New Delhi, October 14, 2025: India Post announced on Tuesday that it will resume all categories of postal services to the United States from October 15, nearly two months after halting shipments due to regulatory changes in US customs duties. The Department of Posts (DoP), under the Ministry of Communications, said services including Express Mail Service (EMS), air parcels, registered letters, and tracked packets will be fully restored at all post offices, International Business Centres (IBCs), and Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs).

The suspension, which began on August 29, followed an executive order by the Trump administration that withdrew the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed goods worth up to $800 to enter the US duty-free. The new rules required all shipments to the US to comply with customs duty collection and remittance requirements, prompting India Post and other international carriers to halt US-bound services temporarily. Initially, only letters, documents, and gifts valued up to $100 were allowed, but full postal services were suspended to implement a new mechanism for duty collection.

Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) Mechanism

Starting October 15, India Post will adopt a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) system, fully compliant with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. Under this mechanism, customs duties are calculated at a flat 50% of the declared free-on-board (FOB) value of the shipment and collected in India at the time of booking. The collected duties will be remitted directly to the CBP through authorized intermediaries. Letters, documents, and gifts valued up to $100 will continue to be exempt from customs duties.

According to LK Dash, Deputy Director General (IR & GB), while Indian exporters initially pay the 50% US duty upfront, the cost is ultimately borne by US buyers, who either reimburse the sender or pay a higher total price. DoP Secretary Vandita Kaul added that India Post continues to offer a cheaper alternative to private courier services, making it an attractive option for MSMEs, artisans, small traders, and e-commerce exporters.

Appointment of US-Based Logistics Partner

To implement the DDP mechanism efficiently, India Post appointed US-based e-commerce logistics firm Yakit as the authorized partner to collect and remit export duties to US customs. Yakit charges approximately $0.01 per shipment, but this nominal fee will not be passed on to customers, ensuring that existing postage rates remain unchanged.

Dash explained that the process over the past two months involved selecting a qualified intermediary, running tests, integrating software, and meeting US compliance requirements. With these measures in place, India Post will now provide faster customs clearance and delivery while eliminating surprise charges or delays for customers.

Strengthening International Logistics

A public notice issued by the DoP instructed all Heads of Circles to raise awareness among exporters and sellers and facilitate exports through DNKs and designated booking offices. The department described the resumption of US-bound postal services as “a major milestone in strengthening India’s international logistics network”.

The move is also aligned with national initiatives such as Make in India and One District One Product (ODOP), which aim to boost domestic manufacturing, support small businesses, and promote Indian products in international markets. By streamlining customs compliance and ensuring uninterrupted postal services, India Post seeks to provide exporters with a reliable, cost-effective, and competitive logistics solution for the US market.

With the DDP mechanism and full restoration of services, exporters, MSMEs, and e-commerce sellers now have a predictable, transparent channel for sending goods to the United States, marking a significant improvement in bilateral trade facilitation and global supply chain efficiency.

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