Complaints over a $5 post office fee on non-dutiable packages have been listened to by Wayne Furbert, the Minister for the Cabinet Office.

Yesterday, Mr Furbert said he had contacted the Bermuda Post Office to request that “this fee not be charged on non-dutiable goods”.

The clearance and processing fee has been in place since 2012 for dutiable items, but was recently extended to cover non-dutiable packages, Mr Furbert explained.

“The public will be aware that over the last several months, the BPO has been undergoing an extensive reform process,” he said.

“This includes closely reviewing its business processes and services and updating its services to provide greater financial management of its resources.”

Unhappy customers took to social media over the charges

after the post office began enforcing the charge on August 1.

Nick Kempe, the shadow finance minister, branded the fee “a back-door tax by Government”.

Mr Kempe called the BPO’s stated wish to improve the client experience “complete nonsense”.

He added: “How does a $5 charge ‘enhance the client experience’? This is just a revenue-raising exercise.

“It makes you wonder what Government is planning next. Maybe a $5 charge to pass through the duty-free line at the airport?”

Mr Furbert also reminded the public that the $5 for dutiable packages could be exempted if they completed the form themselves.

The forms are available from the Department of Customs site on the government portal, gov.bm.