Indian Foreign Postal Rates 1957-2019

Abhishek Bhuwalka

This article is complementary to my earlier piece “Indian Inland Postal Rates 1957-2019” published
in India Post Vol. 55/2 whole number 219 (April-June 2021). I would like to direct the reader to my
introductory remarks in there which holds good here as well.

Due to space constraints, a few foreign rates, in particular, International Speed Post rates have not
been covered. I hope to come to them sometime in the future.

Readers are requested to send any missing rates so that they can be incorporated and a revision
republished, online at least, if not in print.

Once again, I cannot thank Ashok Bayanwala enough, without whose inputs, this article would have
been much incomplete and almost certainly not seen the light of day.

Note to tables: All rates are in Rupees. Hence a rate of say 0.40 means Rs. 0.40 or 40 paise or 40 naye paise as
the case may be.

Table 1: Letters (Surface) – Rule 5(1)

Aden, Ceylon,
Nepal, Pakistan, All Other
Date Weight
and Portuguese Countries
India
Not exceed. 1 oz 0.25
01.04.1957 Inland
Every addl. 1 oz 0.16
Not exceed. 1 oz 0.25
01.02.1958 Inland
Every addl. 1 oz 0.15
Ceylon, Nepal,
All Other
Date Weight Pakistan, and
Countries
Portuguese India
Not exceed. 1 oz 0.33
01.04.1959 Inland
Every addl. 1 oz 0.20
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.30
01.02.1961 Inland
Every addl. 20 gm 0.20
Ceylon, Nepal, All Other
Date Weight
and Pakistan Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.40
01.07.1963 Inland
Every addl. 20 gm 0.25
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.50
20.06.1966 Inland
Every addl. 20 gm 0.30
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.75
01.06.1968 Inland
Every 20 gm 0.45
The Gazette that I referred to seems to have the 0.75 rate missing. This was supplied
Note
to me by Bayanwala.
Bhutan, Ceylon,
All Other
Date Weight Nepal, and
Countries
Pakistan

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 1 of 33

 Not exceed. 20 gm 0.80
21-50 gm 1.45
51-100 gm 1.90
01.07.1971 101-250 gm Inland 4.25
251-500 gm 8.00
501-1000 gm 13.50
1001-2000 gm 21.50
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.60 0.80
21-50 gm 1.10 1.45
51-100 gm 1.40 1.90
01.07.1974 101-250 gm Inland 3.20 4.25
251-500 gm 6.00 8.00
501-1000 gm 10.10 13.50
1001-2000 gm 16.10 21.50
1. Asian Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU) Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand,
New Zealand, Korea, Philippines, People’s Republic of China, and Indonesia
2. Countries such as Australia etc were member countries of Asian Oceanic Postal
Note Union (AOPU), later Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU). APPU was formed in
1962. Its aim is to extend, facilitate and improve postal relations between the 32
member countries and promote cooperation in the field of postal services. India
has been its member since 1973.
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.90 1.20
21-50 gm 1.60 2.15
51-100 gm 2.00 2.75
10.02.1975 101-250 gm Inland 4.75 6.30
251-500 gm 8.80 11.75
501-1000 gm 14.70 19.60
1001-2000 gm 23.50 31.35
Asian Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU) Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New
Note
Zealand, Korea, Philippines, and Indonesia
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 1.15 1.50
21-50 gm 2.00 2.65
51-100 gm 2.65 3.55
01.01.1976 101-250 gm Inland 5.30 7.05
251-500 gm 10.15 13.55
501-1000 gm 17.65 23.50
1001-2000 gm 28.65 38.20
AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand New Zealand, South Korea,
Note
Philippines, Indonesia, and People's Republic of China
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight APPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 1.95 2.60
21-50 gm 3.50 4.65
01.07.1981 Inland Rates
51-100 gm 4.65 6.20
101-250 gm 9.30 12.40

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 2 of 33

 251-500 gm 17.80 23.70
501-1000 gm 30.90 41.20
1001-2000 gm 50.20 66.90
APPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Indonesia, Korea,
Note The Peoples' Republic of China, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New-Guinea, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, and Singapore
Additional rate slab for Pakistan were introduced. Rates 1.65, 2.95, 3.95, 7.90, 15.15,
01.06.1982 26.25, and 42.65 for weights not exceeding 20 gm, 21-50 gm, 51-100 gm, 101-250
gm, 251-500 gm, 501-1000 gm, and 1001-2000 gm respectively.
Bangladesh no longer enjoyed inland rates. New rate introduced at 0.60 for weight
01.03.1983 not exceed. 10 gm and 0.30 for every addl. 10 gm. This rate included surcharge. Note
that this was introduced as Rule 5B which earlier pertained to Express Delivery Fee.
Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 1.65 3.10 3.60
21-50 gm 2.95 5.50 6.50
51-100 gm 3.95 7.35 8.65
01.02.1984 101-250 gm 7.90 14.70 17.30
251-500 gm 15.15 28.20 33.15
501-1000 gm 26.25 49.05 57.70
1001-2000 gm 42.65 79.70 93.75
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates
2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in the
then Rule 5B, which was not altered
Notes
3. APPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Indonesia,
Korea, the peopled Republic of China, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea,
Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Maldives
Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 1.65 3.10 5.00
21-50 gm 2.95 5.50 9.00
51-100 gm 3.95 7.35 12.00
01.05.1986 101-250 gm 7.90 14.70 24.00
251-500 gm 15.15 28.20 46.00
501-1000 gm 26.25 49.05 80.00
1001-2000 gm 42.65 79.70 130.00
Note Only rates to other foreign countries changed
Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 2.50 4.50 5.00
21-50 gm 4.00 8.00 9.00
51-100 gm 5.50 10.00 12.00
01.05.1987 101-250 gm 11.00 20.50 24.00
251-500 gm 21.00 39.00 46.00
501-1000 gm 36.00 68.00 80.00
1001-2000 gm 59.00 110.50 130.00
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates.
Note 2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in the
then Rule 5B, which was not altered

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 3 of 33

 3. APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples’ Republic), Korea (Republic),
Indonesia, Japan, Laos PDR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New
Guinea, Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 6.00 7.00 8.00
21-50 gm 8.00 9.00 11.00
51-100 gm 10.00 16.00 18.00
01.11.1991 101-250 gm 18.00 31.00 36.00
251-500 gm 31.00 59.00 69.00
501-1000 gm 52.00 102.00 120.00
1001-2000 gm 84.00 166.00 195.00
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates.
2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in the
then Rule 5B, which was not altered
Note
3. APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples’ Republic), Korea (Republic),
Indonesia, Japan, Laos (PDR), Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New
Guinea, Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Other UPU
Date Weight APPU Countries
Nepal, and Countries
Bhutan
Not exceed 20 gm 7.00 9.00 11.00
21-50 gm 10.00 14.00 16.00
51-100 gm 16.00 21.00 25.00
01.02.1999 101-250 gm 40.00 54.00 63.00
251-500 gm 80.00 108.00 127.00
501-1000 gm 160.00 216.00 254.00
1001-2000 gm 320.00 432.00 508.00
APPU Countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China (Peoples
Republic), Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea (Republic), Laos (Republic), Malaysia,
Note
Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines,
Singapore, Solomon Island, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam
Date Weight All Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 20.00
01.09.2008 Every addl. 20 gm to 500 gm 8.00
Every addl. 100 gm to 2000 gm 30.00
Not exceed. 20 gm 20.00
01.10.2015
Every addl. 20 gm (to 2000 gm) 10.00

Table 2: Post Cards (Surface) – Rule 5(1)

Aden, Ceylon,
Nepal, Pakistan, All Other
Date Type
and Portuguese Countries
India
Single 0.16
01.04.1957 Inland
Reply 0.32
Single 0.15
01.02.1958 Inland
Reply 0.30

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 4 of 33

 Ceylon, Nepal,
All Other
Date Type Pakistan, and
Countries
Portuguese India
Single 0.20
01.04.1959 Inland
Reply 0.40
Single 0.20
01.02.1961 Inland
Reply 0.40
Ceylon, Nepal, All Other
Date Type
and Pakistan Countries
Single 0.25
01.07.1963 Inland
Reply 0.50
Single 0.30
20.06.1966 Inland
Reply 0.60
Single 0.45
01.06.1968 Inland
Reply 0.90
Bhutan, Ceylon,
All Other
Date Type Nepal, and
Countries
Pakistan
01.07.1971 Single Inland 0.55
Note No reply post card rates from herein
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Type AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
01.07.1974 Single Inland 0.40 0.55
Asian Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU) Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand,
Note
New Zealand, Korea, Philippines, People’s Republic of China, and Indonesia

Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign

Date Type AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
10.02.1975 Single Inland 0.60 0.80
AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Korea, Philippines,
Note
and Indonesia
Asian Oceanic
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Type Postal Union
and Bangladesh Countries
Countries
01.01.1976 Single Inland 0.80 1.10
AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, South Korea,
Note
Philippines, Indonesia, and People's Republic of China
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Type APPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
01.07.1981 Single Inland 1.35 1.80
Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New
Note Zealand, Indonesia, Korea, The Peoples' Republic of China, Philippines, Malaysia,
Papua New-Guinea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Singapore
01.06.1982 Additional rate slab for Pakistan were introduced at 1.15
Bangladesh no longer enjoyed inland rates. New rate was 0.20 for single and 0.40
01.03.1983 for reply post card. This rate included surcharge. Rate for post cards containing
printed communication was 0.30.
Other Foreign
Date Type Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
01.02.1984 Single 1.15 2.15 2.50
Notes 1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates.

