India Suspends Postal Services to the US – What’s Happening & What It Means
Hi guys, I’m Sonam, your supportive writer and well-wisher. I hope you all are doing well and staying healthy.
•I want to share something that hit many of us—India has paused most postal services to the US from August 25, 2025. Let me explain it , and honest info. You’ll know what used to be the rule, what changed, why, who did it, and when things started rolling. Ready? Let’s go.
1. Before: The Old Rule (De Minimis Exemption):-
•Long back, sending small items to the US was easy. You could send stuff worth up to $800 duty-free—this was the de minimis exemption.
•It applied to clothes, sweets, gifts, small gadgets.
•Families, students, micro-businesses, e-commerce sellers loved it.
•Save on customs, simple paperwork. Everyone benefited.
2. Now: What Changed?
•Executive Order No. 14324, signed by the US, changed the game:
•The $800 duty-free rule is gone.
•Now, all imports entering the US—no matter how cheap—must pay customs duty.
•Effective from August 29, 2025.
•India Post saw this coming. Carriers told them: “We cannot accept parcels unless duties collection system is clear.” So, India Post had to suspend most postal services to the US starting August 25, 2025.
3. Why the Change Happened:-
1. Protect local sellers: Cheap imports were hurting US shops.
2. More revenue for US government: Collect duties on every parcel.
3. Better tracking and control: Prevent misuse of duty-free channel.
India isn’t alone—postal systems across Europe, Asia, Australia also paused services due to same confusion.
4. Who Made the Rule?
•The Trump-era Executive Order (No. 14324) under the IEEPA framework.
•That’s the US government, via U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), now requiring every parcel to pay duty, and demanding a process to collect and transmit those fees. India Post and global operators weren’t ready.
5. Timeline & Background:-
•For a long time: $800 de minimis existed.
•May 2025: Exemption removed for China/Hong Kong.
•July 30, 2025: Executive Order applies to all countries.
•August 15, 2025: CBP issued initial guidance—but too late.
•August 25, 2025: India Post pauses most parcels.
•August 29, 2025: New duty rules kick in.
6. What’s Still Allowed?
Only these three types of items are still accepted by India Post to the US:
-Letters
-Documents
-Gifts valued at USD 100 or less
Anything else—clothes, sweets, electronics, crafts—is paused.
7. Refunds & Pending Shipments:-
•If you booked a parcel already but it can't be sent, India Post will refund your charges. Keep receipts!
•For urgent reorder, private couriers exist, but cost will shoot up because of duties+services.
8. Real Impact on People & Businesses:-
•Students miss small care packages.
•Families can’t send dry snacks, clothes, rakhi, sweets.
•Small sellers face delays and added costs.
•Exporters rely on low-cost shipping—now need to rethink pricing.
9. When Will It Resume?
•There’s no fixed date yet. Service will resume when:
•CBP gives clear, workable duty collection rules
•Postal IT systems are updated to collect duty, track, and remit funds
•Airlines get clarity to carry these parcels
That may take weeks—or even months.
10. What Should You Do Now?
•Don’t send big parcels yet. Wait until process resumes.
•Use allowed options: letters, documents, and $100 gifts.
•Track India Post updates.
•Request refunds if you already booked shipments.
•Private couriers: only if urgent—but prepare for high costs.
● FAQs section:-
Q1: Why did India stop postal services to the US?
A: Because the US removed the $800 duty-free rule. India Post, with no duty collection process, had to pause most parcels from August 25, 2025. Only letters, documents, and $100 gifts still go.
Q2: What is the de minimis exemption?
A: A trade rule that let items below $800 enter the US without duty. It ended globally on August 29, 2025, by Executive Order No. 14324.
Q3: Can I still send something via India Post to the US?
A: Yes, if it’s a letter, document, or gift under $100. All else is paused.
Q4: When will the postal service to US reopen?
A: No confirmed date yet. India Post is waiting on CBP for duty collection rules, and IT systems still need upgrades.
Q5: What about refunds on already booked parcels?
A: Yes, refunds will be available. Keep your booking receipt and ask at your post office.
Q6: Are other countries doing the same?
A: Yes. Postal operators in Europe, Asia, Australia have paused similar services due to same duty rule confusion.
-Final Thoughts :-
You know, this whole pause feels like a sudden brick. But it’s not the end. This is how global rules sometimes change—fast and messy. Writing this, I’m thinking of you: students waiting for books, families missing small munchies, small businesses worried about US customers.
Hang tight. The rules will settle. And when they do, larger parcels will start moving again—maybe with a bit more cost, but with clarity and smoother flow.
Till then, use this blog as your guide—laid-back, honest, and fully yours. Stay informed, stay patient, and most importantly, stay connected—with your loved ones across the globe.
