The Department of Posts has suspended all categories of mail to the United States, including letters, documents, and gift items valued up to $100, due to confusion over new US import duty regulations. This move follows a partial suspension earlier this week and aims to address issues related to undefined regulatory mechanisms and carriers’ inability to transport US-bound mail.
A notice issued by the Department of Posts stated, “In view of the inability of carriers to transport US-bound mail, and undefined regulatory mechanisms, it has now been decided to completely suspend booking of all categories of mail, including letters/documents and gifts valued up to USD, destined to the USA.”
The suspension comes after the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate the global “de minimis” exemption, which previously allowed goods under $800 to enter the US with minimal paperwork. Starting August 29, all parcels entering the US are now subject to customs duties, except for small gifts under $100, as per an Executive Order issued on July 30.
Deputy Director General (IR&GB) LK Dash emphasized the necessity of the suspension, stating, “We have no other alternative but to suspend. We can’t go on inconveniencing the customers.” He further explained that even items exempt from customs duties, such as gifts and letters under $100, were suspended because airlines have refused to carry parcels due to the lack of clarity on duty collection procedures.
The US order mandates that airlines or other approved agencies collect and pay customs duties on parcels. However, the US has not yet clarified which agencies are authorized to collect these duties or how the duty collection system will operate. This lack of clarity has led to uncertainties in transit arrangements, prompting over 25 countries to suspend outbound postal services to the US.
India Post has not yet explored temporary tie-ups with private couriers but may start discussions soon to see if such routing is possible. The department is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to restore services at the earliest. Customers with items already booked but not dispatched can claim postage refunds.