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 5 of 33

 2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in
the then Rule 5B, which was not altered
3. APPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Indonesia,
Korea, the peopled Republic of China, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New
Guinea, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Maldives
Other Foreign
Date Type Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
01.05.1986 Single 1.15 2.15 3.50
Note Only rates to other foreign countries changed
Other Foreign
Date Type Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
01.05.1987 Single 1.50 3.00 3.50
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates.
2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in
the then Rule 5B, which was not altered
Note
3. APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples Republic), Korea (Republic),
Indonesia, Japan, Laos PDR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New
Guinea, Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Other Foreign
Date Type Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
01.11.1991 Single 2.00 4.00 5.00
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates.
2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in
the then Rule 5B, which was not altered
Note
3. APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples Republic), Korea (Republic),
Indonesia, Japan, Laos PDR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New
Guinea, Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Pakistan
Other UPU
Date Type Bangladesh, APPU Countries
Countries
Nepal and Bhutan
01.02.1999 Single 4.00 6.00 7.00
APPU Countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China (Peoples
Republic), Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea (Republic), Laos (Republic), Malaysia,
Note
Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines,
Singapore, Solomon Island, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam

Table 3: Printed Papers (Surface) – Rule 5(1)

Aden, Ceylon,
Nepal, Pakistan, All Other
Date Weight
and Portuguese Countries
India
01.04.1957 Every 2 oz Inland (Inland) 0.07 (0.04)
1. Includes newspapers and books
Note 2. Figures in brackets are rates for newspapers treated as registered newspapers
for the purposes of inland post
Aden, Ceylon,
Nepal, Pakistan, All Other
Date Weight
and Portuguese Countries
India
Not exceed. 2 oz 0.08 (0.04)
01.02.1958 Inland (Inland)
Addl. 2 oz 0.06 (0.04)

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 6 of 33

 1. Includes newspapers and books
Note 2. Figures in brackets are rates for newspapers treated as registered newspapers
for the purposes of inland post
Ceylon, Nepal,
All Other
Date Weight Pakistan, and
Countries
Portuguese India
Not exceed. 2 oz 0.08 (0.04)
01.04.1959 Inland (Inland)
Addl. 2 oz 0.07 (0.04)
Not exceed. 50 gm Inland Rates for 0.12 (0.06)
book packets
01.02.1961
Every addl. 50 gm (registered 0.06 (0.04)
newspapers)
Ceylon, Nepal, All Other
Date Weight
and Pakistan Countries
Not exceed. 50 gm 0.15 (0.08)
01.07.1963
Every addl. 50 gm 0.10 (0.04)
Not exceed. 50 gm Inland Rates for 0.20 (0.10)
01.01.1966
Every addl. 50 gm book packets 0.10 (0.05)
Not exceed. 50 gm (registered 0.30 (0.16)
20.06.1966
Every addl. 50 gm newspapers) 0.15 (0.08)
Not exceed. 50 gm 0.40 (0.20)
01.06.1968
Every addl. 50 gm 0.20 (0.10)
Bhutan, Nepal,
Date Weight Other Countries
and Bangladesh
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.40 (0.20)
21-50 gm 0.55 (0.25)
51-100 gm Inland Rates for 0.65 (0.35)
101-250 gm book packets 1.10 (0.55)
01.07.1971
251-500 gm (registered 1.90 (0.95)
501-1000 gm newspapers) 3.20 (1.60)
1001-2000 gm 5.40 (2.70)
Addl. 1000 gm 2.70 (1.35)
Rate for newspapers in the ‘Exceeding 20 gm but not exceeding 50 gm’ bucket
01.11.1971
changed from 0.25 to 0.30.
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.30 (0.15) 0.40 (0.20)
21-50 gm 0.40 (0.20) 0.55 (0.30)
51-100 gm Inland rates as for 0.50 (0.25) 0.65 (0.35)
101-250 gm book packets 0.80 (0.40) 1.10 (0.55)
01.07.1974
251-500 gm (registered 1.40 (0.70) 1.90 (0.95)
501-1000 gm newspapers) 2.40 (1.20) 3.20 (1.60)
1001-2000 gm 4.00 (2.00) 5.40 (2.70)
Addl. 1000 gm 2.00 (1.00) 2.70 (1.35)
1. Asian Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU) Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand,
New Zealand, Korea, Philippines, People’s Republic of China, and Indonesia
2. Numbers in brackets are rates for newspapers which, for the purpose of Inland
Note Post, are treated as “Registered Newspapers.” However, the rate did not apply
to Sri Lanka in whose case rates for newspapers was: (1) For a single copy, (a)
weight not exceed. 100 gm: 0.10, (b) 101-250 gm: 0.15, and (c) every addl. 250
gm: 0.05 and (2) For more than one copy of the same issue being carried in the

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 7 of 33

 same packet, (a) weight not exceed. 100 gm: 0.10 and (b) every addl. 150 gm:
0.10
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.45 (0.25) 0.60 (0.30)
21-50 gm 0.60 (0.30) 0.80 (0.40)
51-100 gm Inland rates as for 0.75 (0.40) 1.00 (0.50)
101-250 gm book packets 1.15 (0.60) 1.55 (0.80)
10.02.1975
251-500 gm (registered 2.00 (1.00) 2.75 (1.40)
501-1000 gm newspapers) 3.55 (1.75) 4.70 (2.35)
1001-2000 gm 5.90 (3.00) 7.85 (3.90)
Addl. 1000 gm 3.00 (1.50) 4.00 (2.00)
1. AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Korea,
Philippines, and Indonesia
Note
2. The newspaper rates did not apply to Sri Lanka in whose case rates were the
same as last changed on 01.07.1974.
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.55 (0.30) 0.75 (0.40)
21-50 gm 0.90 (0.45) 1.20 (0.60)
51-100 gm Inland rates as for 1.20 (0.60) 1.60 (0.80)
101-250 gm book packets 2.20 (1.10) 2.95 (1.50)
01.01.1976
251-500 gm (registered 4.00 (2.00) 5.30 (2.65)
501-1000 gm newspapers) 6.60 (3.30) 8.80 (4.40)
1001-2000 gm 9.25 (4.65) 12.35 (6.20)
Addl. 1000 gm 6.00 (3.00) 8.00 (4.00)
1. Numbers in brackets are rates for newspapers which, for the purpose of Inland
Post, are treated as “Registered Newspapers.”
2. The rates did not apply to Sri Lanka in whose case rates for newspapers was the
Note
same as last changed on 01.07.1974.
3. AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand New Zealand, South Korea,
Philippines, Indonesia, and the People's Republic of China
1. The rate for addl. 1000 gm exceed. 2000 gm was reduced to 4.50 (2.25) and
6.00 (3.00) respectively.
01.03.1976
2. The newspaper rates did not apply to Sri Lanka in whose case rates were the
same as last changed on 01.07.1974.
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight APPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 1.00 (0.50) 1.30 (0.65)
21-50 gm 1.60 (0.80) 2.10 (1.05)
Inland Rates for
51-100 gm 2.10 (1.10) 2.80 (1.40)
book packets
101-250 gm 3.90 (1.95) 5.15 (2.60)
01.07.1981 (Inland Rates for
251-500 gm 7.00 (3.50) 9.30 (4.65)
registered
501-1000 gm 11.55 (5.80) 15.40 (7.70)
newspapers)
1001-2000 gm 16.20 (8.10) 21.60 (10.80)
Addl. 1000 gm 8.10 (-) 10.80 (-)
1. Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand,
New Zealand, Indonesia, Korea, The Peoples' Republic of China, Philippines,
Notes Malaysia, Papua New-Guinea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Singapore
2. The newspaper rates did not apply to Sri Lanka in whose case rates were the
same as last changed on 01.07.1974.

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 8 of 33

 Additional rate slab for Pakistan introduced. Rates 0.85 (0.40), 1.35 (0.70), 1.80
(0.90), 3.30 (1.65), 5.95 (2.95), 9.80 (4.95), 13.75 (6.90), and 6.90 (NA) for weights
01.06.1982
not exceeding 20 gm, 21-50 gm, 51-100 gm, 101-250 gm, 251-500 gm, 501-1000 gm,
1001-2000 gm, and every addl. 1000 gm respectively.
Bangladesh no longer enjoyed inland rates. New rate introduced as follows:

(1) Book packets containing printed books – 0.15 for weight not exceed. 100 gm and
0.10 for every addl. 100 gm.
(2) Book packets containing periodicals – 0.15 for weight not exceed. 100 gm and
0.20 for every addl. 100 gm.
01.03.1983
(3) Single copy of registered newspapers – 0.05 for weight not exceed. 50 gm, 0.15
for weight between 50 and 100 gm, and 0.10 for every addl. 100 gm
(4) More than one copy of registered newspaper being carried in the same packet –
0.15 for weight not exceed. 100 gm and 0.10 for every addl. 100 gm

Surcharge was 0.10 for every 10 gm in all the above cases.

Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.85 (0.40) 1.50 (0.80) 1.80 (0.90)
21-50 gm 1.35 (0.70) 2.50 (1.25) 2.90 (1.45)
51-100 gm 1.80 (0.95) 3.40 (1.70) 4.00 (2.00)
101-250 gm 3.30 (1.65) 6.10 (3.10) 7.20 (3.60)
01.02.1984
251-500 gm 5.95 (2.95) 11.05 (5.50) 13.00 (6.50)
501-1000 gm 9.80 (4.95) 18.40 (9.25) 21.65 (10.85)
1001-2000 gm 13.75 (6.90) 25.75 (12.90) 30.30 (15.15)
Addl. 1000 gm 6.90 (-) 12.90 (-) 15.15 (-)
1. Printed Papers included newspapers and books
2. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates as per book packets
3. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in
the then Rule 5B, which was not altered; however, there was a change in book
Notes packets containing periodicals: 0.25 for weight not exceed. 100 gm and 0.30 for
every addl. 50 gm. Surcharge remained the same at 0.10 for every 10 gm.
4. APPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Indonesia,
Korea, the People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New
Guinea, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Maldives
Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.85 (0.40) 1.50 (0.80) 2.50 (1.50)
21-50 gm 1.35 (0.70) 2.50 (1.25) 4.00 (2.00)
51-100 gm 1.80 (0.95) 3.40 (1.70) 5.50 (3.00)
101-250 gm 3.30 (1.65) 6.10 (3.10) 10.00 (5.00)
01.05.1986
251-500 gm 5.95 (2.95) 11.05 (5.50) 18.00 (9.00)
501-1000 gm 9.80 (4.95) 18.40 (9.25) 30.00 (15.00)
1001-2000 gm 13.75 (6.90) 25.75 (12.90) 42.00 (21.00)
Addl. 1000 gm 6.90 (-) 12.90 (-) 21.00 (-)
Note Only rates to other foreign countries changed
Other UPU
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 1.00 (0.50) 2.00 (1.50) 2.50 (1.50)
01.05.1987 21-50 gm 2.00 (1.00) 3.50 (2.00) 4.00 (2.00)
51-100 gm 2.50 (1.50) 5.00 (2.50) 5.50 (3.00)

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 9 of 33

 101-250 gm 4.50 (2.50) 8.50 (4.50) 10.00 (5.00)
251-500 gm 8.00 (4.00) 15.50 (8.00) 18.00 (9.00)
501-1000 gm 13.50 (7.00) 25.50 (13.00) 30.00 (15.00)
1001-2000 gm 19.00 (9.50) 36.00 (18.00) 42.00 (21.00)
Addl. 1000 gm 9.50 (-) 18.00 (-) 21.00 (-)
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates
2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in
the then Rule 5B, which was not altered
Note
3. APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples Republic), Korea (Republic),
Indonesia, Japan, Laos PDR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New
Guinea, Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Other UPU
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 2.00 (1.00) 3.00 (2.00) 4.00 (2.00)
21-50 gm 3.00 (2.00) 4.00 (3.00) 5.00 (3.00)
51-100 gm 3.00 (2.00) 7.00 (3.00) 8.00 (4.00)
101-250 gm 6.00 (3.00) 13.00 (7.00) 15.00 (8.00)
01.11.1991
251-500 gm 11.00 (6.00) 23.00 (11.00) 27.00 (13.00)
501-1000 gm 19.00 (10.00) 38.00 (20.00) 45.00 (23.00)
1001-2000 gm 26.00 (13.00) 54.00 (27.00) 63.00 (32.00)
Addl. 1000 gm 13.00 (-) 26.00 (-) 31.00 (-)
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates.
2. APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples Republic), Korea (Republic),
Note
Indonesia, Japan, Laos (PDR), Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New
Guinea, Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Other UPU
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 2.00 (1.00) 3.00 (2.00) 4.00 (2.00)
21-50 gm 3.00 (2.00) 4.00 (3.00) 5.00 (3.00)
51-100 gm 3.00 (2.00) 7.00 (3.00) 8.00 (4.00)
101-250 gm 6.00 (3.00) 13.00 (7.00) 15.00 (8.00)
01.02.1999 13.00 (error?
251-500 gm 11.00 (6.00) 27.00 (13.00)
maybe 23?) (11.00)
501-1000 gm 19.00 (10.00) 38.00 (20.00) 45.00 (23.00)
1001-2000 gm 26.00 (13.00) 54.00 (27.00) 63.00 (32.00)
Addl. 1000 gm 13.00 (-) 26.00 (-) 31.00 (-)
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates
2. APPU Countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China (Peoples
Republic), Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea (Republic), Laos (Republic),
Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,
Philippines, Singapore, Soloman Island, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam
3. Bangladesh revised rates under Rule 5B
(1) Book packets containing printed books or periodicals: 0.50 for weight not
Note
exceed. 100 gm and 0.50 for every addl. 100 gm
(2) Single copy of registered newspapers: 0.15 for weight not exceed. 50 gm,
0.25 for weight between 50 and 100 gm, and 0.10 for every addl. 100 gm
(3) More than one copy of registered newspaper being carried in the same
packet: 0.25 for weight not exceed. 100 gm and 0.10 for every addl. 100 gm

In all cases, a surcharge of 0.25 applied.

Date Weight All Countries

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 10 of 33

 Not exceed. 20 gm 10.00
01.09.2008 Every addl. 20 gm to 500 gm 5.00
Every addl. 100 gm to 2000 gm 20.00
Not exceed. 20 gm 15.00
01.10.2015
Every addl. 20 gm (to 2000 gm) 10.00

Table 4: Express Delivery – Rule 5(1)

Date Rate
01.04.1957 0.40
For unregistered letters, postcards, and book packets. Rate in addition to the postage
Note
for the same article when not intended for express delivery.
Nepal and Other
Date
Pakistan Countries
01.01.1966 Inland Rates 0.40
20.06.1966 Inland Rates 0.50
01.06.1968 Withdrawn; also see Rule 5B introduced this date

Table 5: Blind Literature Packets – Rule 5(1)

Date Weight Aden, Ceylon, All Other
Nepal, Pakistan, Countries
and Portuguese
India
01.04.1957 Every 2.5 lb up to 17.5 lb Inland 0.03
Note Bayanwala has the weight steps as every 2 oz and the rate as 0.02
24.08.1957 Exempt
Note Notification SRO 2689 dated 20 August 1957 published in the Gazette of India dated
24 August 1957
01.04.1959 No registration fee under Rule 68 and no fee for acknowledgement of delivery of
registered article under Rule 71(1)

Table 6: Business Papers (Legal and Commercial Documents) (Surface) – Rule 5(1)
Aden, Ceylon,
Nepal, Pakistan, All Other
Date Weight
and Portuguese Countries
India
Not exceed. 8 oz 0.25
01.04.1957 Inland rates
Every addl. 2 oz 0.07
Note Bayanwala has the first weight step as 10 oz and the rate for every addl. 2 oz as 0.08
Not exceed. 8 oz Inland rates for 0.25
01.02.1958
Every addl. 2 oz book packets? 0.06
Ceylon, Nepal,
All Other
Date Weight Pakistan, and
Countries
Portuguese India
Not exceed. 2 oz Inland rates for 0.08
01.04.1959
Every addl. 2 oz book packets? 0.07
Note In case business papers to all other countries, the minimum charge was 0.33
Ceylon, Nepal,
All Other
Date Weight Pakistan, and
Countries
Portuguese India
Not exceed. 50 gm Inland rates for 0.12
01.02.1961
Every addl. 50 gm book packets 0.06

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 11 of 33

 Note In case business papers to all other countries, the minimum charge was 0.30
Ceylon, Nepal, All Other
Date Weight
and Pakistan Countries
Not exceed. 50 gm Inland rates for 0.15
01.07.1963
Every addl. 50 gm book packets 0.10
Note In case business papers to all other countries, the minimum charge was 0.40
01.01.1966 According to Bayanwala, the service was discontinued from this date

Table 7: Sample Packets (Surface) – Rule 5(1)

Aden, Ceylon,
Nepal, Pakistan, All Other
Date Weight
and Portuguese Countries
India
Not exceed. 2 oz 0.08
01.02.1958 Inland
Every addl. 2 oz 0.06
Note In case sample packets to all other countries, the minimum charge was 0.10
Ceylon, Nepal,
All Other
Date Weight Pakistan, and
Countries
Portuguese India
Not exceed. 2 oz 0.08
01.04.1959 Inland
Every addl. 2 oz 0.07
Note In case sample packets to all other countries, the minimum charge was 0.16
Ceylon, Nepal,
All Other
Date Weight Pakistan, and
Countries
Portuguese India
Not exceed. 50 gm 0.12
01.02.1961 Inland
Every addl. 50 gm 0.06
Note In case sample packets to all other countries, the minimum charge was 0.30
Ceylon, Nepal, All Other
Date Weight
and Pakistan Countries
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.15
01.07.1963 Inland
Every addl. 20 gm 0.10
Note In case sample packets to all other countries, the minimum charge was 0.40
Not exceed. 20 gm 0.20
01.01.1966 Inland
Every addl. 20 gm 0.10
Not exceed. 50 gm 0.30
20.06.1966 Inland
Every addl. 50 gm 0.15
Note In case sample packets to all other countries, the minimum charge was 0.50
Not exceed. 50 gm 0.40
01.06.1968 Inland
Every addl. 50 gm 0.20
Note In case sample packets to all other countries, the minimum charge was 0.75

1. Sample Packets was merged into Small Packets from 01.07.1971

End Notes
2. For future rates see the table on ‘Small Packets’

Table 8: Small Packets – Rule 5(1)

Date Weight Rate
01.05.1966 Every 50 gm 0.20
1. Introduced vide G.S.R. 596 dated 7 April 1966 published in Gazette of India
Note dated 25 April 1966
2. Minimum charge 0.80

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 12 of 33

 20.06.1966 Every 50 gm 0.30
Note Minimum charge was 1.00
01.06.1968 Not exceed. 50 gm 0.40
Note Minimum charge was 1.50
Bhutan, Ceylon,
Date Weight Nepal, and Other Countries
Pakistan
Not exceed. 100
0.80
gm
Inland Rates for
01.07.1971 101-250 gm 1.60
Sample Packets
251-500 gm 2.70
501-1000 gm 4.80
Note ‘Small Packets’ now include Sample as well as Small Packets
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 100
0.60 0.80
gm
Inland Rates for
01.07.1974 101-250 gm 1.20 1.60
Sample Packets
251-500 gm 2.00 2.70
501-1000 gm 3.60 4.80
Asian Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU) Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand,
Note
New Zealand, Korea, Philippines, People’s Republic of China, and Indonesia
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 100
0.90 1.20
gm
Inland Rates for
10.02.1975 101-250 gm 1.75 2.35
Sample Packets
251-500 gm 3.00 3.90
501-1000 gm 5.25 7.00
AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Korea, Philippines,
Note
and Indonesia
Bhutan, Nepal, Other Foreign
Date Weight AOPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 100
1.20 1.60
gm
Inland Rates for
01.01.1976 101-250 gm 2.20 2.95
Sample Packets
251-500 gm 4.00 5.30
501-1000 gm 6.60 8.80
AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand New Zealand, South Korea,
Note
Philippines, Indonesia and the People's Republic of China
Bhutan, Nepal, Other UPU
Date Weight APPU Countries
and Bangladesh Countries
Not exceed. 100
2.10 2.80
gm
Inland Rates for
01.07.1981 101-250 gm 3.90 5.15
sample packets
251-500 gm 7.00 9.30
501-1000 gm 11.55 15.40
Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New
Note Zealand, Indonesia, Korea, The Peoples' Republic of China, Philippines, Malaysia,
Papua New-Guinea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Singapore

