New Delhi– The Department of Posts has announced a temporary suspension of most consignments to the United States starting **August 25**, following a change in US import duty rules.
The US government has withdrawn the **duty-free exemption** on goods valued up to **USD 800**. From **August 29**, all postal items entering the US will attract customs duty under the **International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA)**. Only **gift parcels worth up to USD 100** will remain duty-free.
Airlines have said they cannot carry postal parcels until a clear system is created for collecting and paying duties. As a result, **India Post will stop booking all parcels for the US**, except for **letters, documents, and gifts under USD 100**.
Customers who have already booked parcels that cannot be dispatched will be given a **refund of postage**. The Department said it “deeply regrets the inconvenience” and is working to **resume services soon**.
India is not alone. Postal groups in **Scandinavia, Austria, France, and Belgium** have also paused US shipments. **Deutsche Post DHL** said it will stop standard parcels to the US from August 25, though its **DHL Express service** will continue.
The move comes as part of a wider trade shake-up under **US President Donald Trump’s second term**. In recent weeks, Washington has also imposed **25% additional tariffs on Indian exports**, raising the total duty to **50%**, citing New Delhi’s purchase of Russian crude oil.
