The suspension of India Post services had caused significant disruption for exporters and small businesses that relied on cost-effective postal shipments to the US. Many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) faced delays in dispatching goods, affecting delivery commitments, customer trust, and cash flows. Artisans and handicraft producers, who often ship handmade products internationally, were particularly impacted due to the lack of alternative, affordable logistics options. The reinstatement of postal services is therefore expected to revive export activity and stabilize business operations for these stakeholders.
In addition to commercial benefits, the resumption of services also restores convenience for individual customers sending personal parcels and gifts to relatives in the United States. Before the suspension, many relied on India Post for sending letters, documents, and small packages, often at lower costs than courier services. With the new Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) mechanism, individuals can now send items knowing that customs compliance is handled upfront, reducing the risk of delays, additional charges, or confiscation at US ports.
Operationally, India Post has strengthened its coordination with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure smooth handling of shipments. Postal staff across major centers, including International Business Centres and Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras, have been trained in the new DDP procedures, including accurate declaration of the Free on Board (FOB) value and upfront duty collection. This ensures that packages are fully compliant with US regulations before leaving India, preventing bottlenecks at customs.
Experts say the new framework could also enhance India’s competitiveness in international trade, as small exporters can now ship goods at predictable costs while remaining compliant with stringent US import rules. By reducing uncertainty and delays, the move may encourage greater participation of MSMEs in global markets, support e-commerce growth, and contribute to India’s broader export promotion goals.
Authorities have also highlighted that ongoing monitoring and feedback mechanisms are in place to fine-tune the DDP system. Customers experiencing any issues can approach their local post offices, while India Post’s helplines and online tracking systems have been upgraded to provide real-time updates on international consignments. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure reliability, transparency, and confidence in postal exports to the United States.
