The Department of Posts (DoP) has announced a complete suspension of all categories of mail services to the United States, creating significant disruption for individuals and businesses alike. The suspension comes only days after the DoP had earlier declared a temporary halt on parcel services due to confusion over new U.S. import duty rules. Now, the suspension extends to letters, documents, and even gift items valued at up to 100 dollars, or about ₹8,814.
According to officials, the immediate cause of the suspension is the inability of carriers to transport mail bound for the U.S. Alongside this, the absence of clear regulatory mechanisms has further complicated matters. A public notice dated August 29, 2025, stated that in view of these challenges, the DoP had decided to suspend the booking of all mail categories for the United States until further clarity emerges.
The notice explained that the Department is closely monitoring the situation and committed to restoring services as quickly as possible. For customers who had already booked items that could not be dispatched, the DoP has promised to issue postage refunds. While this measure provides some relief, the wider disruption has caused concern for thousands of people who depend on postal services to maintain personal and business connections with the United States.
The root of the problem lies in a recent policy decision by the U.S. administration. Last month, President Trump’s government announced the scrapping of the global “de minimis” rule that allowed goods worth up to 800 dollars to enter the United States with minimal paperwork and no customs duties. With the rule removed starting August 29, every parcel entering the United States now attracts customs duties, except for small gifts under 100 dollars. This change, issued through an executive order on July 30, has complicated international mail transport, leaving foreign postal departments struggling to adjust to new compliance requirements.
LK Dash, Deputy Director General of International Relations and Global Business at the DoP, explained the department’s position. “We have no other alternative but to suspend. We cannot go on inconveniencing the customers,” he said. Dash also clarified why even gifts and letters valued under 100 dollars, which are exempt from customs duties, were included in the suspension. “If airlines refuse to carry the parcels, we simply have no alternative,” he stated.
This explanation highlights the crucial role of airlines and logistics companies in international postal operations. Even if items are legally exempt from customs duties, the refusal of carriers to transport mail makes it impossible for India Post to fulfill its services.
The suspension has significant implications. Students, families, and professionals who rely on sending documents or gifts will now face delays and additional costs if they turn to private couriers. Businesses, particularly small exporters who depend on affordable postal services, may also suffer setbacks in trade.
For now, the DoP has assured that it is in active discussions to find a solution. However, until regulatory clarity is achieved and carriers agree to resume services, the suspension will remain in force. The situation underscores how global policy shifts can quickly disrupt local services and inconvenience ordinary citizens.
India Post has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and has urged patience from customers while it works to restore normal operations. Until then, communication and trade between India and the United States must find alternate, often more expensive, channels.
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