The Department of Posts (DoP) has suspended all categories of postal articles, including letters, documents, and gifts valued up to $100, destined for the United States.
In its earlier notification, the DoP had temporarily suspended the booking of all postal articles except letters, documents, and gift items valued up to $100.
“In view of the inability of carriers to transport US-bound mail and the absence of defined regulatory mechanisms, the competent authority has decided to completely suspend all categories of mail to the USA, including letters, documents, and gifts valued up to $100,” the Department said.
The DoP has taken note of the Executive Order issued by the US administration on July 30, 2025, which withdrew the “duty-free de minimis exemption” for goods valued up to $800, effective August 29, 2025.
As a result, all international postal items destined for the US, regardless of value, will now be subject to customs duties under the country-specific International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff framework.
Apparel, small carpets, gems and jewellery, wellness products, handicrafts, electronics, and footwear are among the key products exported from India via e-commerce platforms or direct shipments to consumers.
“I expect a disruption for about a month due to the repeal of the de minimis exemption,” said Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
“At present, e-commerce players are reviewing pricing structures and assessing the extent of additional costs that US consumers can bear,” he added.
Under the US Executive Order, transport carriers delivering shipments through the international postal network—or other “qualified parties” approved by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—are required to collect and remit duties on postal shipments.
Although CBP issued guidelines on August 15, 2025, several critical processes regarding the designation of “qualified parties” and mechanisms for duty collection and remittance remain undefined.
As a result, US-bound air carriers expressed their inability to accept postal consignments after August 25, 2025, citing lack of operational and technical readiness.
—IANS