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 13 of 33

 Additional rate slab for Pakistan were introduced. Rates 1.80, 3.30, 5.95, and 9.80
01.06.1982 for weights not exceeding 100 gm, 100-250 gm, 251-500 gm, and 501-1000 gm
respectively.
Bangladesh no longer enjoyed inland rates. New rates for book pattern and sample
01.03.1983 packets – 0.30 for weight not exceed. 50 gm and 0.15 for every addl. 25 gm plus a
surcharge of 0.10 for every 10 gm
Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 100
1.80 3.40 4.00
gm
01.02.1984 101-250 gm 3.30 6.10 7.20
251-500 gm 5.95 11.05 13.00
501-1000 gm 9.80 18.40 21.65
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates as per sample packets
2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in
the then Rule 5B, which was not altered
Notes
3. APPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Indonesia,
Korea, the peopled Republic of China, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New
Guinea, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Maldives
Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 100
1.80 3.40 5.50
gm
01.05.1986 101-250 gm 3.30 6.10 10.00
251-500 gm 5.95 11.05 18.00
501-1000 gm 9.80 18.40 30.00
Note Only rates to other foreign countries changed
Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 100
2.50 5.00 5.50
gm
01.05.1987 101-250 gm 4.50 8.50 10.00
251-500 gm 8.00 15.50 18.00
501-1000 gm 13.50 25.50 30.00
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates.
2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in
the then Rule 5B, which was not altered
Notes
3. APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples’ Republic), Korea (Republic),
Indonesia, Japan, Laos PDR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New
Guinea, Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Other Foreign
Date Weight Pakistan APPU Countries
Countries
Not exceed. 100
3.00 7.00 8.00
gm
101-250 gm 6.00 13.00 15.00
01.11.1991
251-500 gm 11.00 23.00 27.00
501-1000 gm 19.00 38.00 45.00
1001-2000 gm 28.00 54.00 63.00
1. Bhutan and Nepal continued to enjoy inland rates.
Notes 2. Rates for Bangladesh remained the same as before as they were contained in
the then Rule 5B, which was not altered

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 14 of 33

 3. APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples Republic), Korea (Republic),
Indonesia, Japan, Laos (PDR), Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New
Guinea, Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Pakistan
Other UPU
Date Weight Bangladesh, APPU Countries
Countries
Nepal and Bhutan
Not exceed. 100
13.00 17.00 20.00
gm
101-250 gm 23.00 31.00 37.00
01.02.1999
251-500 gm 42.00 56.00 66.00
501-1000 gm 69.00 93.00 110.00
1001-2000 gm 98.00 132.00 155.00
APPU Countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China (Peoples
Republic), Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea (Republic), Laos (Republic), Malaysia,
Note
Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines,
Singapore, Solomon Island, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam
Date Weight All Countries
Not exceed. 100 gm 40.00
01.09.2008
Every addl. 100 gm up to 2000 gm 30.00
Not exceed. 100 gm 60.00
01.10.2015
Every addl. 100 gm (up to 2000 gm) 45.00

Table 9: Insured Boxes (Surface) – Rule 5(1)

Date Weight Rate Date Weight Rate
Not exceed. 8 oz 1.00 01.07.1963 Every 50 gm 0.26
01.04.1957
Every addl. 2 oz 0.25 Note Minimum charge 1.28
Not exceed. 10 oz 1.00 01.09.1966 Every 50 gm 0.25
01.02.1958
Every addl. 2 oz 0.21 Note Minimum charge 1.25
Not exceed. 10 oz 1.06 20.06.1966 Every 50 gm 0.40
01.04.1959
Every addl. 2 oz 0.21 Note Minimum charge 2.00
01.02.1961 Every 50 gm 0.20 Not exceed. 250 gm 3.00
01.06.1968
Note Minimum charge 1.00 Every addl. 50 gm 0.60
Note Minimum charge 3.00?
1. It was usually mentioned in the Gazettes that the Director-General shall, from
time to time, declare in the Post and Telegraph Guide, the countries and places
End Note to which insured boxes can be transmitted by the Foreign Letter Post.
2. Until 01.01.1976, the rates remained unchanged. I am unable to find out if and
when this service was discontinued.

Table 10: Surface Airlift (SAL) – Rule 5(2)

Printed Papers including newspapers
Small Packets
and books (Registered Newspapers)
Date Weight Rate Weight Rate
Not exceed. 100
Not exceed. 20 gm 6.00 (4.00) 16.00
gm
21-50 gm 10.00 (6.00) 101-250 gm 35.00
51-100 gm 16.00 (12.00) 251-500 gm 65.00
01.04.1993
101-250 gm 35.00 (28.00) 501-1000 gm 120.00
251-500 gm 65.00 (51.00) 1000-2000 gm 213.00
501-1000 gm 120.00 (98.00)
1001-2000 gm 213.00? (182.00)

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 15 of 33

 Addl. 1000 gm 106.00 (-) Addl. 1000 gm
1. SAL was introduced vide notification GSR 259 (E) dated 5 March 1993 published
in the Gazette of India of the same date
2. Under SAL, in the country of origin and in the country of destination, the mail is
Note dealt as a surface mail but it is carried between two countries by air with
reduced priority.
3. Figures in brackets are rates for registered newspapers
4. The above rates were applicable to only Singapore, UK, USA, and Germany
Surcharge of 4.00 for every 20 gm for all countries other than SAARC countries in
01.09.2008
addition to surface rates
Date: 01.10.2015
SAARC and Gulf Other Asian North America
Europe and Africa South America
Countries countries and Australia
(every 20 gm in addition to normal surface rates)
2.00 3.00 4.00 6.00 8.00
Date: 01.08.2016
Other Asian All other
SAARC Gulf Countries
countries countries
(every 20 gm in addition to normal surface rates)
NIL 2.00 3.00 4.00
Note The new rates apply to single post cards only. Rates for all articles were unchanged.

Table 11: Bulk Bag of Printed Matter (M Bag) (Surface) – Rule 5A(1)
Bags containing registered newspapers Bags containing other printed matter
Date only whether with or with-
out registered newspapers
Per kg Per kg
01.02.1961 0.80 1.25
01.07.1963 0.85 2.05
Bags containing registered newspapers Bags containing other printed matter
Date only whether with or with-
out registered newspapers
Not exceed. 50 gm Addl. 50 gm Not exceed. 50 Addl. 50 gm
gm
20.06.1966 0.16 0.08 0.30 0.15
01.06.1968 0.20 0.10 0.40 0.20
Bags containing registered newspapers Bags containing other printed matter
Date only whether with or without registered
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. Kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. Kg
01.07.1971 6.75 1.35 13.50 2.70
Date: 01.07.1974
Country Bags containing other printed matter
Bags containing registered newspapers
whether with or without registered
only
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. Kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
Nepal and
Inland Rates?
Pakistan
AOPU Countries 5.00 1.00 10.00 2.00
Sri Lanka 3.40 0.70 13.50 2.70

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 16 of 33

 All Other
Countries except
6.75 1.35 13.50 2.70
Bhutan, Nepal,
and Bangladesh
Note AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Korea, Philippines,
People’s Republic of China, and Indonesia
Date: 10.02.1975
Bags containing other printed matter
Bags containing registered newspapers
Country whether with or without registered
only
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. Kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
Bhutan, Nepal,
Inland Rates?
and Bangladesh
AOPU Countries 7.50 1.50 15.00 3.00
Sri Lanka 3.40 0.70 20.00 4.00
All Other
Countries except
10.00 2.00 20.00 4.00
Bhutan, Nepal,
and Bangladesh
Note AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Korea, Philippines,
and Indonesia
Date: 01.01.1976
Bags containing other printed matter
Bags containing registered newspapers
Country whether with or without registered
only
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
Bhutan, Nepal,
Inland Rates?
and Bangladesh
AOPU Countries 15.00 3.00 30.00 6.00
Sri Lanka 3.40 0.70 40.00 8.00
All Other
Countries except
20.00 4.00 40.00 8.00
Bhutan, Nepal,
and Bangladesh
Note 1. AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, South Korea,
Philippines, Indonesia, and the People's Republic of China
2. The rate for weight not exceed. 5 gm for AOPU countries is almost certainly
printed wrong in the Gazette as 3.00. Given that all the other rates for AOPU
have doubled since the previous change, I assume it is 30.00.
Date: 01.03.1976
Bags containing other printed matter
Bags containing registered newspapers
Country whether with or without registered
only
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
Bhutan, Nepal,
Inland Rates?
and Bangladesh
AOPU Countries 11.25 2.25 22.50 4.50
Sri Lanka 3.40 0.70 30.00 6.00
All Other
15.00 3.00 30.00 6.00
Countries except

