India Post Rationalises International Letter Mail Services

16 Jan 2026 CW Team

Department of Posts has recently announced the rationalisation of select international letter mail services as part of efforts to modernise overseas postal operations and align them with global best practices set by the Universal Postal Union. The initiative focuses on improving customer experience, service reliability, trackability, customs compliance and security.

With effect from 1 January 2026, certain outward international letter post services with limited or no tracking will be discontinued. These include the Registered Small Packet service, outward Small Packet services carrying goods by air, sea or SAL, and Surface and Surface Air Lifted letter mail services. The decision addresses challenges such as long delivery timelines, limited tracking, stricter customs requirements and declining acceptance by foreign postal administrations.

The Department of Posts clarified that the move is intended to enhance service quality rather than restrict options for exporters or customers. Post-rationalisation, registration will continue for document-only items sent by air, including letters, postcards, printed papers, aerograms, blind literature and M-bags. Existing UPU provisions for blind literature and M-bags will remain unchanged.

To support exporters, MSMEs and individual customers, India Post continues to offer alternatives such as the International Tracked Packet Service and other international parcel services. These provide end-to-end tracking, faster delivery, improved customs compliance and transparent pricing, particularly benefiting small exporters and e-commerce sellers.

The rationalisation reflects the Department of Posts’ ongoing commitment to building a modern, customer-centric and globally aligned international postal service ecosystem.

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