Published on: 08 August 2026 Category: India Post News | International Mail | Rakhi Mail | Customs & HS Codes Issued by: Department of Posts, IR&GB Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi
What Has Changed
The Department of Posts has issued a corrigendum revising the HS codes to be used for Rakhi-related items being sent abroad through international mail.
- Letter No.: CF-71/52/2022-CF-DOP
- Issued by: Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, IR&GB Division
- Address: Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi – 110001
- Dated: 7th August 2026
- Subject: Handling and dispatch of Rakhi Mail to foreign countries on priority
- Reference: This Division’s O.M. of even number dated 31.07.2026
- Signed by: Ankush Bhagat, Assistant Director General (IM)
- Addressed to: All Heads of Postal Circles, All Offices of Exchange
- Effect: With immediate effect
Important: this is a corrigendum only. All other contents of the O.M. dated 31.07.2026 remain unchanged.
The Revised HS Code List — Complete Table
| Item | HS Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rakhi / Raksha Sutra | 63079099 | Other made-up textile article |
| Imitation Jewellery | 71179090 | Imitation jewellery – other |
| Greeting Card | 49090010 | Printed or illustrated postcards, greeting cards |
| Printed Gift Card | 49119990 | Other printed matter |
| Kumkum / Roli | 33049940 | Sindur, Bindi, Kum Kum |
| Sweets (Mithai) | 17049090 | Sugar confectionery, not containing cocoa |
| Chocolate | 18069010 | Chocolate and chocolate products |
| Soan Papdi | 17049090 | Sugar confectionery, not containing cocoa |
| Kaju Katli | 17049090 | Sugar confectionery, not containing cocoa |
Dry Fruits fall under Chapter 08 of Schedule II of ITC(HS) 2022 — edible fruit and nuts. The specific codes mentioned are:
- 08021200 — Shelled almond
- 08013200 — Cashew
- 08062010 — Dried raisins
- 08025200 — Pistachios
- and other codes within the same chapter as applicable
Why HS Codes Matter So Much
An HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is the international classification number that tells customs authorities in the destination country exactly what is inside the parcel.
If the wrong code is entered at booking:
- The article can be held up in customs at the destination
- It may be assessed under the wrong duty category
- The parcel can be delayed well past Raksha Bandhan, defeating the entire purpose
- In some cases the item may be returned or refused
Rakhi mail is seasonal and time-sensitive. A delay of even a week makes the parcel arrive after the festival. That is why the Directorate has issued this correction as a priority item.
Instruction to Circles and Offices of Exchange
The Directorate has requested:
- All Circles and Offices of Exchange to take note of the revised codes
- To ensure the appropriate HS code is selected while booking international mail articles containing these items
In practical terms, this instruction lands on the counter staff booking international parcels and on the Offices of Exchange processing outbound international mail.
Quick Reference for Counter Staff
Three groups cover most Rakhi parcels booked at the counter:
- The Rakhi itself → 63079099 (treated as a made-up textile article, not jewellery)
- All sugar sweets — mithai, soan papdi, kaju katli → the same code, 17049090
- Chocolate is separate from sweets → 18069010, not 17049090
Two common mistakes to avoid:
- Booking a Rakhi under imitation jewellery (71179090). The Rakhi thread has its own textile code; imitation jewellery is a separate item.
- Booking kaju katli or soan papdi under dry fruits because of the ingredients. They are sugar confectionery, not edible nuts.
Tips for Customers Sending Rakhi Abroad
- Book early. International mail needs transit time plus customs clearance at the destination.
- Declare contents honestly and specifically. Write “Rakhi thread” rather than a vague “gift”.
- Check the destination country’s rules on food items. Several countries restrict or prohibit the import of sweets, dairy-based mithai and unpackaged food, regardless of the HS code used.
- Prefer sealed, factory-packed sweets over homemade ones — they clear customs more easily.
- Keep the invoice or value declaration accurate. Under-declaring value causes more delays than it saves.
- Retain your booking receipt and tracking number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the HS code for a Rakhi? 63079099 — classified as “other made-up textile article”.
Q2. Is the code for sweets and chocolate the same? No. Sweets and mithai use 17049090; chocolate uses 18069010.
Q3. Which code applies to kaju katli and soan papdi? Both use 17049090, the same code as other sugar confectionery.
Q4. What about dry fruits? Dry fruits fall under Chapter 08 of ITC(HS) 2022, with item-specific codes such as 08021200 for shelled almond and 08013200 for cashew.
Q5. Does this change anything else in the earlier order? No. Only the HS codes are revised. All other contents of the O.M. dated 31.07.2026 remain unchanged.
Q6. From when does this apply? With immediate effect, from 7th August 2026.
Q7. Does sending sweets abroad guarantee delivery? No. Even with the correct HS code, the destination country’s own import rules apply. Check those before booking food items.
Why This Circular Matters Beyond Rakhi
This is a good example of how international mail booking actually works. Every item sent abroad needs a correct classification, and postal staff handling international counters need to stay updated with these revisions.
For departmental employees, this kind of operational circular is exactly the material that appears in departmental promotion examinations. Questions on international mail, customs declarations and mail classification are common in MTS to PA/SA and Postman to PA/SA papers.
If you are preparing for GDS to MTS, GDS to Postman / Mail Guard or the LDCE for PA/SA, make a habit of reading Directorate circulars regularly. They are free study material with direct exam value.