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 17 of 33

Bhutan, Nepal,
and Bangladesh
Note AOPU countries as before
Date: 01.07.1981
Bags containing other printed matter
Bags containing registered newspapers
Country whether with or without registered
only
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
Bhutan, Nepal,
Inland Rates?
and Bangladesh
APPU Countries 20.25 4.05 37.50 7.50
Sri Lanka 3.40 0.70 37.50 7.50
All Other
27.00 5.40 50.00 10.00
Countries
Note Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New
Zealand, Indonesia, Korea, Peoples Republic of China, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua,
New Guinea, and Singapore
01.06.1982 Additional rate slab for Pakistan introduced. Rates - (1) Bags containing only
registered newspapers: 17.20 for weight not exceed. 5 kgs and 3.45 for every
additional kg and (2) Bags packets containing other printed matter whether with or
without registered newspapers: 31.85 for weight not exceed. 5 kgs and 6.35 for
every additional kg.
Date: 01.02.1984
Bags containing registered newspapers Bags containing other printed matter
Country only whether with or without registered
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
Bhutan and Nepal Inland Rates
APPU Countries 29.00 6.00 58.00 12.00
Sri Lanka 17.20 3.45 31.85 6.35
All Other
34.00 7.00 68.00 14.00
Countries
Note APPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Indonesia, Korea,
Peoples Republic of China, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua, New Guinea, Singapore,
Sri Lanka, and Maldives
Date: 01.05.1986
Bags containing registered newspapers Bags containing other printed matter
Country only whether with or without registered
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
Bhutan and Nepal Inland Rates
APPU Countries 29.00 6.00 58.00 12.00
Sri Lanka 17.20 3.45 31.85 6.35
All Other
Countries except
47.00 10.00 94.00 20.00
Bhutan, Nepal,
and Bangladesh
Note Only rates to other foreign countries changed
Date: 01.05.1987

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 18 of 33

 Country Bags containing registered newspapers Bags containing other printed matter
only whether with or without registered
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
Bhutan and Nepal Inland Rates
APPU Countries 40.00 8.50 80.00 17.00
Pakistan 24.00 5.00 44.00 9.00
All Other
47.00 10.00 94.00 20.00
Countries
Note APPU Countries: Australia, China (People's Republic), Korea (Republic), Indonesia,
Japan, Laos (PDR), Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New Guinea,
Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Date: 01.11.1991
Country Bags containing registered newspapers Bags containing other printed matter
only whether with or without registered
newspapers
Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
Bhutan and Nepal Inland Rates
APPU Countries 56.00 12.00 112.00 24.00
Pakistan 33.00 7.00 61.00 13.00
All Other
66.00 14.00 132.00 28.00
Countries
Note APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples’ Republic), Korea (Republic), Indonesia,
Japan, Laos (PDR), Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New Guinea,
Singapore, Maldives, Nauru (Republic), Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Date Weight All Countries
01.09.2008 Not exceed. 5 kg 350.00
Every kg exceed. 5 kg (to 30 kg?) 100.00
01.10.2015 Not exceed. 5 kg 600.00
Every kg exceed. 5 kg to 30 kg 100.00

Table 12: Bulk Bag of Printed Matter sent via Surface Airlift (SAL) – Rule 5A(2)
Bags containing other printed matters
Bags containing Registered
with or without Registered
Newspapers only
Newspapers
Date Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg Not exceed. 5 kg Addl. kg
01.04.1993 441.00 89.00 507.00 103.00
1. Introduced vide notification GSR 259 (E) dated 5 March 1993 published in the
Note Gazette of India of the same date
2. The above rates were applicable to only Singapore, UK, USA, and Germany
Surcharge of 4.00 for every 20 gm for all countries other than SAARC countries in
01.09.2008
addition to surface rates
Date: 01.10.2015
SAARC and Gulf Other Asian North America
Europe and Africa South America
Countries Countries and Australia
(for every 20 gm in addition to Surface Airlift rates in Rule 5A(1))
2.00 3.00 4.00 6.00 8.00

Table 13: Express Delivery Fee – Rule 5B

Nepal and
Date Other countries
Pakistan

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 19 of 33

 01.06.1968 Inland 0.75
This rule inserted vide Notification No. GSR 973 dated 18 May 1968 published in the
Note
Gazette of India dated 25 May 1968
01.07.1971 Inland? 0.80
Note Rate for only other countries increased
Nepal and
AOPU Countries Other countries
Pakistan
01.07.1974 Inland 0.60 0.80
AOPU Countries Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, Korea, Philippines,
Note
People’s Republic of China, and Indonesia
Withdrawn vide Notification no. S.O. 2707 dated 30 September 1974 published in
01.11.1974 the Gazette of India dated 12 October 1974. While the date of the withdrawal is not
mentioned, Bayanwala asserts its 01 November 1974.

From 01.03.1983, Rule 5B pertained to certain rates of postage to Bangladesh;

End Note
those rates are discussed elsewhere.

Table 14: Air Fee / Surcharge – Rule 6

Date: 01.04.1957
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards Air Letters
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
every ½ oz
Ceylon, Pakistan,
0.10 0.10 0.10 0.20
Portuguese India
Zone I 0.35 0.15 0.25 0.30
Asia and Egypt –
0.60 0.25 0.35 0.50
Zone II
Europe and in
East Africa – 0.90 0.35 0.40 0.50
Zone III
Africa and
Oceania – Zone 1.10 0.35 0.50 0.60
IV
North, Central,
and South 1.50 0.50 0.65 0.75
America -Zone V
Zone I: Afghanistan and Burma

Zone II: Aden, Sr. Post Office in Persian Gulf (Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat), Brunei, China, Egypt, Guam,
Hong Kong, Indo China, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Macao (Portuguese), Malaya, New
Guinea, (Mandated Territory), North Borneo? (British), Palestine, Papua, Philippines, Sarawak, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Island, Syria, Thailand (Siam), Timor (Dutch & Portuguese).

Zone III: In Europe: (Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria), Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, (Ireland,
Finland, France including Corsica), Gibraltar, Germany, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Greece
(Holland, Hungary), Iceland, Italy (including Sicily & Sardinia), Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USSR (Russia), Yugoslavia, In Africa: British Somaliland,
Belgian Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, French Somaliland, Kenya, Uganda & Tanganyika, Territory (Libya,
Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Zanzibar)

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 20 of 33

Zone IV: In Oceania: Australia, Fiji Islands, Friendly or Tonga Islands, Gilbert & Ellice Islands, New
Hebrides, New Zealand. In Africa: Algeria, Bechuanaland Protectorate, Cameroons, Dahomey, French
Equatorial Africa, French Guinea, Gold Coast, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria,
Nyasaland, Portuguese East and West Africa, Reunion Rhodesia (Northern & Southern), Sierra Leone,
South West Africa, Tunis, Union of South Africa (including Basutoland & Swaziland)

Zone V: In America: North & Central America, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada (Including New
Foundland), Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica Republic, Dutch West Indies, El Salvador, French West Indies,
Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras (British), Honduras (Republic), Jamaica, Leeward Island, (Antigua
Montserrat, Nevis, St. Kitts), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama (Canal Zone & Republic), Porto Rico, Lt. Lucia,
St. Vincent, Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Island, Virgin Islands of
USA, USA (including Hawaii Islands), South America, Argentina Republic, Bolivia, Brazil, British Guiana,
Chile, Colombia, Dutch Guiana, Ecuador, Falkland Island, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay,
Venezuela.
Printed papers include newspapers, sample packets, mixed packets, and blind
Note
literature packets
Date: 01.04.1959
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards Air Letters
Airmail fee per tola payable in addition
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
to surface postage
Ceylon, Pakistan,
0.10 0.10 0.10 0.20
Portuguese India
Zone I 0.10 0.80 0.25 0.30
Zone II 0.30 0.15 0.35 0.50
Zone III 0.70 0.25 0.40 0.50
Zone IV 0.90 0.30 0.50 0.60
Zone V 1.30 0.40 0.65 0.75
Zone I: Afghanistan and Burma
Zone II: Other countries and places in Asia and Egypt
Zone III: Countries and places in Europe and East Africa
Zone IV: Other countries and places in Africa and in Oceania
Zone V: Countries and places in North America, Central America, and South America
1. Airmail rates for letters and printed papers now in addition to surface postage
and not all-inclusive
2. At least 75% of air mail fees to be prepaid, otherwise the article would be
Notes
sent by surface route
3. Printed Papers include newspaper, business papers, sample packets, mixed
packets, and blind literature packets
Date: 01.02.1961
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards Air Letters
Airmail fee per 10 gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to surface postage
Afghanistan and
0.10 0.05 0.25 0.30
Burma
Ceylon and
0.10 0.05 0.10 0.20
Pakistan
Countries in List I 0.30 0.10 0.35 0.50
List II 0.60 0.15 0.40 0.50
List III 0.75 0.20 0.50 0.60
List IV 1.00 0.25 0.65 0.75

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 21 of 33

List I: Aden, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan (including
Ryukyu Islands), Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Macao, Malaya, Mongolia, North Borneo, Persian
Gulf (British Postal Agencies), Philippines, Portuguese Timor, Sarawak, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria,
Thailand, Turkey, U.S.S.R. (in Asia), Vietnam, Yemen.

List II: Albania, Algeria, Ascension, Austria, Balerie Islands, Bechuanaland-Port., (Belgian) Congo,
Belgium, British East Africa, Bulgaria, Cameroons, Cape Verde Islands, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia,
Dahomey, Denmark, Ethiopia., Finland, France, (French) Equatorial Africa, (French) Guinea, French
Somali Coast, Gambia, Germany, both Federal and Democratic Republics, Ghana, Gibraltar, Great Britain
and N. Ireland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,
Luxemburg, Malta, Mauretania, Mauritius, Monaco?, Morocco, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Portuguese East Africa, Portuguese West Africa, Reunion, Rhodesia and Nyasaland,
Romania, St. Helena, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia Somaliland (Protectorate),
South-Africa (Union of), South West Africa, Spain, Spanish Guinea, Spanish West Africa, Sweden,
Switzerland, Togo, Tristan da Cunha, Tunisia, U.S.S.R. (in Europe), Upper Volta, Vatican City State,
Yugoslavia, Zanzibar.

