After India, Russia halts parcel shipments to US over new duties

Moscow: Russian Post, the national postal operator of Russia, has suspended the acceptance of parcel shipments containing goods bound for the United States starting August 26, 2025. This move follows the upcoming implementation of import duties by the U.S. on postal shipments from August 29. Russian Post clarified that written correspondence would not be affected by these changes.

The company cited uncertainties regarding the procedures for paying duties to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, leading to a halt in air deliveries of parcels containing goods to the U.S. The U.S. remains the largest destination for Russian postal exports, including items such as board games, beauty and health products, and car parts.

Earlier, India Post announced a temporary suspension of most postal services to the U.S. effective August 25, 2025. The Indian postal department will continue to accept letters, documents, and gift items valued up to $100, but has halted bookings of parcels containing goods due to unclear customs duty collection procedures under the new U.S. tariff regime. Customers affected by the suspension are being offered refunds for undelivered postage.

The changes stem from a U.S. executive order ending the long-standing "de minimis" exemption that allowed goods valued under $800 to enter duty-free, introducing new import duties on all parcels regardless of value.

With inputs from IANS