Good news for senders! Starting October 15, India Post is bringing back all international postal services to the United States. This comes after a nearly two-month pause caused by new U.S. customs rules, which had left many in a lurch.
The Department of Posts confirmed they’ve successfully set up a new system that fully complies with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. These new rules, enacted under Executive Order 14324, specifically removed ‘de minimis’ exemptions on postal imports, which had unfortunately led to India suspending shipments since August 22.
This service restart is thanks to close teamwork between India Post and special ‘Qualified Parties’ approved by the CBP, following successful trials in Delhi and Maharashtra. Now, when you send a parcel to the U.S., all import duties will be collected right here in India, paid directly to the CBP via these Qualified Parties.
According to the Ministry of Communications, this new approach guarantees complete compliance with regulations, speeds up customs clearance, and ensures smooth delivery without any extra duties or unexpected delays.
Simplified Duties and No Hidden Fees
The U.S. has implemented a straightforward 50% customs duty on postal items from India, calculated on the declared Free on Board (FOB) value under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff. This new flat rate replaces complex, product-specific tariffs, making postal exports a more economical option for small businesses compared to commercial couriers.
In a welcome move for exporters, India Post will not levy any additional charges for using this new Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) system or for the services of the Qualified Parties. What’s more, the existing postal tariffs will stay exactly the same.
Officials are confident that this streamlined system will be a game-changer, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), artisans, and e-commerce sellers who depend on cost-effective and clear shipping solutions.
Boosting ‘Make in India’ and Local Export Efforts
India Post highlighted that the DDP mechanism significantly improves the ease of doing business by providing predictable, all-inclusive shipping costs. This means customers can now pay all duties upfront when booking their shipments, leading to quicker, hassle-free, and duty-cleared deliveries in the U.S.
All types of postal shipments destined for the U.S.—including Express Mail Service (EMS), Air Parcels, Registered Letters, and Tracked Packets—are now available for booking again. You can send them from any Post Office, International Business Centre, Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra, or conveniently through India Post’s online portal.
The department has instructed regional postal chiefs to kick off awareness campaigns, ensuring exporters and entrepreneurs are well-informed about this reinstated service and its many benefits.
Officials believe this step will significantly bolster India’s export sector by offering dependable and affordable logistics links to international markets. This initiative perfectly complements national programs like ‘Make in India,’ ‘One District One Product (ODOP),’ and the ‘Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs),’ all designed to boost local manufacturing and exports.
A Strategic Boost for Export Resilience
Trade specialists view the recommencement of postal exports as a crucial part of India’s wider strategy to safeguard its export routes against unpredictable global regulations. The prior suspension had hit small exporters hard, especially those in handicrafts, textiles, and online retail, who depend on India Post for its economical shipping services.
A senior trade analyst commented, ‘India Post’s rapid response to comply highlights just how vital the postal network is for small exporters and the digital trade sector. In an era of increasing protectionism and trade barriers, DDP-like mechanisms are essential for Indian businesses to stay competitive.’
Officials hailed the resumption as a ‘significant milestone’ in fortifying India’s international logistics capabilities. This also underscores India Post’s transformation from a traditional domestic mail service to a pivotal facilitator of export-driven economic growth.
By reopening this crucial trade route with the U.S., which is one of India’s biggest export destinations, the government aims to ensure that small exporters remain connected to global supply chains, even as customs checks intensify and global trade becomes more fragmented.