Resumption of International Postal Services to the USA: A Game Changer for Indian Exporters
The Department of Posts, part of the Ministry of Communications of the Government of India, has recently made a significant announcement that is set to reshape the landscape of international shipping: all categories of postal services to the United States of America (USA) will resume starting from 15 October 2025. This decision is particularly noteworthy as it introduces a streamlined and compliant mechanism for delivering goods across borders.
Background: Suspension of Postal Services
Postal services to the USA were previously suspended on 22 August 2025, following Executive Order 14324 issued by the U.S. Administration. This executive order effectively halted the de minimis treatment for all postal shipments, a decision influenced by new regulatory requirements mandated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These changes aimed to tighten regulations regarding the collection and remittance of import duties, which understandably raised concerns among exporters and businesses reliant on international mail for trade.
The New Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) Mechanism
India Post has worked diligently to establish a compliant framework that enables Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) processing. This robust mechanism crucially allows for the upfront collection of all applicable customs duties in India at the moment of booking. The collected duties are subsequently remitted directly to the CBP through approved Qualified Parties. This thorough approach not only ensures adherence to regulatory standards but also expedites customs clearance, facilitating a smoother delivery experience for recipients in the USA.
Understanding Customs Duties
As per CBP guidelines, the customs duty applicable on postal shipments from India to the USA is set at a flat rate of 50% of the declared Free On Board (FOB) value. This rate applies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff, with India established as the country of origin. What distinguishes postal shipments from commercial consignments is that no additional base or product-specific duties are imposed on postal items. This favorable structure significantly alleviates the overall cost burden for exporters, making postal services a more attractive and competitive option—especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), artisans, small traders, and e-commerce exporters seeking to expand their markets.
No Additional Charges for Exporters
Importantly, the Department of Posts has committed not to levy any extra charges on customers for utilizing DDP and Qualified Party services. Postal tariffs will remain unchanged, ensuring that exporters can still enjoy affordable international delivery rates even while complying with the updated U.S. import requirements. This decision emphasizes a commitment to maintaining cost-effectiveness while bolstering the export potential of Indian businesses.
How to Access International Postal Services
With the resumption of operations, customers are now able to book all categories of international mail to the USA. Options include EMS (Express Mail Service), Air Parcels, Registered Letters/Packets, and Tracked Packets. This service can be accessed through any Post Office, International Business Centre (IBC), Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK), or even via the Self-Service Portal at India Post.
Enhancing the Ease of Doing Business
The introduction of the DDP mechanism stands to significantly facilitate business operations by ensuring complete transparency in duty collection. Senders are empowered to prepay all relevant duties in India, resulting in predictable total shipping costs and improved delivery experiences for recipients abroad. This proactive measure drastically enhances logistical ease, providing a strong foundation for future growth in international trade.
Commitment to Supporting Indian Exports
The Department of Posts is determined to foster hassle-free international exports while aligning with key government initiatives such as Make in India, One District One Product (ODOP), and Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs). By offering efficient, reliable, and globally compliant logistics connectivity, India Post reinforces its role in promoting India’s economic growth and export infrastructure.
Heads of Circles have been tasked with organizing awareness and outreach programs targeted at exporters, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, aimed at promoting the use of postal channels for exporting goods. This initiative is crucial for empowering businesses and enhancing their capacity to reach global markets.
A Major Milestone in International Postal Services
The full resumption of international postal services to the USA marks a pivotal moment for India’s export logistics ecosystem. It reflects India Post’s evolving role in supporting an inclusive, export-driven economy, aligning with government visions for sustainable growth. This newly compliant and efficient framework paves the way for Indian businesses to thrive on the global stage, contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economic ambitions.