New Delhi [India], August 23 (ANI): The Department of Posts has announced the temporary suspension of certain postal services to the United States, following Executive Order No. 14324 issued by the US Administration on July 30. The order withdraws the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800, effective August 29.
According to the Ministry of Communications, all international postal items destined for the US, regardless of value, will now be subject to customs duties under the country-specific International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) tariff framework. However, gift items valued up to USD 100 will remain exempt from duties.
The Executive Order requires transport carriers delivering shipments through the international postal network, or other “qualified parties” approved by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to collect and remit duties on postal shipments. While CBP issued certain guidelines on August 15, key processes regarding the designation of “qualified parties” and mechanisms for duty collection and remittance remain undefined.
As a result, US-bound air carriers have informed authorities of their inability to accept postal consignments after August 25, citing a lack of operational and technical readiness.
In response, the Department of Posts has decided to temporarily suspend booking of all types of postal articles to the US, with effect from August 25, except for letters, documents, and gift items up to USD 100 in value. These exempt categories will continue to be accepted and forwarded, pending further clarification from CBP and USPS.
The Department said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with stakeholders and is working to normalize services as quickly as possible. Customers who have already booked articles that cannot be dispatched may seek a refund of postage.
The Department of Posts expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured that all possible measures are being taken to restore full services to the United States at the earliest. (ANI)
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