The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has exciting news for exporters, small traders, and e-commerce businesses. Effective **15 October 2025**, all categories of international postal services to the United States of America (USA) will resume, marking a significant development in global trade logistics.
This resumption comes after a suspension initiated via an Office Memorandum dated **22 August 2025**. The suspension was a response to Executive Order 14324 issued by the U.S. Administration, which altered the landscape for postal shipments by suspending the **de minimis** treatment for all such shipments. The regulatory changes were introduced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), compelling a reevaluation of how import duties are collected and remitted.
After thorough system development and extensive collaboration with CBP-approved Qualified Parties, India Post has rolled out a compliant mechanism for **Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)** processing. This new system significantly streamlines the process for sending items to the USA. Under this arrangement, all applicable customs duties are now collected upfront in India at the time of shipment booking. These duties are remitted directly to CBP through the approved Qualified Parties, which facilitates faster customs clearance and ensures a seamless delivery experience for international recipients.
According to CBP guidelines, postal shipments from India to the USA incur customs duties charged at a **flat rate of 50% of the declared Free on Board (FOB) value**. This structure stems from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff applicable to shipments originating from India. Notably, postal consignments enjoy a simplified duty structure, as no additional base or product-specific duties are imposed. This arrangement significantly reduces costs for exporters, making postal services a more viable and competitive option for MSMEs, artisans, small traders, and e-commerce exporters.
Importantly, the Department of Posts is committed to not levying any extra charges for facilitating DDP and Qualified Party services, thereby keeping postal tariffs unchanged. This means that exporters can still take advantage of affordable international delivery rates while adhering to revised U.S. import protocols. Such measures are designed to ensure that small and medium enterprises remain competitive in the global marketplace, fostering export growth through the postal channel.
With the resumption underway, customers will now be able to book all categories of international mail, including EMS, Air Parcels, Registered Letters, and Tracked Packets, for delivery to the USA. Services can be accessed from any Post Office, International Business Centre (IBC), or Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK), and bookings are also available through the Self-Service Portal at www.indiapost.gov.in.
The new DDP mechanism emphasizes ease of doing business by introducing full transparency in duty collection. This prepayment system ensures that senders can calculate predictable total shipping costs while enhancing the delivery experience for recipients in the USA. This simplification represents a significant forward stride in aligning India’s postal services with international standards, reinforcing India’s commitment to global trade.
The Department of Posts remains steadfast in its mission to provide hassle-free international export solutions. The initiative dovetails nicely with the Indian government’s flagship programs, including Make in India and One District One Product (ODOP), by ensuring that affordable, reliable, and globally compliant logistics connectivity is readily available for exporters and small businesses. Moreover, heads of Circles have been advised to conduct outreach programs aimed at educating these stakeholders about leveraging the postal export channel effectively.
This milestone not only strengthens India’s international postal network but also enhances the country’s position as a key player in supporting export-driven economic growth. The ongoing developments in this sector reflect a growing recognition of the vital role that India Post plays in facilitating trade and opening new avenues for Indian products across borders.
By Samrat/Murali/Allen