New Delhi: The Department of Posts has announced a temporary suspension of booking all postal articles destined for the United States with effect from August 25, 2025, except for letters/documents and gift items valued up to USD 100.
The Ministry of Communications stated that the decision comes in response to the U.S. Administration’s Executive Order No. 14324, issued on July 30, 2025, which withdraws the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods up to USD 800 starting August 29, 2025. Under the new rules, all international postal consignments to the U.S., regardless of value, will attract customs duties under the International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) tariff framework. However, gift items worth up to USD 100 will continue to remain exempt.
Transport carriers delivering shipments through the international postal network are now required to collect and remit duties, but several critical processes remain undefined. U.S.-bound carriers have cited operational and technical challenges, expressing their inability to accept consignments after August 25.
“In view of these developments, the Department of Posts has decided to temporarily suspend bookings to the USA, except for the exempt categories. The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with stakeholders, and every effort is being made to normalize services at the earliest,” the statement read.
Customers who have already booked articles that cannot be dispatched may seek a refund of postage. The department has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured that full services to the U.S. will resume as soon as feasible.
