India Post Resumes All Postal Services to the US; Launches DDP Product with 6.5% Lower Duty on Jewellery

India’s Department of Posts has announced the resumption of all categories of international postal services to the US with effect from 15th October 2025. Postal services to the USA were suspended on 22nd August 2025 following a U.S. Executive Order that withdrew de-minimis treatment for postal shipments. The services are now being fully restored after successful operational trials in Delhi and Maharashtra, where new systems aligned with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements were tested.

For the first time, India Post has introduced a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) mechanism, allowing customers to pay all applicable US import duties at the time of booking in India. These duties will be directly remitted to the CBP through authorised Qualified Parties, ensuring faster customs clearance and hassle-free delivery to recipients in the US.

Developed in close consultation with industry stakeholders including GJEPC, the newly launched DDP product marks a major breakthrough in cross-border logistics.

Under the new system, postal shipments from India to the USA will attract a flat customs duty of 50% of the declared FOB value. No additional base tariff, which is currently 6.5% on jewellery, or product-specific duties will apply, making the postal route more cost-effective for MSMEs, small traders, artisans, and e-commerce exporters.

All categories of international mail—EMS, Air Parcels, Registered Letters/Packets, and Tracked Packets—can now be booked to the US from any Post Office, International Business Centre, or Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK), as well as through the India Post Self-Service Portal at www.indiapost.gov.in.

India Post clarified that no extra charges will be levied for the new DDP and Qualified Party services, and postal tariffs will remain unchanged. The initiative aims to boost exports through the postal channel while enhancing transparency and ease of doing business.

The Department reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government initiatives such as Make in India, One District One Product (ODOP), and Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras, by providing affordable and reliable global logistics connectivity.