India Post Issues SOP for Booking & Handling of Prohibited Items in Air Transmission (Speed Post) – Full Guidelines
India Post Issues SOP for Booking & Handling of Prohibited Items in Air Transmission (Speed Post) – Full Guidelines
India Post released a new SOP for booking and handling prohibited items in Speed Post parcels transmitted by air. Check full guidelines, prohibited goods list, offloading procedure and staff responsibilities.
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India Post SOP on Booking & Handling of Prohibited Items for Air Transmission
The Department of Posts (India Post) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding the booking and handling of prohibited items in Speed Post parcels transmitted through air.
The order was issued by the Parcel Directorate on 14 March 2026 and has been circulated to all Postal Circles for immediate implementation.
The SOP has been introduced to ensure safe transportation of parcels through air networks, prevent dangerous goods from entering the aviation system, and improve operational procedures during parcel booking and screening.
Why the New SOP Was Introduced
Air transport of parcels requires strict safety compliance. Certain materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, lithium batteries, and corrosives are considered dangerous for air transport.
The new SOP aims to:
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Prevent prohibited goods from being transmitted through air
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Ensure compliance with DGCA and IATA safety regulations
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Standardize procedures across all postal units
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Improve monitoring and accountability in parcel handling.
Booking Procedure for Speed Post Parcels
Speed Post parcels can be booked through:
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Post Office counters
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Click & Book service
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BNPL offices
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Business Parcel Centres (BPC)
Customers must declare the contents of the parcel during booking, and postal staff must record the information correctly in the system.
Important Instructions for Booking Staff
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The list of prohibited items must be displayed at booking counters.
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Postal Assistants must verify declared parcel contents.
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If a parcel contains prohibited items, it cannot be transmitted by air.
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Such parcels may be sent through surface transmission as India Post Parcel instead.
Procedure When Prohibited Items Are Detected
Sometimes prohibited items may be detected during airport security screening or X-ray scanning.
In such cases, the following steps will be followed:
1. Offloading of Parcel Bag
If prohibited items are detected, the airline will offload the Speed Post parcel bag from the flight immediately.
2. System Update in APT 2.0
APTMO officials will cancel the dispatch in the system with remarks like:
“Offloaded – Due to Security / Prohibited Item.”
3. X-Ray Screening
The bag will be scanned using X-ray machines to identify the exact parcel containing prohibited goods.
4. Opening of Bag
The bag will be opened under supervision (preferably under CCTV) to remove the prohibited parcel.
5. Re-Dispatch of Remaining Parcels
Remaining parcels will be resealed in the same bag and sent through the next available flight.
6. Surface Transmission of Detained Parcel
The removed parcel will be sent through surface mail network and marked:
“Speed Post Parcel – Surface (Air Detained)”.
Customer Communication
Customers will receive SMS alerts only after parcel-level confirmation.
The message will include:
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Article number
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Reason for offloading
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Change in transmission mode
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Possible delay in delivery timeline.
Special Rules for 24 Speed Post Parcel Service
For 24 Speed Post Parcel service, additional procedures apply:
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Departmental staff must accompany parcel bags to airline scanning points.
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If prohibited goods are found, the bag will be opened immediately.
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The prohibited parcel will be removed and sent by surface route.
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Remaining parcels will continue through air transmission.
Monitoring and Reporting System
The SOP also establishes a multi-level monitoring system.
APTMO Level
Daily reporting of offloaded parcel bags.
Divisional Level
Divisional heads will review offloading cases and initiate corrective actions.
Regional and Circle Level
Monthly monitoring of trends and operational issues.
Parcel Directorate
Final review of Circle reports and operational feedback.
All actions will be recorded in the system with:
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User ID
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Timestamp
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Reason codes
to ensure full accountability and audit tracking.
List of Prohibited Items for Air Transmission
The following dangerous goods are prohibited in air parcels:
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Explosives
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Compressed or liquefied gases
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Flammable liquids
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Flammable solids
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Oxidizing substances
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Toxic and infectious substances
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Radioactive materials
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Corrosive substances
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Lithium batteries
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Magnetized materials
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Oxygen cylinders
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Other hazardous goods such as dry ice or engines.
Training of Postal Staff
All Circles will identify Master Trainers or SPOCs who will be trained by DGCA-approved institutes.
These trainers will educate staff on:
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Identifying prohibited goods
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Safe parcel handling procedures
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Compliance with aviation safety regulations.
Implementation Timeline
The SOP has been issued on a provisional basis and must be implemented immediately.
Postal Circles have been asked to send feedback and suggestions to the Parcel Directorate by 31 March 2026 for further improvements.
Conclusion
The new SOP by India Post strengthens safety and operational procedures for Speed Post parcels transmitted through air. By ensuring proper screening, monitoring, and handling of prohibited items, the Department aims to maintain aviation safety and improve parcel transmission efficiency across the country.
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