India Post halts US postal bookings from August 25 after revised duty rules

From 25 August, only letters, documents, and gift parcels up to $ 100 will be accepted for delivery to the US until further notice.

The Department of Posts on Saturday announced the temporary suspension of booking for most categories of postal articles to the United States, starting from 25 August, after recent regulatory changes by the US administration.

Under an Executive Order issued by the US administration on July 30, 2025, goods valued above $100 will be subject to customs duties in America with effect from August 29 onwards.

Ministry of Communications, in a statement, said that the move comes after Executive Order No. 14324, issued on 30 July 2025, withdrew the duty-free exemption on goods valued up to $800. Under the new framework, all international postal items to the USA will attract customs duties in line with the International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) tariff system. "Gift items valued up to $ 100, however, will continue to remain exempt," the statement said.

As per the order, transport carriers or “qualified parties” designated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are responsible for collecting and remitting these duties. But with several critical processes still undefined, U.S.-bound air carriers have expressed their inability to accept consignments, forcing India Post to halt services.

"From 25 August, only letters, documents, and gift parcels up to $100 will be accepted for delivery to the US until further notice," the statement said. "Customers who have already booked consignments falling outside these categories may claim a refund of postage," further added.

The Department of Posts stated that it is working closely with stakeholders to restore normal services as soon as possible and regrets the inconvenience caused to customers.