Shipping Tips · 3 min read · 25 October 2026

India Post International Speed Post (EMS) Rates vs DHL, FedEx & UPS

SendMyParcel now includes India Post’s International Speed Post (EMS) — and, for heavier parcels on some routes, International Air Parcel — in its carrier comparison, alongside DHL, FedEx, UPS and our own SendMyParcel services. If you’ve wondered where India’s own postal service fits among the courier rates from India, here’s what’s new and why it matters.

What India Post’s international parcel service is

India Post’s International Speed Post, also known as International EMS (Express Mail Service), is the Department of Posts’ international express parcel service, carried through the Universal Postal Union network. Alongside EMS, India Post also offers International Air Parcel, Surface Air Lifted (SAL) parcels, surface parcels and international registered mail for lower-priority, lower-cost shipments.

India Post rates from India

India Post prices on SendMyParcel, checked 25 October 2026. * India Post Air Parcel, which we quote where Speed Post (EMS) is not offered at that weight. Your live quote may differ.

Why India Post rates matter for price comparison

On the five routes above, India Post Speed Post for a 2 kg parcel was 29–51% cheaper than DHL when we checked on 25 October 2026. The gap narrows for small, urgent shipments, and on some routes — the UK and USA among them — our own SendMyParcel service is cheaper still, so compare both.

Every carrier on SendMyParcel, India Post included, is priced on chargeable weight: the higher of the actual and the volumetric weight. A right-sized box keeps the price down whichever service you pick.

India Post does not guarantee a delivery date for EMS, and customs clearance at the destination adds time on top.

What to weigh up before choosing India Post

• Pros: government-backed service, competitive prices on many routes, and tracking through the international EMS network.
• Trade-offs: no guaranteed delivery date, less detailed real-time tracking than DHL or FedEx, and slower transit than express couriers.
• Pickup: book India Post through SendMyParcel and you can have the parcel collected from your door or drop it at our office in Mahipalpur, New Delhi.

Frequently asked questions

Is India Post cheaper than DHL or FedEx for international shipping?

Often, yes. On our comparison, Speed Post (EMS) for a 2 kg parcel was 29–51% cheaper than DHL on the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and UAE routes. For small, urgent shipments the gap narrows.

How long does India Post International Speed Post take?

India Post doesn’t guarantee a delivery date for EMS. Expect it to be slower than express couriers such as DHL and FedEx, which we quote at 2–4 days to the UK and USA, and allow extra time for customs clearance.

Does India Post EMS have international tracking?

Yes — EMS items are tracked through the international EMS network from booking to delivery, though updates are less frequent than with express couriers.

Compare it for yourself

Get an instant quote that includes India Post side by side with DHL, FedEx, UPS and every other service on the route, so you can see exactly when the government option wins — and when it doesn’t — for your parcel.