India Resumes All International Postal Services to the USA from October 15, 2025
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India on Tuesday announced it will resume all categories of international postal services to the United States of America, effective October 15, 2025. The move restores a critical logistics channel for individuals and businesses, particularly benefiting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), artisans, and e-commerce exporters who rely on the postal network.
Reason for the Temporary Suspension
Services to the USA were temporarily halted via an office memorandum on August 22, 2025. This suspension was a direct result of Executive Order 14324 issued by the U.S. Administration, which ended the de minimis (tax-free) treatment for postal shipments. The order necessitated compliance with new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations for collecting and remitting import duties.
A New System for Seamless Clearance: Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)
To navigate the new U.S. regulations, India Post has developed and implemented a compliant Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) mechanism. Following extensive system development and successful operational trials in Delhi and Maharashtra, this new arrangement ensures an efficient and transparent process.
- Upfront Duty Collection: All applicable customs duties on shipments to the USA will now be collected in India at the time of booking.
- Direct Remittance: These duties will be remitted directly to the U.S. CBP through approved Qualified Parties.
- Key Benefits: This system guarantees full regulatory compliance, leads to faster customs clearance, and ensures seamless delivery to addressees in the USA without any additional duty demands or delays upon arrival.
Favourable Duty Structure for Exporters
The new arrangement introduces a simplified and favourable duty structure, making the postal channel a highly competitive option for Indian exporters.
- Flat Duty Rate: A flat customs duty of 50% of the declared Free on Board (FOB) value will be applicable on postal shipments from India, as per the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff.
- No Additional Duties: Unlike commercial courier services, no additional base or product-specific duties will be levied on postal items.
- Cost-Effective: This significantly lowers the overall cost for exporters, positioning the postal service as an affordable logistics solution.
Commitment to Affordability and Support for MSMEs
In a major relief to small businesses, the Department of Posts has committed to maintaining affordability.
- No Additional Charges: India Post will not levy any extra charges on customers for facilitating the DDP mechanism or for the services of the Qualified Party.
- Unchanged Tariffs: The existing postal tariffs will remain unchanged, allowing exporters to benefit from low-cost international delivery while complying with U.S. import laws.
- Boosting National Initiatives: This measure directly supports flagship government programs such as ‘Make in India’, ‘One District One Product (ODOP)’, and the export-focused ‘Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs)’.
How to Book and Available Services?
Customers can now book all major categories of international mail for delivery across the USA starting October 15.
- Resumed Services Include:
- EMS (Express Mail Service)
- Air Parcels
- Registered Letters/Packets
- Tracked Packets
- Booking Channels: Services can be accessed from any Post Office, International Business Centre (IBC), Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK), or via the Self-Service Portal at www.indiapost.gov.in.
The Department of Posts has advised Heads of Circles to organize outreach and awareness programs to educate exporters, small businesses, and entrepreneurs about the benefits of this restored, globally compliant export channel.
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