Srinagar, Aug 23 (KNS): The Department of Posts has announced suspension of booking for most categories of postal articles to the United States from August 25, following new customs duty rules introduced by the US administration.

According to the Ministry of Communications, the decision comes after the US issued Executive Order No. 14324 on July 30, which withdraws the duty-free exemption for goods valued up to USD 800. The new order takes effect from August 29.

As per the rules, all postal items bound for the US will now attract customs duties under the International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) tariff framework. However, gift items up to USD 100 and letters/documents will remain duty-free.

The Ministry said that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has not yet clarified processes for designating “qualified parties” or duty collection mechanisms, creating uncertainty.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAs a result, US-bound air carriers have refused to accept consignments beyond August 25, citing lack of technical readiness.

“In view of this, the Department of Posts will temporarily stop booking all types of postal articles for the USA from August 25, except letters, documents, and gift items up to USD 100,” an official statement said.

The department added that customers who have already booked articles, which cannot be dispatched, may claim a refund of postage.

“The Department of Posts deeply regrets the inconvenience and assures that all efforts are being made to restore full services at the earliest,” it said.(KNS)