India Post International Tracking

Track India Post international shipments, EMS, Registered, and parcels, from dispatch to delivery. Use the official website, SMS short codes, the Postinfo app, or Ship24 to check status updates across carriers.

How international tracking works

• Tracking number format: Most international items use a 13-character S10 code: two letters + nine digits + two letters (e.g., EE123456789IN for EMS). The final “IN” marks India as the origin.
• Hand-off abroad: After export, events continue on the destination postal operator’s network (e.g., USPS in the US or Royal Mail in the UK). You can check both India Post and the destination operator for scans.
• Customs: All international mail is subject to customs checks. Time spent at customs is not counted in service standards.

Ways to track

1) India Post website

1. Open the official Track & Trace page.
2. Enter your consignment / tracking number and complete the challenge.
3. View current status, last scan, and route points.

2) SMS (works on feature phones)

1. Text POST TRACK <your tracking number> to 166 or 51969 (use capitals).
2. You’ll receive an SMS reply with the latest scan.

3) Postinfo mobile app

1. Install Postinfo by India Post (CEPT) from Google Play.
2. Open Article Tracking, enter your number, and check events.

4) Ship24 (multi-courier)

1. Enter your India Post tracking number above or on the Ship24 homepage.
2. See near real-time events, even after hand-off to foreign carriers.

Delivery timelines & export hubs

EMS international booked at India’s main Offices of Exchange (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi) typically arrives in ~3–9 days to many destinations, not counting customs time. Bookings made outside these hubs add the domestic leg first.

Customs & forms

• Forms: Attach the correct CN22/CN23 customs form (securely on the outside of the item) and include invoices when needed.
• Duties/taxes: Local duties and taxes, if any, are assessed by the destination customs authority and collected at delivery per local rules.
• Prohibitions: Check India Post’s list of prohibited and restricted items before shipping.

Service alert

US destinations: The Department of Posts announced a temporary suspension of booking most mail types to the United States starting 25 August 2025. Check the latest DoP/PIB updates before booking US-bound items.

Troubleshooting

• No new scans: Exports often show a gap during airline carriage and customs. Check again after 24–72 hours, and try the destination operator’s tracker once the item lands.
• “Send receptacle abroad (OTB)” / “Aircraft take off”: Your item has departed in a dispatch sack; the next scan usually appears at the arrival OE or customs in the destination country.
• Need help: Call India Post Customer Care at 1800 266 6868. Live agents 09:00–18:00 (except Sundays and gazetted holidays). IVR runs 24×7.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What services show international tracking?

EMS (Speed Post International), Registered items, and tracked parcels provide end-to-end event visibility in most routes.

Can I track after hand-off abroad?

Yes. Use Ship24 (auto-detects carriers) or the destination operator’s site once the item reaches that network.

Do I need CN22 or CN23?

Small, low-value items usually use CN22; higher value or detailed declarations use CN23. Affix the form and supporting documents on the outside in a transparent pouch.

My parcel is at customs—what now?

This is normal for imports. Customs processing time varies by country and isn’t part of postal delivery standards. If duty is due, it’s collected on delivery per local procedures.

What items are not allowed?

Some goods are banned worldwide (e.g., narcotics) and others are country-specific. Review India Post’s prohibited items list before shipping.