Aadhaar not mandatory for booking international parcel

The Department of Posts on Monday has clarified that the Aadhaar is not mandatory for availing postal services like International Parcel or International EMS (merchandise).

In an official release, the department noted that although it is mandatory to produce an identity proof for some services on safety and security grounds, the Aadhaar, "as per the prevailing norms in the country, is not a mandatory document to be produced at the time of booking." It added that "all such documents are only required for office record and are NOT required to be pasted on the consignments."

The clarification was issued after a media report suggested that the display of Aadhaar number on parcels was made compulsory by India Post.

"The confusion was created by an erroneous message generated from the twitter account of the office of the Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle wherein it was mentioned that pasting of ID proof on consignments is in accordance with international guidelines," the release read.

The department further stated that a copy of any ID proof, including Aadhaar is required for availing certain services on the requests made by organizations like Narcotics Control Bureau and Wild Life Crime Control Bureau.