Implementation of provisional SOP on Booking and Handling of Prohibited Items for Air Transmission

Government of India – Ministry of Communications – Department of Posts – Parcel Directorate
Dated 14th March 2026

Subject: Implementation of provisional SOP on Booking and Handling of Prohibited Items for Air Transmission

The SOP is issued provisionally to ensure safe and compliant transmission of Speed Post parcels through air.
All Circles must implement immediately and provide feedback by 31.03.2026.
CEPT is directed to make system changes in line with the SOP.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Highlights

1. Booking Process

Prohibited items list must be displayed at booking counters (Annexure A).
Contents must be declared and entered in the system.
If prohibited, sender is informed and item booked as India Post Parcel (surface).
Training for staff at MPCM counters is mandatory.
CEPT to provide reporting in APT 2.0 MIS portal.

2. Transmission / Dispatch from APTMO

Bag is offloaded, detained, and handed to APTMO.
Dispatch cancelled in APT 2.0 with remarks “Offloaded – Prohibited Item.”
Bag opened under supervision, prohibited parcels removed, rest re-dispatched.
Detained parcels marked “Speed Post Parcel – Surface (Air Detained)” and sent via surface mode.
Customer communication only after parcel-level confirmation (SMS alerts with reason and impact on delivery).

3. Special Provisions for 24 Speed Post Parcel

Departmental staff accompany bags.
If prohibited items found, bag opened, item removed, rest re-dispatched.
Detained items sent via surface mode.
Monitoring and accountability captured in system with user ID, timestamp, reason codes.

4. Monitoring & Reporting

APTMO reports offloading cases to Divisional Head next day.
Divisional Head reviews compliance and sends monthly report by 5th.
Regional Offices send consolidated reports by 10th, Circle Offices by 15th to Parcel Directorate.

5. Training