List III: Australia, Caroline Islands Cook (or Hervey) Islands, Fanning Island, Fiji Islands, French
Settlements in Oceania, Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Marian Islands, Marshall Islands, Nauru Island, New
Caledonia, New Guinea Territory. New Hebrides, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Papua, Pitcairn Island,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga.

List IV: Alaska, Argentina Bahama Islands, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, British Guiana, British
Honduras, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic,
Equator, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French West-Indies, Grenada, Guatemala, Hayti,
Hawaii, Honduras Republic, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama
Republic, Panama Canal Zone, Paraguay, Peru, Porto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Pierre and Miquelon, St,
Vincent, Surinam, Tortola, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States of America,
Uruguay, Venezuela, Virgin Islands of the U.S.A.
1. At least 75% of the airmail fees to be prepaid otherwise the article would be sent
by surface route
Notes
2. Printed papers include newspapers), sample packets, mixed packets, and blind
literature packets
Date: 01.10.1963
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards Aerogrammes
Airmail fee per 10 gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to surface postage
Afghanistan and
0.10 0.05 0.30 0.35
Burma
Ceylon and
0.10 0.05 0.15 0.20
Pakistan
Countries in List I 0.30 0.10 0.45 0.55
List II 0.60 0.15 0.45 0.55
List III 0.75 0.20 0.45 0.55
List IV 1.00 0.25 0.45 0.55
1. Only rates for post cards and aerogrammes changed
Note
2. Country list as earlier
Date: 20.06.1966
Aerogrammes /
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards
Air Letters

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 22 of 33

 Airmail fee per 10 gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to surface postage
Afghanistan and
0.15 0.10 0.35 0.45
Burma
Ceylon and
0.15 0.10 0.15 0.20
Pakistan
Countries in List I 0.45 0.15 0.60 0.65
List II 0.80 0.25 0.60 0.65
List III 1.05 0.30 0.60 0.65
List IV 1.40 0.40 0.60 0.65
1. Printed papers include newspapers, sample packets, mixed packets, and blind
literature packets
Note
2. Notification no. G.S.R. 972 dated 18 June 1966 published in the Gazette of India
dated 20 June 1966
Printed papers include newspapers, sample packets, small packets and blind
01.07.1966
literature packets. Note the addition of small packets.
Date: 01.06.1968
Aerogrammes /
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards
Air Letters
Airmail fee per 10 gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to surface postage
Nepal NIL 0.05 0.10 0.15
Afghanistan and
0.15 0.10 0.50 0.65
Burma
Ceylon, Pakistan,
and Maldive 0.15 0.05 0.20 0.25
Islands
Countries in List I 0.45 0.15 0.75 0.85
List II 0.80 0.25 0.75 0.85
List III 1.05 0.30 0.75 0.85
List IV 1.40 0.40 0.75 0.85
List I: Abu Dhabi, Aden, Bahrain, Cambodia, Dubai, Eritrea, Ethiopia, French Territory of Afars and Issas,
Hongkong, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Muscat and Oman, Philippines, Qatar
(Doha and Umm Said), Saudi Arabia Sharjah, Singapore, Somali (Republic), Thailand, U.S.S.R. (in Asia),
Vietnam, and Yemen

List II: Albania, Angola, Austria, Belgium, Botswana; Brunei; Bulgaria; Capte Verde Islands Caroline
(Islands), Central African Republic, China, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Finland, France, Germany (Federal
Republic), Germany (Democratic Republic), Gibraltar, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Greece,
Hungary, Inland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea (North), Korea (South); Lebanon,
Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Monaco, Marian Islands, Marshall Islands,
Mongolia, Morocco, Portugal, Portuguese East Africa, Portuguese West Africa, Ruanda, Rumania, San
Marino, Seychelles, South Africa (Republic), South West Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Switzerland, Syria,
Tanzania (Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Tunisia, Turkey, U.A.R. (Egypt), Uganda, U.S.S.R. (in Europe),
Vatican (City), and Zambia (Republic of).

List III: Algeria, Australia, Byelorussia, Denmark, Fanning Island; Ghana; Gilbert and Ellice Islands,
Luxemburg, Mauritius, Nauru (Territory of), Norfolk (Islands), Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portuguese
Timor, Reunion, Spain, Southern Rhodesia, Sweden, Togolese Republic, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia.

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 23 of 33

List IV: Alaska, Argentina, Ascension, Bahamas Islands, Barbados; Bolivia; Brazil, Burundi, British
Honduras, Bermudas, Cameroons, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Congo (Ex-Moyen Congo),
Congo (Ex-Belgian Congo), Cosk, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dahomey, Dominica, Dominican (Republic), Ecuador,
El Salvador, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Territories in Oceania, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French
West Indies, Guinea (Republic), Gambia, Gabon (Republic), Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana Haiti,
Honduras (Republic), Hawaii, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Liberia, Mali, Martinique,
Mauritania, Mexico, Netherland Antilles, New Caledonia, New Guinea (Territory of), New Hebrides, New
Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Panama (Canal Zone), Panama (Republic), Papua, Paraguay, Peru,
Pitcairn (Island), Puerto Rico, Senegal, Samoa, Spanish Guinea, Solomon Islands, St. Helena, St. Lucia,
Sierra Leone, Spanish West Africa, St. Pierre and Miquelon, St. Vincent, Surinam, Tchad (Republic),
Torotola, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tristan Da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States of
America, Uruguay, Upper Volta, Venezuela, and Virgin Islands (U.S.A.)
Printed papers include newspapers, sample packets, small packets, and blind
Note
literature packets
Date: 01.07.1971
Aerogrammes /
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards
Air Letters
Airmail fee per 10 gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to surface postage
Afghanistan and
0.25 0.10 0.65 0.75
Burma
Ceylon 0.15 0.10 0.20 0.25
Maldive Islands 0.15 0.10 0.65 0.75
Pakistan 0.25 0.10 0.20 0.25
Countries in List I 0.35 0.15 0.75 0.85
List II 0.65 0.25 0.75 0.85
List III 0.80 0.30 0.75 0.85
List IV 1.15 0.40 0.75 0.85
List I: Abu Dhabi, Angola, Bahrain, Cambodia, China, Dubai, French Territory of Afars and Issas,
Hongkong, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Muscat and Oman, Philippines, North
Borneo, Qatar, Sarawak, Saudi Arabia, Sharjah, Singapore, Somali (Republic), Southern Yemen,
Thailand, Vietnam (South), Vietnam (North), and Yemen

List II: Albania, Algeria, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Botswana, Bylorussia, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia,
Denmark, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany (Democratic Republic), Germany (Federal
Republic), Gibraltar, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Ireland(Republic),
Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea(North), Korea(South), Lebanon, Libya, Luxemburg, Malagasy (Madagascar),
Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mongolia,, Mozambique, Netherlands, Poland, Portuguese East Africa,
Ruanda, Rasal Khaimah, Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey,
united Arab Republic(Egypt), Uganda, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Vatican City, Yugoslavia,
Zambia (Republic), and Zanzibar

List III: Australia, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Dahomey, Ghana, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Liechtenstein,
Monaco, Morocco, Marian Islands, Mali, Nigeria, Norway, Nauru, Portuguese Guinea, Portuguese Timor,
Portugal, Rumania, Reunion, South West Africa, Swaziland, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sweden, Togo and
Ukraine

List IV: Argentina, Ascension, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermudas, Bolivia, Brazil, Burundi, British Honduras,
Cape Verde Islands Caroline Islands, Central African Republic, Chai, Congo (Democratic Republic), Congo
(People's Republic), Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands Fiji. French Guiana, French Polynesia, French

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 24 of 33

West Indies. Gambia, Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Gabon, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea (Republic),
Guyana, Haiti, Honduras (Republic), Hawaii, Jamaica, Liberia, Leeward Islands, Marshall Islands,
Martinique, Mauritania, Mexico. New Hebrides, Norfolk Islands, Netherland Antilles, New Caledonia,
New Guinea Territory, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Papua, Panama (Canal Zone), Panama (Republic),
Paraguay, Principe and St. Thomas, Peru, Puerto Rico, Pitcairn Islands, Rhodesia, San Marino, Senegal,
Santa Cruz Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Spanish West Africa, Spanish Guinea, St, Helena, St, Lucia,
St. Pierre and Miquelon, Surinam, St. Vincent, Tonga, Tortola, Trinidad and Tobago, Tristan Da Cunha
Turks and Caicos Islands, United States of America. Uruguay Upper Volta, Venezuela, Virgin Islands
(British), Virgin Islands (U.S.A.), Wallis and Futuna.
Date: 10.02.1975
Aerogrammes /
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards
Air Letters
Airmail fee per 10 gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to surface postage
Bangladesh,
Bhutan, and Inland Rates
Nepal
Afghanistan,
Burma, Sri Lanka,
0.25 0.15 0.90 1.00
Pakistan, and
Maldive Islands
Countries in List I 0.45 0.20 1.20 1.25
List II 0.80 0.40 1.20 1.25
List III 0.80 0.40 1.20 1.25
List IV 1.30 0.50 1.20 1.25
1. The list of countries remains the same as the earlier list
Note
2. Printed papers include newspapers, literature for the blind, and small packets
Date: 01.01.1976
Aerogrammes /
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards
Air Letters
Airmail fee per 10 gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to surface postage
Bangladesh,
Bhutan, and Inland Rates
Nepal
Afghanistan,
Burma, Sri Lanka,
0.25 0.15 1.20 1.40
Pakistan, and
Maldive Islands
Countries in List I 0.45 0.20 1.40 1.60
List II 0.80 0.40 1.40 1.60
List III 0.80 0.40 1.40 1.60
List IV 1.30 0.50 1.40 1.60
Note Only rates for post cards and aerogrammes changed
Date: 01.07.1981
Aerogrammes /
Destination Letters Printed papers Post Cards
Air Letters
Airmail fee per 10 gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to surface postage

