Global postal disruption intensifies as new U.S. customs rules eliminate the de minimis exemption. India suspends most mail to the U.S. from August 25—only letters and gifts under $100 accepted.
A sweeping postal disruption has hit global logistics after the United States introduced new customs regulations, forcing postal operators worldwide—including India—to suspend most shipments to the U.S. The move follows an executive order ending the longstanding de minimis tax exemption, creating widespread uncertainty in international mail and e-commerce flows.
What Triggered the Global Postal Disruption?
On July 30, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending the de minimis customs exemption, which previously allowed low-value packages—up to $800 per day—to enter the U.S. duty-free.
Beginning August 29, 2025, all inbound packages will require customs duty, except personal gifts and documents valued under $100.
The sudden rule change has left postal networks with little time to adapt, forcing them to suspend shipments.
Timeline of Events: Global & Indian Mail Suspensions
- July 30, 2025 – Executive order signed ending de minimis exemption.
- August 22, 2025 – Final mailing date in many countries; post-August 22 items held or returned.
- August 25, 2025 – India suspends most mail to the U.S., except letters and gifts under $100.
- August 25, 2025 – Airlines globally begin refusing U.S.-bound postal consignments.
- August 29, 2025 – New U.S. customs rules take effect; all packages (except limited exemptions) require duty.
Which Postal Operators Have Suspended Shipments to the U.S.?
- India: The Department of Posts announced a temporary suspension of most postal services to the U.S. effective August 25, 2025. Only letters/documents and personal gifts up to USD 100 remain accepted. Customers with undeliverable items will be eligible for postage refunds.
- Globally: Postal operators across the world—including Royal Mail (UK), SingPost (Singapore), La Poste (France), Correos (Spain), DHL (Germany), PostNord (Scandinavia), Thailand Post, and Omniva (Estonia)—and U.S.-bound airlines have halted acceptance of mail due to the lack of systems needed for new customs duties.
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Why New U.S. Customs Rules Are Causing Challenges Worldwide
- Unclear Customs Processes: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not provided detailed guidance on duty payment or technical requirements.
- Airlines Refusing Shipments: Carriers have stopped transporting parcels to the U.S. fearing penalties and delays.
- Conflict with UPU Standards: The changes diverge from Universal Postal Union norms, disrupting interoperability and pricing fairness.
Impact on Global E-Commerce and Small Businesses
The scale of disruption is massive. U.S. Customs processes over 4 million parcels daily. With shipments suspended, small businesses, online sellers, and consumers face cancellations, delays, and refund claims.
On platforms like Etsy, Amazon Global, and eBay, sellers are already reporting losses as customers cancel orders bound for the U.S. For many entrepreneurs who rely on affordable international shipping, this could mean weeks of halted income.
Countries already battling postal issues due to strikes, conflicts, or disasters—including Afghanistan, Russia, Sudan, Haiti, Ukraine, Thailand, and Suriname—face even deeper disruptions.
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Broader Trade and Geopolitical Context
This postal freeze comes amid rising trade tensions. The U.S. has clashed with partners like India, the EU, and China over tariffs and market access. Analysts view the end of the de minimis exemption as part of Washington’s broader strategy to tighten trade controls and increase customs revenue.
India’s postal authorities and government regulators are coordinating with international counterparts to explore interim remedies and advocate for operational flexibility.
What Customers Should Do During the Postal Suspension
- Avoid Sending Parcels: Hold off on shipments to the U.S. until postal operators announce service resumption.
- Check Refund Eligibility: Customers who already posted items may qualify for refunds, subject to local postal policies.
- Follow Official Updates: Monitor announcements from national postal services and U.S. Customs for the latest advisories.
Outlook: When Might U.S. Shipments Resume?
Services are unlikely to resume until the U.S. provides clear mechanisms for duty collection and designates “qualified parties” to handle consignment processing. Until then, India—and many other postal systems—will remain in suspension mode.