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An official release said the move is aimed at addressing challenges such as limited or no tracking in small packet services, longer delivery timelines, increased customs and security requirements in destination countries and low acceptance of such items by many foreign postal administrations.
“…From January 1, 2026, the following external international letter mail services will be discontinued… Registered Small Packet Service, in line with the decisions of the UPU (Universal Postal Union), which limits registration to document only; External Small Packet Service, which includes letter post items containing goods sent by sea, SAL (Surface Air Lifted) or air…” it said.
The list also includes Surface Letter Mail Service and Surface Air Lifted (SAL) Letter Mail Service for external letter post items.
“It is emphasized that this rationalization is a positive step towards improving the quality of service and does not impact the options for exporters or customers,” the release said.
After rationalization, registration will be available only for documents booked in air mode under the categories of letters, post cards, printed papers, aerograms, blind literature and M-bags.
It said, “The existing UPU provisions for blind literature and M-bags will continue unchanged. Items of blind literature sent to or addressed by a blind person or an organization for the visually impaired will continue to be free of postage, subject to the rules of the country of destination, except applicable air surcharges.”
The Department of Posts said it already provides robust and reliable options for sending goods abroad to support exporters, MSMEs and individual customers.
“Customers are encouraged to use the International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS) and other international parcel services, which offer end-to-end tracking and visibility, faster and more reliable delivery, better compliance with customs and security norms and a competitive and transparent pricing structure, especially for small exporters and e-commerce sellers,” the department said.
The Department of Posts said that all concerned officials have been advised to ensure smooth implementation of these changes and guide customers towards suitable alternative services.
It said, “In line with global best practices and decisions taken by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the Department of Posts has taken a visionary initiative to modernize and strengthen international letter post services.”
Such improvements aim to enhance customer experience, service reliability, trackability, customs compliance and security, while aligning postal offerings with emerging global e-commerce standards.
“As part of this service reform exercise, the Department of Posts has decided to rationalize certain international letter post services, particularly those with no or limited tracking facilities, and promote more efficient, accountable and customer-friendly alternatives,” it said.