New Delhi: In a surprising move, India has put a temporary halt on most postal services to the United States, leaving many wondering about the fate of their parcels and letters.
Starting Monday (August 25, 2025), the decision comes in response to new regulations introduced by the US government, creating a ripple effect on international shipping. But don’t worry —letters, documents, and small gift items up to $100 will still make their way across the seas.
Let’s dive into the details of this development and what it means for you.
Why The Sudden Halt?
The root of this change lies in a new executive order signed by the US government on July 30, 2025. Known as Executive Order No. 14324, it scraps the duty-free exemption for imported goods valued up to $800. From August 29, 2025, all items entering the US will face customs duties under the International Emergency Economic Power Act. The only exception? Gift items worth $100 or less, which will remain duty-free.
This shift has created a logistical puzzle. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency rolled out guidelines on August 15, 2025, but key details — like who qualifies as a “qualified party” to collect duties and how the process will work— remain unclear. With no clear system in place, air carriers have decided to stop accepting postal shipments to the US after August 25, citing operational and technical challenges.
What Can Still Be Sent?
For now, the Department of Posts in India has clarified that only letters, documents, and gift items valued up to $100 will be accepted for dispatch to the US. Everything else — think packages, merchandise, or larger shipments — is on hold until further notice. This restriction has left businesses and individuals who rely on postal services in a bit of a fix, especially those sending goods for trade or personal use.
Efforts To Resolve The Issue
The Department of Posts isn’t sitting idle. They’re working closely with the CBP and the United States Postal Service (USPS) to sort out the mess and restore full services as soon as possible. In the meantime, customers who’ve already booked parcels that can’t be shipped are eligible for a refund of their postage fees. The department has expressed regret for the inconvenience and assured everyone they’re doing their best to get things back on track.
What Does This Mean For You?
If you’re planning to send a package to the US, you’ll need to hold off unless it’s a letter, document, or a small gift under $100. Businesses relying on exports to the US via postal services may face delays, so it’s worth exploring alternative shipping options like private couriers, though those come with their own costs and complexities. For now, patience is the name of the game as both countries work to iron out the details.
The temporary suspension of most postal services from India to the US is a curveball for many, driven by new US regulations that have thrown a spanner in the works. While letters and small gifts can still make the journey, larger parcels are stuck in limbo. As the Department of Posts collaborates with US authorities to find a solution, customers are left hoping for a quick resolution. Until then, keep an eye out for updates, and maybe stick to sending heartfelt letters instead of hefty packages!