Department of Posts (India Post) announced discontinuation of certain outward international letter mail services from January 1, 2026 as part of a restructuring and modernization exercise. The move targets services with limited or no tracking, especially those involving consignments containing goods, to align with global postal norms and Universal Postal Union (UPU) decisions.
The reform aims to develop a modern, secure, customer-centric and globally compliant international postal ecosystem, especially in the context of cross-border e-commerce and enhanced customs/security requirements.
Services to be Discontinued
The following outward international letter post services will no longer be available:
- Registered Small Packet Service
- Outward Small Packet Services containing goods sent through:
- Air Mail
- Sea Mail
- Surface Air Lifted (SAL) Mode
- Surface Letter Mail Service (outward letters)
- SAL Letter Mail Service (outward letters)
Reasons for Discontinuation
The decision addresses challenges in international mail operations such as:
- Long delivery timelines
- Lack of end-to-end tracking
- Stricter customs and security compliance in destination countries
- Reduced acceptance of such packets by many foreign postal administrations
- Shift in global trends toward tracked, secure and compliant packet services
Alignment with International Norms
- The move follows Universal Postal Union (UPU) policy decisions
- Global postal systems are phasing out low-tracking services containing goods
- Focus is shifting toward:
- Traceability
- Security standards
- Cross-border e-commerce compliance
Services That Will Continue
Registration will remain available for document-only consignments (Air Mode only) including:
- Letters
- Postcards
- Printed Papers
- Aerograms
- Blind Literature
- M-Bags
However, registration will not be allowed for letter post items containing goods.
Special Provisions
Blind Literature
- Remains exempt from postal charges
- Air surcharge may apply
- Subject to destination country rules
M-Bags
- Continue under UPU rules
- Weight limits and country-specific conditions remain applicable
Alternative International Services Available
India Post will continue to provide:
- International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS)
- Other international parcel services with:
- Tracking facilities
- Defined delivery timelines
- Better alignment with customs and security norms
Significance of Move
- Supports postal system modernization
- Enhances security and compliance standards
- Aligns India Post with global best practices
- Encourages transition toward tracked parcel-based services
About India Post
- Founded: 1854
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Communications
- Largest postal network in the world
- Number of Post Offices: 1.56 lakh+ (Majority in rural areas)
- Core Services:
- Mail and parcel services
- Banking & financial services (India Post Payments Bank)
- Postal Life Insurance (PLI/RPLI)
- Philately
- Flagship Modern Initiatives:
- India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)
- Digital & Core Banking Solutions
- e-Commerce logistics expansion
- Parcel Hub modernization