Kochi: The Department of Posts has announced the temporary suspension of all postal services to the United States from August 25, 2025, following recent regulatory changes introduced by the U.S. administration.
According to an official release, the suspension comes in the wake of an Executive Order issued on July 30, 2025, which withdraws the de minimis exemption that earlier allowed duty-free import of goods valued up to USD 800.
With effect from August 29, 2025, customs duties will be applicable on all international postal consignments to the U.S, regardless of their value, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) framework. However, gift items valued up to USD 100 will continue to remain exempt.
The order further mandates postal operators and other “qualified parties” authorised by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect and remit customs duties on consignments.
While CBP issued preliminary guidelines on August 15, 2025, crucial procedures regarding the designation of “qualified parties” and the mechanisms for duty collection and payment are yet to be clearly defined.
Citing a lack of operational clarity and technical preparedness, airlines transporting mail to the U.S have informed that they will not accept postal consignments after August 25, 2025.
In view of this, the Department of Posts has decided to suspend the booking of all postal articles addressed to the United States from that date. However, letters, documents, and gift items up to USD 100 in value will continue to be accepted, subject to further clarifications from CBP and the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The Department assured that it is closely monitoring developments in coordination with all stakeholders and will resume full services to the U.S. at the earliest. Customers who have already booked consignments that cannot now be dispatched will be eligible to claim refunds of postal charges, it added.
Expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to customers, the Department reiterated its commitment to restoring normal postal operations to the United States without delay.