India resumes postal services to US on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after a nearly two-month suspension triggered by new American import rules. The Department of Posts announced the move to support small businesses and artisans. Services cover parcels, letters, and tracked packets. Exporters now face a 50 per cent flat duty collected in India.
This resumption bolsters India-US trade links vital for South Asia’s remittance-dependent families and growing e-commerce sector. Non-Resident Indians sending gifts homeward stand to benefit from predictable costs. It aligns with New Delhi’s export push amid global tariff tensions.
India Resumes Postal Services to US October 2025
The Department of Posts confirmed that all international mail categories to the United States reopen from October 15, 2025. Customers can book EMS, air parcels, registered letters, packets, and tracked items at post offices, International Business Centres, or Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras. Online booking via ‘www.indiapost.gov.in’ resumes immediately.
Suspension began on August 22, 2025, via an office memorandum. It stemmed from US Customs and Border Protection requirements under Executive Order 14324. This order ended the de minimis exemption for low-value shipments under $800. Previously, such items entered duty-free, but volumes exploded from 134 million in 2015 to 1.36 billion in 2024.
India Post developed systems for upfront duty collection after trials in Delhi and Maharashtra circles. Coordination with CBP-approved parties ensured compliance. The restart precedes Indian and US trade talks in Washington this week. It follows US tariff hikes to 50 per cent on some Indian goods over Russian oil imports.
Exporters welcome the change. Postal channels now offer affordable options versus couriers. India Post handles over 4 million daily de minimis shipments globally, per US data. This resumption aids micro, small, and medium enterprises under Make in India and One District One Product schemes.
India Post US DDP System Explained
India Post US DDP system explained marks a shift to Delivery Duty Paid processing. Senders pay all duties in India at booking. India Post remits funds to CBP via qualified parties. This avoids recipient surprises and speeds clearance.
Duty applies at 50 per cent of the declared FOB value under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariff. Country of origin India triggers this rate. Postal items skip extra base or product-specific levies, unlike commercial consignments. No added fees from India Post; tariffs stay flat.
The DDP model ensures transparency. Total costs become predictable upfront. Recipients in the US get seamless delivery without delays. Trials confirmed efficiency. Heads of postal circles must run awareness drives for small traders and e-commerce firms.
This setup lowers barriers for artisans and startups. It positions postal exports as competitive against private logistics. India Post commits to hassle-free international trade support.
US Tariffs Impact on India Mail Services
US tariffs impact on India mail services centres on the de minimis suspension. From August 29, 2025, low-value packages faced full duties. This hit Indian shippers hard, halting flows to America’s vast market.
The flat 50 per cent rate applies to postal mail. It stems from trade frictions, including penalties for India’s Russian oil buys. Broader tariffs doubled on select goods. Postal volumes to the US dropped sharply during suspension.
Recovery now hinges on DDP compliance. Exporters gain from no surprise fees abroad. Yet, the duty hikes costs by half the value. Small parcels under $800 no longer qualify for exemptions. This affects gifts, samples, and e-commerce orders.
South Asian trade watchers note ripple effects. Pakistan and Bangladesh face similar US rules, but India’s quick adaptation sets a precedent. Remittances via mail could stabilise for NRIs. Overall, it tests resilience in bilateral ties worth billions annually.
Sending Parcels from India to US After Suspension
Sending parcels from India to US after suspension simplifies with clear guidelines. Visit any post office or use the self-service portal. Declare values accurately for duty calculation. EMS suits urgent documents; air parcels handle goods up to 20kg.
Track items online post-booking. Delivery times aim for 7-15 days, faster than suspension-era uncertainties. Avoid prohibited items like liquids or batteries per US rules.
For businesses, Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras offer export kits. Outreach sessions start soon in key circles. This channel suits low-volume senders over air freight.
Families sending gifts find relief. Predictable pricing aids budgeting. India Post urges early bookings to manage initial volumes.
Background
The halt began August 22, 2025, amid US efforts to curb undervalued imports. De minimis loopholes fueled e-commerce surges, prompting the executive order. India coordinated swiftly, unlike some nations still offline.
Postal ties date to 1876 under the Universal Postal Union. Bilateral volumes hit millions yearly pre-suspension. This episode highlights tariff vulnerabilities in South Asia-US commerce.
What’s Next
India Post plans nationwide workshops from late October 2025. Exporters get DDP training. Monitor US policy shifts post-talks. Potential duty tweaks could follow negotiations.
India resumes postal services to US, paving the way for sustained export growth and family connections across oceans.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 15th, 2025
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