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 25 of 33

 Bangladesh,
Bhutan, and Inland Rates
Nepal
Countries in Zone
0.20 0.20 2.00 2.70
I
Zone II 0.25 0.25 2.25 2.70
Zone III 0.45 0.45 2.25 2.70
Zone IV 0.65 0.65 2.25 2.70
Zone I: Afghanistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives

Zone II: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Bahrain, Brunei, China (PR), Dubai (UAE), Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,
Kampuchea, Kuwait, Lao PDR, Macao, Malaysia, North Borneo, Oman, Philippines, Qatar (Doha), Rasalar
Khaimah (UAE), Sabah, Sarawak, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somali Rep., Sharjah (UAE), Taiwan,
Thailand, Um al Quwain (UAE), United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen AR, Yemen PDR,

Zone III: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Ascension, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Benin, Botswana, Bulgaria,
Burundi, Bylorussia, Cameroon, Cape Verde Is., Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cyprus,
Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Gabon,
Gambia, Germany (DR), Germany (FR), Ghana, Gibraltar, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Greece,
Guinea Eg. Rep., Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Rep., Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Ile of Man, Israel, Italy, Ivory
Coast, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kenya, Korea Rep., Korea PDR, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya Arab
Jamahirya, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali Rep., Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius,
Monaco, Montserrat, Mongolia Rep., Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru Is., Netherlands, Niger
Rep., Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Portuguese Timor, Reunion, Romania, Rwanda, St. Helena,
Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Spain, Spanish Guinea, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria Ar.,
Tanzania, Togo Rep., Tristan da Cunha, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, USSR, Upper Volta, Vatican
City, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zaire, Zimbabwe

Zone IV: Anguilla Is., Antigua, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada,
Caroline Is., Chile, Colombia, Cook Is., Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El
Salvador, Falkland Is., Fanning Is., Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French West Indies, Grenada,
Guatemala, Guam (US), Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii (US), Honduras Rep., Jamaica, Kiribati, Mariana Is.,
Marshall Is., Martinique, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norfolk Is.,
Panama Rep., Panama Canal Zone, Papua & New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Pitcairn Is., Puerto Rico,
Principe and St. Thomas, St. Christophe and Neves, St. Lucia, St. Pierre & Miquelon, St. Vincent, St.
Kitts-Navis-Anguilla, Sao Tome & Principe, Samoa (US), San Marino, Santa Cruz, Solomon Is., Surinam,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks & Caicos Is., Tuvalu (Ellis), United States of America, Uruguay,
Venezuela, Virgin Is., Wallis & Futuna, Western Samoa
1. Inland post cards, letter cards and letters carried by air wherever it is
advantageous (without any surcharge)
2. For air mail articles addressed to AOPU countries, international surface postage
Note
rates applicable in addition to the air mail surcharge of the appropriate zone.
3. Rates for air mail post cards and aerogramme same for AOPU countries as for
others.
Date: 01.06.1982
Registered
Weight Letters Printed papers Small Packets
Newspapers
Not exceed. 20
2.20 1.10 0.55 -
gm
21-50 gm 3.95 1.80 0.90 -
51-100 gm 5.30 2.40 1.20 2.40
101-250 gm 10.55 4.40 2.20 4.40

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 26 of 33

 251-500 gm 20.15 7.90 3.95 7.90
501-1000 gm 35.00 13.10 6.55 13.10
1001-2000 gm 56.85 18.35 9.20 -
Add. 1000 gm - 9.20 - -
1. The above table applies to Pakistan only. Air surcharge of 0.20 for every 10 gm
in addition.
2. Airmail rates for Post Cards: 1.75 and Aerogrammes: 2.70.
3. Airmail rates for (1) Bags containing registered newspapers only - (a) Not exceed.
5 kg: 23.00 and (b) Addl. kg: 4.60 and (2) Bags containing other printed matter
whether with or without registered newspapers: (a) Not exceed. 5 kg: 42.50 and
Notes (b) Addl. kg: 8.50.
4. It was clarified that for airmail articles addressed to APPU Member countries
(except Pakistan) international surface postage rates will be applicable in
addition to the air mail surcharge of the appropriate Zone. Further, rates for
airmail postcards will be the same for APPU Member countries (except Pakistan)
as for others. Finally, rates for aerogrammes will be the same for APPU Members
countries as for others.
Bangladesh no longer enjoyed inland rates. While the new rates for letters, letter
cards, and post cards were inclusive of surcharge (for letters and post cards see rates
01.03.1983 in respective tables; rate for letter card was 0.40), those for book pattern and sample
packets, book packets containing printed books, book packets containing
periodicals, and registered newspapers was now a uniform 0.10 per 10 gm.
Date Destination Letters Post Cards Aerogramme
Airmail fee per 10
gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to
surface postage
Zone 1 0.30 2.60 3.75
Zone 2 0.40 2.70 3.75
01.02.1984
Zone 3 0.65 2.70 3.75
Zone 4 0.90 2.70 3.75
1. Surcharge for Pakistan remained the same except that aerogramme rate was
reduced from 2.70 to 2.30
Note
2. Surcharge for Bangladesh remained the same as they were contained in Rule 5B,
which was not altered
Date Destination Letter Post Items Post Cards Aerogramme
Airmail fee per 20
gm payable in
Postage rate inclusive of airmail fees
addition to
surface postage
01.05.1986 For all Zones 1 to 4 1.50 4.00 5.00
1. For Pakistan, air surcharge of 1.50 for every 20 gm in addition to surface rates for
letters, printed papers, registered newspapers, small packets, and bags
containing registered newspapers and printed matter. However airmail rates for
Post Cards: 2.50 and Aerogrammes: 3.00
01.05.1987
2. It was clarified that for airmail articles addressed to APPU member countries
(except Pakistan) international surface postage rates were applicable in addition
to the airmail surcharge. Further, rates for airmail postcards and aerograms were
the same for APPU member countries (except Pakistan) as for other.
Date Destination Letters Post Cards Aerogramme

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 27 of 33

 Airmail fee per 20
Postage rate
gm payable in
inclusive of
addition to
airmail fees
surface postage
UPU member
3.00 6.00 6.50
countries
01.11.1991 APPU member
3.00 6.00 5.00
countries
Pakistan 2.00 4.00 5.00
1. For Pakistan, air surcharge of 2.00 for every 20 gm in addition to surface rates
for letters, printed papers, registered newspapers, small packets, and bags
containing registered newspapers and printed matter. However airmail rates for
Post Cards: 4.00 and Aerogrammes: 5.00.
2. Surcharge for Bangladesh remained the same as they were contained in Rule 5B,
which was not altered
Notes 3. It was clarified that for airmail articles addressed to APPU member countries
except Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, international surface postage
rates applicable to Universal Postal Union member countries (and not surface
postage rates of APPU member countries) together with airmail surcharge
namely 3.00 for every 20 gm was to be levied. Rates for airmail postcards and
aerograms will be the same for APPU member countries (except Pakistan, Nepal,
Bhutan, and Bangladesh) as for others.
Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Other APPU
Date Service UPU Countries
Nepal, and Countries
Bhutan
Airmail Postcard 5.00 8.00 8.00
01.02.1999 Aerogramme 7.00 8.50 8.50
For every 20 gm 3.00 4.00 4.00
1. Surcharge for Bangladesh changed
2. It was clarified that for airmail articles addressed to APPU member countries
except Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, international surface postage
Note
rates, applicable to Universal Postal Union member countries (and not surface
postage rates of APPU member countries) together with airmail surcharge as
specified in the Schedule above is to be levied
Date: 01.09.2008
SAARC Countries, Pakistan,
Afghanistan, Sri Bangladesh, Other APPU
Service UPU countries
Lanka, and Nepal, and countries
Maldives Bhutan
Airmail Postcard 12.00 8.00 12.00 12.00
Aerogramme 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00
For every 20 gm 3.00 3.00 5.00 5.00
Date: 01.10.2015
Other Asian
SAARC North America South
Gulf Countries and Africa
Countries and Australia America
Europe
(for every 20 gm in addition to surface rates)
2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 7.00 9.00

Table 15: Registration - Rule 68

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 28 of 33

 Letters, Air
Letters, Air M Bag of M Bag of
Letters, Post
Date Letters, Post Printed Matter Date Printed Matter
Cards, Packets
Cards, Packets
01.04.1957 0.50 01.06.1978 2.25 11.00
01.05.1963 0.55 - 01.03.1982 2.75 14.00
01.08.1967 0.60 1.50 01.02.1983 4.50 22.00
01.06.1968 0.70 3.00 01.05.1986 10.00 50.00
01.09.1971 1.00 5.00 01.01.1995 15.00 75.00
15.05.1974 1.25 5.00 01.05.2010 50.00 200.00
10.02.1975 1.25 6.25 01.10.2015 70.00 350.00
01.03.1976 2.00 10.00

Table 16: Acknowledgement of Delivery – Rule 71(1)

As per Bayanwala, the fee for acknowledgement of delivery was 0.20 as of this date.
This likely refers to surface mail articles where the acknowledgement was returnable by
surface.

