Centre Suspends All US-Bound Mail Bookings, India Post Says Customers Can Claim Refunds

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 17:33 IST

The decision was shared through a public notice issued on Sunday, following an earlier temporary suspension on August 22

Customers who have already booked items that could not be dispatched are entitled to a refund of postage, the department clarified. (File photo)

The central government on Sunday announced a complete suspension of all categories of mail bookings to the United States, citing continued challenges in transportation and regulatory clarity.

The decision was shared through a public notice issued on Sunday, following an earlier temporary suspension on August 22.

In a statement, the Department of Posts said that despite a review, it remains unfeasible to continue dispatching mail to the USA due to a lack of available carriers and clear regulatory mechanisms.

“In view of the ongoing inability of carriers to transport U.S.-bound mail and in the absence of defined regulatory mechanisms, it has been decided to completely suspend the booking of all categories of mail, including letters, documents, and gift items valued up to USD 100, destined for the USA,” the notice read.

Customers who have already booked items that could not be dispatched are entitled to a refund of postage, the department clarified. It also added that it is “closely monitoring the situation and making every effort to restore services at the earliest”.

Following the official release, India Post took to social media to share the announcement with a similar message.

“Booking of all categories of mail to the United States of America has been suspended until further notice due to carrier unavailability & undefined regulatory mechanisms. India Post remains committed to serving the nation with trust & reliability,” India Post wrote on X.

India Post further stated, “For items already booked but not dispatched, postage refunds may be claimed. We are closely monitoring the situation and will make every effort to restore services at the earliest. We deeply regret the inconvenience and thank our esteemed customers for their patience & understanding.”

The latest update comes in the wake of new US trade regulations introduced under Executive Order No. 14324, signed by US President Donald Trump in July. Under this order, the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800 has been withdrawn, effective August 29. This change prompted the Department of Posts to first temporarily halt mail bookings to the US a week ago.

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