India’s postal service has announced a temporary suspension of nearly all categories of mail destined for the United States, starting August 25, 2025, in response to changes in U.S. import duty regulations. Only letters, documents, and gift items valued up to USD 100 will still be accepted, while parcels above that value are currently on hold.
The disruption stems from the removal of the “de minimis” exemption, a policy that previously allowed items valued up to USD 800 to enter the U.S. without customs duties. Under the new framework, almost all international shipments to the U.S. are subject to tariffs unless exempted or governed by newly defined procedures — which are not yet fully clear.
This decision has created concern among students, small exporters, families sending personal items, and e-commerce stakeholders who relied on India Post for affordable shipping. The lack of clarity around how duties will be collected and remitted, and who will be responsible for them, has led carriers to halt services until guidelines are formalized.
Customers who have already booked mail that cannot now be dispatched are eligible for refunds. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Indian postal and customs authorities are reported to be in discussions to work out operational details and reinstate normal postal functions when feasible.
