India Post To Resume Postal Services To US On Oct 15; 50 Percent Custom Duty

India, on Tuesday, announced the resumption of all categories of international postal services to the United States, effective from October 15, following a temporary suspension of the services. The Department of Posts of the Ministry of Communications said that the move follows the successful implementation of a new Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) mechanism to comply with updated regulations issued by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Under the new system, all customs duties for postal shipments to the US will be collected at the time of booking in India and remitted directly to US authorities, ensuring quick customs clearance and hassle-free delivery for recipients in the US.

Read also: Make Payments Without Even Internet: All About RBI’s New Digital Rupee ‘e₹’

Postal services to the US were suspended on August 22, following an executive order 14324 by the US administration, withdrawing de minimis treatment for all postal shipments. The suspension resulted from the new US requirements for upfront duty collection and remittance on all incoming postal items.

The Ministry of Communication stated that India Posts has now established a compliant DDP mechanism after extensive system development, coordination with CBP-approved Qualified Parties, and successful operational trials in Delhi and Maharashtra circles.

As per the CBP guidelines, postal shipments from India will be subjected to a flat customs duty of 50 percent on the declared Free on Board (FOB) value, as outlined in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff. However, unlike courier or commercial shipments, no additional product-specific duties will be imposed, offering a cost advantage to exporters.

India Post will not charge customers any additional fee for facilitating the DDP process. International postal tariffs will remain unchanged, helping to retain export logistics affordable for MSMEs, artisans, e-commerce sellers, and small traders.

Read also: Google Announces India’s First AI Hub In Visakhapatnam With Full AI Stack, Consumer Services

Ministry also mentioned, “the Department of Posts will not levy any additional charges on customers for facilitating DDP and Qualified Party services. The postal tariffs will remain unchanged, ensuring that exporters continue to benefit from affordable international delivery rates while complying with the revised US import requirements. This measure has been introduced to maintain affordability, support MSMEs, and boost India’s exports through the postal channel”.