US postal services from India to be halted starting August 25 in response to Trump's tariff measures.
The Indian Department of Posts has announced a temporary suspension of all postal services to the United States, effective from August 25. This decision comes as a result of changes in US customs rules that will take effect later this month.
Under the new order, all international postal items destined for the USA, regardless of their value, will be subject to customs duties under the IEEPA tariff framework, effective from August 29. However, gift items worth up to $100 will continue to remain exempt.
The suspension is due to unresolved processes concerning the designation of "qualified parties" and mechanisms for duty collection, as outlined in US Customs guidelines. The order withdraws the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to $800, as stated in Executive Order No. 14324, issued by the US administration on July 30.
US-bound air carriers have informed Indian authorities that they will be unable to accept consignments after August 25 due to lack of operational readiness. This has led to many postal service providers in 25 countries, including Switzerland, to suspend shipments to the USA due to uncertainties about the new US customs rules.
The department is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with all stakeholders, with the aim of normalizing services at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, customers who have already booked undeliverable items may seek a refund of postage.
The suspension comes amid escalating trade tensions, with US President Donald Trump imposing a 25% tariff on India, and an additional 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil, totaling 50%.
Despite the suspension, the department has clarified that the delivery of letters and documents, as well as gift items up to $100 in value, will not be affected. The department is making every effort to resume normal postal services to the United States as soon as possible.
