India lifts temporary suspension on postal services to US, to resume from October 15

India has announced the resumption of all international postal services to the United States starting October 15, following a temporary suspension.

The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, stated that the move comes after the successful implementation of a new Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) system, designed to comply with updated regulations from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).Postal services to the US were suspended on August 22 after Executive Order 14324 by the US Administration withdrew the de minimis treatment for postal shipments. The suspension was due to new US requirements for upfront collection and remittance of customs duties on all incoming postal items.

“After extensive system development, coordination with CBP-approved Qualified Parties, and successful operational trials in Delhi and Maharashtra, India Post has now established a compliant DDP mechanism,” the Ministry said.Under this system, all customs duties for shipments to the US will be collected at the time of booking in India and remitted directly to US authorities. This ensures faster customs clearance and seamless delivery for recipients.

According to CBP guidelines, postal shipments from India will incur a flat customs duty of 50 percent on the declared Free on Board (FOB) value, as outlined in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff. Unlike courier or commercial shipments, no additional product-specific duties will apply, offering exporters a cost advantage. India Post will not levy any extra charges for facilitating the DDP process, and international postal tariffs will remain unchanged. This approach aims to keep export logistics affordable for MSMEs, artisans, e-commerce sellers, and small traders.

“All categories of international mail, including EMS, Air Parcels, Registered Letters or Packets, and Tracked Packets, can now be booked to the US from any Post Office, International Business Centre (IBC), Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK), or via the India Post self-service portal,” the release added.

The DDP model provides full transparency, allowing senders to prepay duties and guarantee smooth delivery for US customers without unexpected charges or delays. Postal Circle heads have been instructed to raise awareness among exporters and small businesses about the renewed postal opportunities.The resumption of services is considered a key step in strengthening India’s global postal and export logistics network, supporting initiatives such as Make in India, One District One Product (ODOP), and Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs).