Suspension of IOSS and Selected EU Postal Services w.e.f. 27 June 2026

No. DA- 22/2/2026- IR- DOP 

Government of India Ministry of Communications 

Department of Posts (IR & GB Division)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg New Delhi- 110001 Dated: 25.06.2026

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Suspension of IOSS services to EU and of both IOSS and non- IOSS service to Austria and Denmark except Document and Personal shipments.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the European Commission Regulation C(2026) 2760 dated 30 April 2026, introducing a new customs framework with effect from 1 July 2026. Under the revised framework, the existing customs duty exemption for commercial consignments valued up to €150 has been withdrawn. Consequently, all commercial international postal consignments destined for countries of the European Union, irrespective of value, shall be subject to applicable customs duties, taxes, handling charges, Duty at Place (DAP), and any other charges as prescribed by the destination country. However, documents, gift items, and personal shipments valued up to €45 shall continue to remain exempt from customs duties and taxes. Personal shipments exceeding €45 in value shall be liable for payment of applicable duties, taxes, handling charges, DAP charges, and other related fees as per the regulations of the destination country.

Under the new framework, European Union countries have introduced a Duty at Place (DAP) mechanism, whereby customs duties, taxes, handling charges, and the prescribed DAP fee shall be collected by the designated postal operator of the destination country. The DAP fee varies from country to country. The Department of Posts is in the process of introducing a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) service, targeted for implementation from 1st July 2026.

Further, the Import One- Stop Shop (IOSS) mechanism remains applicable for consignments destined for European Union countries. Where the sender possesses a valid IOSS number, VAT is not required to be paid either at the time of booking or during customs assessment, as such liabilities are settled separately through the IOSS framework. However, upon review of the requirements communicated by European Union countries and considering the limited time available for implementation, coupled with certain technical constraints in system development, it has been decided that booking of postal articles carrying an IOSS number shall be discontinued with effect from 27 June 2026.

In view of the short notice provided for implementation of the new European Union customs framework, its operational complexity, and certain technical limitations at the Department of Posts' end, it has been decided to suspend, with effect from 27 June 2026, the booking of:

(i) All IOSS consignments destined for European Union countries; and

(ii) Non-IOSS consignments destined for Austria and Denmark.

However, documents/letters, gift items, personal shipments, and non- IOSS commercial consignments shall continue to be accepted for booking Customs duties shall not be applicable on documents/letters, gift items, and personal shipments valued up to €45. Any applicable duties, taxes, handling charges, and DAP charges on other categories of consignments shall be levied in accordance

It is further informed that the IR&GB Division is making all possible efforts to operationalize the DDP service for European Union countries and to conclude the necessary bilateral arrangements, Power of Attorneys to authorising the third party as declarant with destination postal operators. These measures are aimed at ensuring compliance with the revised European Union customs requirements and facilitating the early restoration of full- fledged postal services to European Union destinations. The detailed set of instructions enabling DDP solution to EU shall be issued shortly.

In line with this O.M., it is requested that refund of postage may be processed in cases where booked items cannot be dispatched or returned from destination due to the restrictions prescribed above in the prevailing circumstances. Customers seeking a refund may submit a written application to the booking Post Office. The Post Office shall further coordinate with Foreign Post Office to ensure due return of the shipment.

(Himanshu Chaudhary) Assistant Director General (International Relations)

To

1. All Heads of Circles.
2. All the FPOs/ OEs
3. GM, CEPT to suspend booking of European Union countries articles as per above instructions contained.