India Post Suspends All Mail Services to the United States
India Post has suspended all mail services to the US, including letters, documents, and parcels, due to a lack of clarity on new American customs regulations. The suspension follows a US executive order that subjects most postal items to customs duties. With critical processes for duty collection undefined, air carriers have refused to transport US-bound mail, forcing the complete halt. The move disrupts a significant channel for personal correspondence, e-commerce, and small business exports, impacting countless individuals and companies across India.
Unpacked:
The US executive order removed the duty-free exemption for goods valued up to $800, making all incoming international postal items subject to customs duties. Only gifts valued up to $100 remain duty-free. Carriers are now required to collect and remit duties, but the mechanisms for doing so have not been clearly defined.
Over 30 countries, including major postal operators in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and elsewhere, have suspended or limited shipments to the US due to the unclear tariff rules. Nations like Germany, France, the UK, Australia, and Japan have paused merchandise parcels to the US, affecting millions globally.
Indian families sending personal letters or gifts, students mailing academic documents, small businesses relying on exports, and e-commerce vendors are most impacted. Their communication and commercial activities with US recipients have been disrupted, affecting livelihoods and personal connections.
India Post has stated that customers who booked items that cannot be sent to the US due to the suspension are eligible for postage reimbursement. Efforts are underway to clarify rules and restore services as soon as possible.