The Department of Posts has issued an important Office Memorandum. It explains new customs requirements for postal merchandise going to the United States. This update follows revised rules from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If you export goods, run an e-commerce business, or send parcels to the USA through India Post, this update directly affects you.
This blog explains the new rules in simple language.
What Is This Circular About?
- Issued by: Department of Posts (IR & GB Division), Ministry of Communications, Government of India
- Order Number: DA-40/2/2025-DA-DOP
- Date of Issue: 22 July 2026
- Subject: Revised customs requirements for postal merchandise destined for the United States
- Effective From: 23 July 2026 (for new bookings)
- Signed By: Himanshu Chaudhary, Assistant Director General (IR)
Why Have the Rules Changed?
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued Interim Final Rules on 24 June 2026. These rules formally confirm the indefinite suspension of the USD 800 de minimis exemption for international mail shipments. In simple words, low-value shipments to the USA can no longer skip customs duties automatically like before. CBP also issued Updated Global Guidance for International Mail on 6 July 2026, which explains how customs clearance of postal merchandise will work going forward.
Key Changes You Need to Know
1. Mandatory HTSUS Classification
Every postal shipment going to the United States must now be classified using the 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) code.
- As an interim step, until 26 July 2026, senders must declare the 8-digit ITC (HS) Code at the time of booking.
- India Post will convert this into the corresponding HTSUS code, only for customs filing purposes.
- The sender remains fully responsible for correct tariff classification.
- From 27 July 2026, the booking system will directly capture the 10-digit HTSUS code.
2. New Postal Informal Entry Process
- Postal merchandise valued up to USD 2,500 can still use the Postal Informal Entry Process.
- Customs entry can now be filed only through an eligible entry filer, acting via a CBP-licensed U.S. Customs Broker.
- The old temporary flat-duty method is replaced. Duties will now be based on the applicable HTSUS classification and the declared customs value.
3. Additional Customs Information Required
Senders must now also provide, wherever applicable:
- Detailed description of goods
- Country of Origin
- Special Program Indicator (SPI)
- Country of Melt and Pour
- Primary Country of Smelt
- Secondary Country of Smelt
- Country of Cast
- Partner Government Agency (PGA) information, including product registration numbers
- Any other information prescribed by CBP
4. Customs Entry Filing
India Post has arranged customs entry filing through a CBP-licensed Customs Broker. Entry will be prepared based on the information the sender provides at booking. India Post will not be responsible for consequences arising from inaccurate or incomplete sender information.
5. Maximum Value Limit
Only postal merchandise with an FOB value not exceeding USD 2,500 is eligible under the Postal Informal Entry Process.
6. Type-13 Informal Entry – Effective 22 October 2026
From 22 October 2026, the following categories will no longer qualify for the simpler Postal Informal Entry Process. They must instead go through Type-13 Informal Entry or other CBP-prescribed procedures:
- Merchandise subject to Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements
- Merchandise claiming duty exemption under Chapter 98 of HTSUS
- Merchandise subject to duties under Chapter 98 or Chapter 99 of HTSUS
- Merchandise claiming preferential treatment under any Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Who Is Responsible for What?
| Responsibility | Sender/Customer |
|---|---|
| Description of goods | Sender is solely responsible |
| Tariff classification | Sender is solely responsible |
| Declared value | Sender is solely responsible |
| Country of Origin | Sender is solely responsible |
| Customs declarations & documents | Sender is solely responsible |
Any reassessment of duties, interest, penalties, or fines due to incorrect declaration, undervaluation, or misclassification will be recovered from the sender. If shipments are booked through an aggregator or e-commerce platform, that platform will be responsible for its sellers’ data and declarations.
What Booking Post Offices Must Ensure
All Booking Post Offices, Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs), International Business Centres (IBCs), and Branch Post Offices must ensure, before accepting any US-bound article:
- Accurate customs information: description, quantity, declared value, weight, Country of Origin
- Complete consignee details: full address, postal code, mobile number, email
- Proper CN22/CN23 customs declaration forms with correct labels
- Collection of applicable customs duty under the Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) arrangement
- Collection of the Annexure-A undertaking from every sender, until HTSUS functionality is fully live
- Verification of Postal Bill of Export (PBE) for commercial export consignments
The Sender’s Undertaking (Annexure-A)
Every sender must now sign an undertaking confirming, among other things:
- The declared contents, value, HS Code, and category are true and correct.
- They authorize India Post to convert the declared 8-digit ITC (HS) Code into the 10-digit HTSUS code for customs filing.
- They accept full responsibility for the correctness of this classification and any resulting duties or penalties.
- Customs duty, once paid, is non-refundable, even in cases of Return to Sender, loss, or damage.
- Any additional duty must be paid within 7 days of intimation, or legal action may follow.
Why This Update Matters
- It affects exporters, MSMEs, ODOP producers, e-commerce sellers, and anyone sending parcels to the USA.
- It shows how India Post is aligning its international mail process with global customs regulation changes.
- It is a useful topic for India Post GK and India Post Current Affairs, especially regarding India Post International Mail services.
- It highlights the growing importance of accurate customs documentation in postal exports.
Who Should Know About This Update?
- Exporters and MSMEs sending goods to the United States
- E-commerce sellers using India Post for international shipping
- Staff at Booking Post Offices, DNKs, and IBCs
- Candidates preparing for India Post Departmental Exam Coaching, as international mail and customs rules can appear in GK sections
Quick Recap
- India Post has revised customs rules for postal merchandise going to the USA, effective 23 July 2026.
- The USD 800 de minimis exemption is now suspended; all international mail merchandise is liable for customs duty.
- A mandatory 10-digit HTSUS code is required for classification, becoming fully system-based from 27 July 2026.
- Shipments up to USD 2,500 can use the Postal Informal Entry Process, but certain categories move to Type-13 Informal Entry from 22 October 2026.
- Senders are solely responsible for the accuracy of all customs information and must sign an undertaking (Annexure-A) before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the USD 800 de minimis exemption still available for shipments to the USA? No. It has been indefinitely suspended as per the CBP Interim Final Rules dated 24 June 2026. All postal merchandise is now liable for customs duty.
Q2. What is HTSUS, and why does it matter? HTSUS stands for Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. It is a 10-digit code used to classify goods for customs duty calculation. It is now mandatory for postal shipments to the USA.
Q3. What is the maximum value allowed under the Postal Informal Entry Process? Postal merchandise with an FOB value not exceeding USD 2,500 is eligible.
Q4. Who is responsible if the customs declaration is wrong? The sender or customer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the description, tariff classification, declared value, and all supporting documents.
Q5. Is this update relevant for India Post exam preparation? Yes. Updates related to India Post International Mail and customs procedures are useful India Post GK and current affairs topics for departmental exam aspirants.
This blog is written for informational purposes. For exact requirements before booking any shipment to the United States, always refer to the original Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Posts and consult your nearest Post Office, DNK, or IBC.