules
• Automatic error handling if a non-TikTok USPS label is attempted
• Smooth transition for all sellers using USPS on TikTok Shop
No action is required on your side yet.
Original Email Announcement From TikTok Shop
[TikTok Shop US] IMPORTANT: USPS shipping label policy update starting January 2026
Hello Partner,
TikTok Shop is updating the fulfillment process for sellers that ship orders through the United States Postal Service (USPS). TikTok Shop has always adhered to compliance fulfillment, committed to continuously ensuring a good consumer experience and a fair business environment for sellers, and firmly opposing all types of postage fraud. According to US federal law (Title 18 United States Code 501), it is unlawful for any person to use, sell, or deposit packages affixed with counterfeit postage or stamps in the U.S. mail. A person may be liable for criminal and/or civil penalties for engaging in this fraudulent criminal activity.
To ensure full compliance, TikTok Shop has adjusted the shipping policy for U.S. cross-border merchants effective October 27, 2025 . Under this policy, cross-border sellers using USPS must ship orders with official TikTok Shipping labels.
Starting January 2026 , TikTok Shop will further update the shipping policy, which will apply to all sellers on TikTok Shop U.S. Market. The specific policy updates are as follows:
- Sellers using USPS must use TikTok Shipping labels.
- Sellers who wish to use other carriers may continue to ship using their own labels.
What does this mean to you?
- If sellers are still choosing to use USPS labels starting January 2026, you have to integrate with TikTok Shipping to obtain USPS labels.
- You will not be able to upload USPS labels that are not purchased through TikTok Shipping. If you attempt to sync TikTok Shop orders with a USPS label that is not purchased through TikTok Shipping, you will see an error.
How to prepare
Make sure your App is set up and ready for the update by December 31, 2025.
If you are a shipping/print-on-demand/dropshipping App:
- Integrate with TikTok Shipping (4PL) capabilities and offer 4PL USPS labels. See guide here.
If you are a connector/multi-channel management App:
- Notify sellers to set up updated shipping logic/templates to use TikTok Shipping for USPS labels.
- Set up seller-facing error message and/or notification if seller-provided USPS tracking is submitted.
If you have any concerns regarding your App, please fill out the feedback intake form here.If your App needs to be updated to support this new shipping update, and you run into issues during development, please submit a ticket via Partner Center.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to compliance.
