India temporarily suspends postal services to US, check out the exceptions

"The Department of Posts has taken note of the Executive Order No. 14324 issued by the U.S. Administration on 30th July, 2025, under which the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800 will be withdrawn with effect from 29th August, 2025," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

The Ministry of Communication said all international postal items destined for the USA, regardless of their value, shall be subject to customs duties as per the country-specific International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) tariff framework.

Certain gift items remain an exception

Gift items up to the value of USD 100 shall continue to remain exempt from duties, the Ministry said.

As per the Executive Order, transport carriers delivering shipments through the international postal network, or other “qualified parties” approved by the U.S.

"Customs and Border Protection (CBP), are required to collect and remit duties on postal shipments," the statement said.

While CBP issued certain guidelines on 15th August, 2025, several critical processes relating to the designation of “qualified parties” and mechanisms for duty collection and remittance remain undefined.

Consequently, U.S.-bound air carriers have expressed their inability to accept postal consignments after August 25, 2025, citing lack of operational and technical readiness.

In view of the above, the Department of Posts has decided to temporarily suspend booking of all types of postal articles, destined for the USA, with effect from August 25, 2025 except letters/documents and gift items up to USD100 in value.

These exempt categories will continue to be accepted and conveyed to the USA, subject to further clarifications from CBP and USPS.

The Department is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with all stakeholders, and every effort is being made to normalize services at the earliest possible opportunity.

Customers who have already booked articles that cannot be dispatched to the USA due to these circumstances may seek a refund of postage.

"The Department of Posts deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to customers and assures that all possible measures are being undertaken to resume full services to the USA at the earliest," the Ministry said.