India Post Resumes Full Postal Services to the US with New Duty-Paid System

India Post has announced the resumption of all international postal services to the United States, effective October 15, 2025. This follows a nearly two-month suspension due to changes in U.S. import regulations. The Department of Posts has introduced a new Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) system to streamline customs clearance and reduce delivery costs

Background of the Suspension
In August 2025, the U.S. eliminated the “de minimis” exemption, which had allowed low-value shipments to enter tariff-free. This change required India to establish a system for collecting and remitting U.S. customs duties upfront, leading to the temporary suspension of postal services to the U.S.

Implementation of the DDP System
India Post has developed a compliant mechanism for DDP processing, in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-approved Qualified Parties. Operational trials were conducted in Delhi and Maharashtra circles to ensure the system’s effectiveness. Under the new system, all applicable customs duties will be collected at the time of booking in India and remitted directly to U.S. authorities.

Impact on Exporters and Consumers
The introduction of the DDP system aims to enhance the ease of doing business by providing complete transparency in duty collection. Senders can now prepay all applicable duties in India, ensuring predictable total shipping costs and smoother delivery experiences for recipients in the U.S. This development is expected to benefit exporters, including small businesses, artisans, traders, and e-commerce operators, by making international mail more predictable and affordable.

Conclusion
The resumption of postal services to the U.S., coupled with the new DDP system, marks a significant step in enhancing the efficiency and affordability of international shipping for Indian exporters and consumers. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to adapting to global trade dynamics and supporting its growing export sector.