01.04.1957 I have found a notification which says that in rule 71, for the words "one anna, two
annas, three annas, five annas and seven annas" wherever they occur, the figures and
words "6 naye paise,15 naye paise, 20 naye paise, 36 naye paise and 45 naye paise" shall
respectively be substituted. I am however unable to find the notification which contains
the earlier rule which this clause replaces.
Date: 01.04.1959
Airmail Articles where acknowledgement returnable by surface
Surface Mail Articles
(air)
Blind Literature packets Other articles
Ceylon, Ceylon, Ceylon,
Pakistan, and Other Pakistan, and Other Pakistan, and Other
Portuguese countries Portuguese countries Portuguese countries
India India India
0.06 0.25 0.08 (0.16) 0.12 (0.24) 0.15 (0.20) 0.35 (0.50)
1. Rates in addition to postage and registration fee
2. No fee payable in respect of registered Blind Literature packet sent by surface and
whose acknowledgement returnable by surface
3. Acknowledgement of surface mail articles was not returnable by air unless prepaid
Note at the following rates: (1) For Blind Literature packets – 0.08 for Ceylon, Pakistan,
and Portuguese India and 0.12 for other countries and (2) For other articles – 0.15
for Ceylon, Nepal, Pakistan and 0.35 for other countries
4. Available only for articles addressed to any country belonging to the Universal
Postal Union
Rate for surface mail articles to Ceylon, Nepal?, and Pakistan increased from 0.06 to
01.05.1963
0.10
Date: 01.06.1968
Airmail Articles where acknowledgement returnable by surface
Surface Mail Articles
(air)
Blind Literature packets Other articles
Ceylon, Nepal, Other Ceylon, Nepal, Other Ceylon, Nepal, Other
Pakistan countries Pakistan countries Pakistan countries

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 29 of 33

 0.15 0.50 0.10 (0.20) 0.15 (0.30) 0.20 (0.25) 0.60 (-)
Acknowledgement of surface mail articles was not returnable by air unless prepaid at
the following rates: (1) For Blind Literature packets – 0.10 for Ceylon, Nepal, Pakistan
Note
and 0.15 for other countries and (2) For other articles – 0.20 for Ceylon, Nepal, Pakistan
and 0.60 for other countries
Date: 01.07.1974
Advice of delivery to be returned by surface Advice of delivery to be returned by air
Bhutan, Bhutan,
AOPU Other AOPU Other
Nepal, and Nepal, and
countries countries countries countries
Pakistan Pakistan
0.15 0.95 1.25 0.30 1.20 1.60
1. For Blind Literature packets, advice of delivery to be returned by surface costed NIL
for all countries. However, advice of delivery to be returned by air cost: 0.15 for
Note Ceylon, Nepal, Pakistan; 0.25 for AOPU countries; 0.35 for other countries.
2. AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, South Korea,
Philippines, People’s Republic of China, and Indonesia
Date: 01.01.1976
Bhutan,
Type Nepal, and AOPU Countries Other foreign countries
Bangladesh
Blind
Literature NIL NIL NIL
Packets
Other Articles 0.15 1.50 2.00
AOPU Countries: Australia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, South Korea,
Note
Philippines, the People's Republic of China and Indonesia
For Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, rates for Blind Literature Packets and Other
Date?
Articles changed to 0.15 and 0.30 respectively.
For Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, rates for Blind Literature Packets and Other
01.06.1978
Articles changed from 0.15 and 0.30 respectively to 0.30 and 0.50 respectively.
Date: 01.02.1983
Bhutan,
Type Nepal, and APPU Countries Other foreign countries
Bangladesh
Blind
Literature NIL NIL NIL
Packets
Other Articles 0.30 5.60 7.50
APPU Countries: Australia, China (Peoples’ Republic), Korea (Republic), Indonesia,
Note Japan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, Papua New Guinea,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Maldives
Date: 01.05.1986
Bhutan and
Type APPU Countries Other foreign countries
Nepal
Blind
Literature NIL NIL NIL
Packets
Other Articles 1.00 8.00 10.00

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 30 of 33

 APPU Countries: Australia, Bangladesh, China (Peoples’ Republic), Korea (Republic),
Note Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, Papua New
Guinea, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Maldives, Pakistan, Nauru (Republic)
Date: 01.01.1995
Bhutan and Other foreign
Date Type
Nepal countries
Blind
Literature NIL NIL
01.01.1995 Packets
Other Articles 1.00 10.00
Blind
01.05.2010 Literature NIL NIL
Packets
Other Articles 5.00 10.00

Table 17: Insurance – Rule 85

Date Insured Value Rate Every addl. Rate Every addl. Rate
not exceed.
Insurance of letters and parcels to Ceylon or Pakistan and of letters to Aden or
Portuguese India
100 0.37 Addl. 100 0.20
Insurance of letters to British Somaliland, Burma, Mauritius or Seychelles
460 0.80 Addl. 460 0.80
Insurance of letters to Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to British Possessions
and foreign countries other than those mentioned above
01.04.1957
£35 0.80 Addl. £35 0.80
Insurance of parcels to Aden, British Somaliland, Burma, Mauritius, Portuguese India,
or Seychelles
320 0.80 Addl. 320 0.80
Insurance of parcels to Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to British Possessions
and foreign countries other than those mentioned above
£24 0.80 Addl. £24 0.80
For insurance of all postal articles to Ceylon and Pakistan and of letters
and boxes to Portuguese India
100 0.37 100 0.37
01.04.1959
For insurance of parcels to Portuguese India and of all postal articles to
foreign countries other than those mentioned above
320 0.80 320 0.80
01.05.1963 100 0.40 100 0.20
1. Insurance of letters and parcels to Ceylon or Pakistan increased from 0.37 to 0.40 for
Note insured value not exceed. 100
2. Country category of Portuguese India omitted
For insurance of all Postal articles to Pakistan and of letters and boxes to Ceylon
100 0.40 Addl. 100 up to 0.20 Addl. 1,000 beyond 1.00
5,000 5,000
20.06.1966
For insurance of parcels to Ceylon and of all Postal articles to foreign countries
other than those mentioned above.
500 1.25 Addl. 500 1.25
01.08.1967 100 0.45 100 0.25
15.05.1968 100 0.50 100 0.30

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 31 of 33

 For insurance of all postal articles to Pakistan
100 0.50 Addl. 100 up to 0.30 Addl. 1,000 1.00
5,000
For insurance of all postal articles to foreign countries other than Pakistan
01.07.1972 500 1.70 Addl. 500 up to 1.50 Addl. 1,000 beyond 1.00
5,000 5,000 up to 8,00
- - - - Addl. 1,000 beyond 2.00
8,000 up to 10,000
29.12.1979 100 1.00 Addl. 100 up to 0.50 Addl. 1,000 up to 3.00
5,000 10,000
Note Notification no. SO 4118 dated 15.12.1979 published in the Gazette of India dated
29.12.1979
01.02.1983 500 2.40 Addl. 500 to 2.40
10,000
01.05.1986 500 4.00 Addl. 500 to 4.00
10,000
01.01.1995 500 10.00 Addl. 500 to 10.00
20,000

Table 18: Insurance for inland transit – Rule 92(2)

Insured Value
Date Rate Every addl. Rate Every addl. Rate
not exceed.
01.04.1957 100 / £7 0.37 Addl. 100 / £7 0.20
Note Insured value could be expressed in either rupee or sterling
01.05.1963 100 0.40 100 0.20
Where a foreign parcel contains coin, bullion, bank notes, currency notes or any kind of
securities payable to bearer, platinum, precious stones, jewellery or articles of gold or
silver, it shall not be accepted for transmission by post unless the sender wishes to insure
Note it. If a foreign parcel containing any such object of value is addressed to a country or place
to which insurance is not available, the parcel shall be insured for its inland transit within
the limits of India, and in such cases the fee charged for Insurance shall be calculated as
above.
01.08.1967 100 0.45 100 0.25
15.05.1968 100 0.50 100 0.30 Find earlier
Addl. 100 up to Addl. 1,000 up to
29.12.1979 100 1.00 0.50 3.00
5,000 10,000
Notification no. SO 4118 dated 15.05.1979 published in the Gazette of India dated
Note
29.12.1979. Its effective date could be a few days in the future.
Addl. 500 to
01.02.1983 500 2.40 2.40
10,000
Addl. 500 to
01.05.1986 500 4.00 4.00
10,000
Addl. 500 to
01.01.1995 500 10.00 10.00
20,000
Where a foreign parcel contains coin, bullion, bank notes, currency notes or any kind of
securities payable to bearer, platinum, precious stones, jewellery or articles of gold or
silver, and a letter containing currency notes or banknotes is addressed to a country or
Note
place to which insurance is not available, the parcel shall be insured for its inland transit
within the limits of India, and in such cases the fee charged for insurance shall be
calculated as above

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 32 of 33

 Table 19: Late Fee – Rule 197(1)
Date Rate Notes
When posted in P.O. authorised to accept late fees articles OR if
0.03 posted within half an hour of the closing of mails for despatch from
Calcutta, Bombay, Madras GPO & Delhi HPO
If posted in RMS, S.O., & Transit Offices OR if posted within 15
04.04.1957
0.06 minutes of the closing of mail for despatch from Calcutta, Bombay,
Madras GPO and Delhi HPO.
When posted in train letter Boxes and / or on Board of a steamer OR
0.12
for all registered articles
For each letter, air-letter (aerogramme), postcard or packet, whether
01.05.1963 0.15
registered or unregistered
For each letter, air-letter (aerogramme), postcard or packet, whether
01.06.1968 0.20
registered or unregistered
For each letter, air-letter (aerogramme), postcard or packet, whether
Date? 0.25
registered or unregistered
Maximum fee on late letters, letter cards, postcards or packets posted
01.06.1978 0.50 in certain post offices, RMS offices or sections or on board the
steamers or in other special circumstances
For each letter, air-letter (aerogramme), postcard or packet, whether
0.30
registered or unregistered
11.06.1990 Maximum fee on late letters, letter cards, postcards or packets posted
2.00 in certain post offices, RMS offices or sections or on board the
steamers or in other special circumstances
For each letter, air-letter (aerogramme), postcard or packet, whether
01.01.1995 2.00
registered or unregistered
Maximum 3.00 could be charged on late letters, letter cards,
01.02.2002 2.00 postcards or packets posted in certain Post offices, RMS offices or
sections or on board the steamers or in other special circumstances.

@Abhishek Bhuwalka Page 33 of 33