India Post Resumes USA Mail Service - DOP OM No. DA-40/2/2025-DA-DOP dated 13/10/2025

No. DA-40/2/2025-DA-DOP

Government of India

Ministry of Communications

Department of Posts

(IR & GB Division)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg

New Delhi-110001

Dated: 13.10.2025

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Resumption of booking of mail to USA in view of the suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for all countries.

In continuation of this office OM of even number dated 22nd August, 2025, whereby all postal services to the United States of America (USA) were suspended with effect from 25th August, 2025, in view of Executive Order 14324 issued by the U.S. Administration suspending de-minimis treatment for all postal shipments, it is hereby informed that the Department of Posts shall resume full postal services to the USA with effect from 15th October, 2025.

The decision follows the successful completion of operational trials in Delhi and Maharashtra Circles, where mechanisms compliant with the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines were established through the implementation of Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) and Qualified Party services. The trials confirmed smooth collection and remittance of customs duties, timely transmission through airlines, and efficient delivery by USPS in the USA.

As per CBP guidelines, customs duties on postal shipments from India to the USA are applicable at a flat rate of 50% of the declared FOB value, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff. Unlike courier or commercial shipments, no additional base or product-specific duties are levied on postal consignments. This differential duty structure significantly reduces the total duty burden on exporters and enhances the price competitiveness of Indian sellers using the postal channel. Consequently, the postal route offers a cost-effective and compliant export option for MSMEs, artisans, and small e-commerce sellers targeting the U.S. market.

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) detailing end-to-end operational guidelines—from booking to final delivery—has been prepared and enclosed for strict compliance by all Circles, Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs), International Business Centres (IBCs), and Foreign Post Offices (FPOs). The SOP ensures uniform implementation of the DDP mechanism, accurate customs declaration, and proper segregation and processing of dutiable and non-dutiable items.

All Heads of Circles and concerned operational units shall ensure adherence to the enclosed SOP and readiness of systems for the smooth resumption of postal services to the USA from 15th October, 2025. The CEPT shall continue to monitor and reconcile duty collections and remittances through the Qualified Party until the automated MIS module is fully operational.

The resumption of postal services to the USA marks a major milestone for India Post, representing its first operational deployment of the DDP solution. This initiative enhances ease of doing business by enabling full transparency in duty collection upfront at the time of booking, ensuring that recipients in the USA receive deliveries without any additional charges or customs intervention. It also promotes trust and predictability in cross-border trade. All Heads of Circles are advised to take proactive steps to increase awareness among exporters, MSMEs, e-commerce sellers, and ODOP producers, and to facilitate exports through Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs). This initiative directly supports the Government of India’s vision to promote exports under flagship schemes such as Make in India, One District One Product (ODOP), Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs), and other export promotion programmes by providing an affordable, transparent, and regulatory compliant logistics channel.

This issues with the approval of competent authority.

To

1. Sr PPS Member (O)
2. All Heads of Circles.
3. CGM (Parcel)/DDG (MO)/DDG(Marketing)
4. GM, CEPT
5. All the FPOs/ OEs

(Himanshu Chaudhary)

Assistant Director General

(International Mail)