New Delhi, Dec 31: The Department of Posts in India has announced a rationalization of certain international letter post services, effective January 1, 2026. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and accountability in line with global practices and Universal Postal Union (UPU) recommendations.
The following services will be discontinued: the registered Small Packet service, which will now be restricted to document-only items; the Outward Small Packet service for goods sent by various means; and both the Surface Letter Mail Service and Surface Air Lifted (SAL) Letter Mail Service for outward letter post items.
The decision addresses challenges such as limited tracking, extended delivery times, and increased customs requirements in destination countries. However, registration services for documents sent by Air mode will continue under specific categories, including Letters and Blind Literature, which remains exempt from postal charges aside from applicable surcharges. M-bags will also adhere to UPU provisions.
The Department encourages customers, including exporters and MSMEs, to utilize alternatives like the International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS) for sending goods internationally. This rationalization is presented as a step toward enhancing service quality without limiting options for exporters or customers.
