India Post has released a new official memorandum on 22 July 2026. This memorandum is about sending postal items to the United States. If you send parcels, gifts, or commercial goods to the USA through India Post, this update is important for you.
In this blog, we will explain the new rules in simple language. We will also tell you what is changing, from when it is changing, and what you need to do as a sender.
This is useful information for India Post employees, exporters, MSMEs, e-commerce sellers, and normal customers. This kind of update is also useful for India Post GK and Current Affairs preparation, since departmental exams often ask questions from recent circulars and notifications.
What Is This India Post Notification About?
The Government of India, Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts (IR & GB Division) has issued an Office Memorandum. The number of this memorandum is No. DA-40/2/2025-DA-DOP, dated 22 July 2026.
This memorandum talks about the revised customs requirements for postal merchandise going to the United States. This is happening because of new rules from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Why Is This Change Happening?
- The USA has ended the old USD 800 duty-free limit for international mail shipments.
- This limit is now suspended for an indefinite period.
- CBP has also released an Interim Final Rule dated 24 June 2026.
- CBP has also released Updated Global Guidance for International Mail on 6 July 2026.
- Because of these changes, all mail going to the USA will now attract customs duty.
- A new process called Postal Informal Entry Process has also been introduced for eligible items.
From When Are These Rules Applicable?
- The new rules apply to all postal items booked for the USA from 23 July 2026 onwards.
- These rules apply to all kinds of items, including gifts, personal items, and commercial goods.
Key Changes You Should Know
1. HTSUS Code Is Now Mandatory
- Every item sent to the USA must now be classified using the 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) code.
- Till the system is fully ready, customers must give the 8-digit ITC (HS) Code at the time of booking.
- India Post will convert this code into the HTSUS code, only for filing purposes.
- From 27 July 2026, the booking system will directly ask for the 10-digit HTSUS Code.
2. Customs Duty Calculation Method Has Changed
- Earlier, there was a flat-duty method.
- Now, duty will be calculated based on:
- The HTSUS classification, and
- The declared value of the shipment.
3. Extra Information Needed at Booking
Senders may now need to give more details, such as:
- Full description of the item
- Country of Origin
- Special Program Indicator (SPI), if any
- Country of Melt and Pour (for metal items)
- Primary and Secondary Country of Smelt
- Country of Cast
- Partner Government Agency (PGA) details, if applicable
- Any other detail asked by CBP
4. Who Will File the Customs Entry?
- India Post has arranged a CBP-licensed Customs Broker for this filing work.
- The filing will be done using the information given by the sender.
- India Post will not be responsible for wrong or incomplete information given by the sender.
5. Maximum Value Limit
- Only items with a value up to USD 2,500 can use the Postal Informal Entry Process.
6. New Rule From 22 October 2026 – Type-13 Informal Entry
From 22 October 2026, some items will not be allowed under the normal Postal Informal Entry Process. These items will need Type-13 Informal Entry instead. This includes:
- Items that need Partner Government Agency (PGA) approval
- Items claiming duty exemption under Chapter 98 of HTSUS
- Items with duty under Chapter 98 or Chapter 99 of HTSUS
- Items claiming benefit under any Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
7. Sender’s Responsibility
The sender is fully responsible for:
- Description of goods
- Correct tariff classification
- Declared value
- Country of Origin
- Customs declaration
- Supporting documents
- Any other customs-related information
If there is any wrong information, the sender will have to pay any extra duty, penalty, or fine. If an e-commerce platform books shipments for its sellers, the platform will be responsible for its sellers’ data.
What Should Post Offices Do?
All Post Offices, Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs), International Business Centres (IBCs), and Branch Post Offices must:
- Take correct details of goods, quantity, value, weight, and Country of Origin
- Take full consignee details, including address, PIN code, mobile number, and email
- Fill CN22/CN23 customs forms properly
- Collect customs duty under the Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) method
- Take a signed undertaking (Annexure-A) from every sender
- Check that export shipments have Postal Bill of Export (PBE) and other documents
About Annexure-A Undertaking
Every sender must sign an undertaking before booking. In this undertaking, the sender agrees that:
- All details given by them are true and correct
- They accept the HS Code to HTSUS Code conversion done by India Post
- They are responsible for correct classification and any extra duty
- Duty once paid is non-refundable, even if the item is returned, lost, or damaged
- They will pay any extra duty within 7 days of getting the intimation
- Legal action can be taken if they do not pay on time
Quick Summary Table
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Memorandum Number | DA-40/2/2025-DA-DOP |
| Date of Memorandum | 22 July 2026 |
| Effective Date | 23 July 2026 |
| Old Duty-Free Limit | USD 800 (suspended) |
| Max Value for Informal Entry | USD 2,500 |
| Code Needed | 10-digit HTSUS (8-digit ITC HS as interim) |
| Full HTSUS Capture From | 27 July 2026 |
| Type-13 Entry Rule From | 22 October 2026 |
| Signed By | Himanshu Chaudhary, Assistant Director General (IR) |
Final Words
This is an important update from India Post for anyone sending parcels to the United States. The rule is simple: give correct information, or be ready to pay extra duty and face penalty. Post office staff, exporters, and online sellers should read this circular carefully and follow the new steps from 23 July 2026.
Keep checking for more India Post Latest News, Circulars, and Notifications, as such updates keep changing from time to time