India Placed Temporary Suspension to US Postal Services Amid New U.S. Customs Regulations

The Department of Posts has taken note of Executive Order No. 14324, issued by the U.S. Administration on 30th July 2025, which announces the withdrawal of the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800, effective from 29th August 2025.

As a result, all international postal items destined for the USA, regardless of their value, will be subject to customs duties under the International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) tariff framework. However, gift items valued up to USD 100 shall remain exempt from these duties.

New Requirements for Duty Collection and Remittance

According to the Executive Order, transport carriers handling international postal shipments and other “qualified parties” approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are now responsible for the collection and remittance of customs duties on these shipments.

While CBP issued certain guidelines on 15 August 2025, several key processes—including the designation of “qualified parties” and the mechanism for duty collection and remittance are still pending clarification.

Due to this operational uncertainty, U.S.-bound air carriers have indicated their inability to accept postal consignments after 25th August 2025, citing a lack of operational and technical readiness.

Temporary Suspension of U.S.-Bound Postal Bookings

In view of these developments, the Department of Posts has decided to temporarily suspend the booking of all types of postal articles destined for the USA from 25th August 2025 onwards, except for the following:

• Letters/documents
• Gift items valued up to USD 100

These exempt categories will continue to be accepted and dispatched to the USA, subject to further clarifications from CBP and USPS.The Department is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with all stakeholders. Every effort is being made to normalize postal services to the USA at the earliest possible opportunity.

Also Read: Trump Doubles US Tariffs on India to 50%; 21-Day Window for Talks Opens

Postage Refunds for Undeliverable Items

Customers who have already booked articles that cannot be dispatched to the USA due to these new regulations may apply for a refund of postage.

The Department of Posts deeply regrets the inconvenience caused and assures customers that all necessary measures are being undertaken to resume full postal services to the USA as soon as possible.

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