- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 31 Aug 2025 07:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major development affecting international postal services, India’s Department of Posts (DoP) has suspended the booking of all categories of mail destined for the United States, citing regulatory complications and carriers’ inability to transport consignments. The suspension, effective immediately, covers letters, documents, and gift items valued up to USD 100.
According to a release from the Ministry of Communications, the suspension was necessitated by the absence of clear regulatory mechanisms and logistical hurdles. “In view of the ongoing inability of carriers to transport US-bound mail and in the absence of defined regulatory mechanisms, it has been decided to completely suspend the booking of all categories of mail, including letters, documents, and gift items valued up to USD 100, destined for the USA,” the ministry said.
Officials added that the Department is closely monitoring the situation and working to restore services as soon as possible. Customers who have already booked items that could not be dispatched may claim a refund of postage. “The inconvenience caused to valued customers is sincerely regretted,” the statement added.
Fallout Of US Policy Change
The disruption follows a recent US Executive Order, dated July 30, which scrapped the long-standing “de minimis” exemption for imports valued up to USD 800. Effective August 29, all goods entering the United States now attract customs duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff structure. While small gifts up to $100 remain duty-free, the requirement for comprehensive duty collection and data-sharing has complicated postal shipments worldwide.
Last month, the Trump administration formally announced the end of the global “de minimis” rule, which had allowed low-value goods to enter the U.S. with minimal paperwork. The sudden shift has disrupted postal systems across multiple countries, including India.
Carriers Refuse US-Bound Consignments
Speaking to the media, LK Dash, Deputy Director General (IR&GB), explained the rationale behind the suspension. “We have no other alternative but to suspend. We can’t go on inconveniencing the customers,” he said.
When asked why even low-value consignments and gifts, technically exempt under the new order, were included in the suspension, Dash pointed to carriers’ refusal to transport the items. “If airlines refuse to carry the parcels, we simply have no alternative,” he added.
India Post clarified that customers who have already booked items bound for the US but remain undelivered will be eligible for a full refund of postage charges. Authorities assured that every effort is being made to develop mechanisms to comply with US customs requirements and resume services at the earliest.