India Post has announced a complete suspension of all mail services to the United States, citing ongoing uncertainty over new customs regulations issued by the US Customs Department. The decision, effective immediately, halts the booking of all mail categories, including letters, documents, and gift items, regardless of value, according to an official statement released on Sunday.
The suspension follows an earlier restriction on August 22, when India Post paused services for gift items valued above USD 100 due to the new US customs rules. The latest move expands the ban to all mail types, as air carriers continue to refuse US-bound postal consignments amid unclear guidelines. The US administration’s executive order, issued on July 30, 2025, mandates customs duties on goods valued above USD 100, effective from August 29. However, critical details regarding the designation of “qualified parties” responsible for collecting and remitting duties, as well as operational mechanisms, remain undefined by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The lack of clarity has led to significant operational challenges. Since August 25, US-bound air carriers have declined to transport postal shipments, citing insufficient technical and logistical readiness to comply with the new regulations. “The Department of Posts is closely monitoring the situation and is working diligently to resolve these issues and restore services at the earliest opportunity,” the statement noted.
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Customers impacted by the suspension can seek refunds for postage on undelivered items, India Post confirmed. The department had initially flagged the issue on August 23, highlighting the carriers’ refusal to accept shipments due to the regulatory ambiguity. The continued absence of clear guidelines from the CBP has now forced a broader suspension, affecting individuals and businesses relying on India Post for international mail services to the US.
This disruption underscores the challenges of aligning international postal operations with rapidly changing customs policies. As India Post awaits further clarification from US authorities, the suspension is likely to cause delays and inconvenience for customers, particularly those sending time-sensitive documents or gifts. The postal department has assured stakeholders that it is prioritizing efforts to address the issue and resume normal operations as soon as possible.
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