No More Parcels: India Post Halts US Services Starting August 25

NEW DELHI -The Department of Posts (DoP) has temporarily suspended the booking of almost all types of postal articles destined for the United States, effective August 25. This decision comes in response to the operational and technical confusion arising from a new Trump order that withdraws the duty-free exemption for goods valued up to $800, effective August 29.

The suspension, announced by the DoP, covers all postal articles except letters, documents, and gift items valued up to $100. These exempted categories will continue to be accepted and dispatched, pending further clarification from the US Customs and Border Protection and USPS.

India said the US Executive Order subjects all international postal items, regardless of value, to customs duties under the International Emergency Economic Power Act tariff framework. As mandated by the Order, transport carriers, including those utilizing the international postal network, must now collect and remit duties on shipments.

US-bound air carriers subsequently expressed their inability to accept postal consignments after August 25, citing a lack of operational and technical readiness. This followed the August 15 guidelines issued by the CBP, which left several critical processes—specifically the designation of “qualified parties” and the mechanisms for duty collection and remittance—undefined.

The DoP stated it is closely monitoring the situation with all stakeholders and is making every effort to normalize services at the earliest possible opportunity. The Department also advised customers who have already booked articles that cannot be dispatched due to the circumstances that they may seek a refund of postage, expressing deep regret for the inconvenience caused. (ANI)