India to discontinue selected international letter mail services from January 1
New Delhi: The Department of Posts announced the rationalisation of international letter mail services and decided to discontinue selected outward services from January 1, 2026, to improve reliability, tracking and customer experience.
The decision followed global best practices and guidelines issued by the Universal Postal Union. The department said the reforms aimed to modernise international letter post services while aligning them with evolving global e-commerce standards. It added that the move would strengthen customs compliance and security.
Under the rationalisation, the Department of Posts decided to withdraw international letter post services that offered limited or no tracking. These included the Registered Small Packet service, the Outward Small Packet service for goods sent by Sea, SAL or Air, and the Surface and Surface Air Lifted Letter Mail services for outward items.
The department said these services faced challenges due to longer delivery timelines and rising customs and security requirements. It also noted that many foreign postal administrations had reduced acceptance of such items.
International letter mail shift to tracked and parcel services
The Department of Posts clarified that the rationalisation of international letter mail services would not reduce options for exporters or customers. Registration will continue for document-only items booked in Air mode. These include Letters, Post Cards, Printed Papers, Aerograms, Blind Literature and M-bags.
The department said existing UPU provisions for Blind Literature and M-bags would remain unchanged. Items of Blind Literature sent by or addressed to blind persons or organisations will continue to be exempt from postal charges, except applicable air surcharges, subject to destination country rules. M-bags will also remain governed by UPU regulations, including weight limits and country-specific conditions.
To support exporters, MSMEs and individual customers, the department urged the use of alternatives such as the International Tracked Packet Service and other international parcel services. It said these options offered end-to-end tracking, faster delivery, better customs compliance and transparent pricing, especially for small exporters and e-commerce sellers.
The department advised all concerned officers to ensure smooth implementation of the changes. It also directed them to guide customers towards suitable alternatives and publicise the transition widely.
