India’s Department of Posts has suspended all categories of mail destined for the United States—this includes letters, documents, and gift items valued up to USD 100—effective August 25, 2025. The move follows the U.S.’s removal of the longstanding “de minimis exemption,” which previously allowed imports under USD 800 to enter duty-free (The Siasat Daily, The Economic Times).
The suspension stems from carriers’ inability to process U.S.-bound mail under the new customs rules and undefined regulatory mechanisms. While the executive order takes effect on August 29, India’s postal system has halted bookings immediately to avoid legal and logistical complications (The Economic Times, The Siasat Daily).
Global Reaction and Wider Context
This disruption isn’t isolated to India. Postal operators in nearly 25 countries, including Australia, Japan, and many European nations, have temporarily suspended services to the U.S. in response to sweeping regulatory changes (The Times of India, The Week, Hindustan Times). For example:
- Australia Post and South African Post Office have halted shipments over the same uncertainty (Cape Town ETC, The Guardian).
- Reuters reports the U.S. implemented a six-month transition period during which postal operators must adjust to new customs procedures amid the global shipping crisis (Reuters).
Impact and Way Forward
- On Businesses and Individuals: With mail delivery halted, e-commerce, gift exchange, and international document shipments face immediate disruption.
- Industry Outlook: Export groups anticipate up to a one-month delay before services resume, as postal companies and regulators adjust to new customs duty protocols (The Siasat Daily).
