Here you will find the latest UK & global mail service updates and a list of upcoming worldwide public holidays. This is updated throughout the week with latest information available.
UK Service Updates
We are currently experiencing no collection issues with regards to UK mail or parcel delivery but in some instances we have experienced delays to the processing and/or delivery of UK mailings as a result of high volumes in the network and COVID measures that have been in place by Royal Mail and other UK suppliers. We will update accordingly should the situation change and you can also access the latest UK service updates from Royal Mail here.
NB. Royal Mail have made some changes to how they hand over both Special Delivery & Signed-For items in order to minimise contact during the delivery process. You can find the details here. Other UK carriers such as DPD have implemented similar processes for their signed products and the equivalent advice can be found on the relevant carriers website. Should you need any further information on this then contact our client services team at [email protected] and they will endeavour to assist you.
International Service Updates
GENERAL – FLOODING iN WESTERN EUROPE – A number of countries in western Europe have experienced significant rainfall and flooding. It is expected that the the transportation, processing and delivery of mail will be affected. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/07/21)
COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) UPDATE – Please refer to our dedicated web page which covers the impacts of the Coronavirus on the processing, transport and delivery of mail and related items. You can find this page from both our news and service updates pages.
POST-BREXIT EU TRANSPORT/CLEARANCE UPDATE – A number of our suppliers (both postal and courier) are reporting issues with regards to road transport and clearance at the EU border. This is causing delays and a number of suppliers are now charging additional EU clearance fees. If you require any additional information or if you would like to talk to our team to see how this may affect you, please contact or Client Service Team on +44 (0)1444 871111 or via e-mail on [email protected].
Australia – Due to high volumes and backlogs in the processing and delivery of mail/parcels, we have have been informed that delays of 1 to 4 days (depending on region) may be experienced. This is on top of any potential COVID-19 related impact to linehaul and transport. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/09/20)
Australia – We have been informed that extreme weather is impacting the processing and delivery of mail. Ongoing (issue start date: 25/04/21)
Belarus – Due to the flying restrictions to Belarus, the country is currently only available via road. This results in a delay of approximately 4 – 7 days. As soon as flying is possible again, the transit time will be back to normal. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/05/21)
Belgium – It has been reported on June 30th that postal workers at Bpost distribution centers have taken strike action in Zaventem. The strike affects mail delivery operations in Zaventem, Tervuren, and parts of Overijse. The exact duration of the strike is unknown. Ongoing (issue start date: 30/06/21)
Belgium – We have been informed that the volumes at Belgium Post (Bpost) is handling in their sorting centers have drastically surpassed the forecast and they are currently facing some delays. transport. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/11/20)
Brazil – From the 18th August the Brazilian postal operator Correios is dealing with strike action in several areas of the country. Correios have accordingly activated their Business Continuity Plan with the objective of minimizing the impact on operations. The following areas are currently affected by the strike action:
– Amazonas
– Bahia
– Distrito Federal
– Espirito Santo
– Minas Gerais
– Parana – Piaui
– Rio de Janeiro
– Sao Paulo.
Please also be aware that due to new customs regulations, there were already delays in processing mail being received into the country. We will update as and when we receive additional information. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/08/20)
Canada – Canada post have advised that several severe cases of COVID- 19 have been confirmed in one of their main Toronto processing hubs. This has resulted in a temporary closure following guidance by the Regional Health authority to contain the further spread of the virus at this time. Due to this situation, disruption to normal operations and reduced processing capacity along with clearance within their customs operations are to be expected. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/01/21)
Canada – We have been informed that due to a reduction in flights by Air Canada, there is currently a lack of capacity to the usual entry points for mail sent to Canada. Alternative flights and entry points may therefore need to be used and this could result in a delay of up-to 7 working days on top of any other delays current being experienced. Ongoing (issue start date: 22/12/20)
Canada – Restricted access to flights and capacity issues at the only available Canada Post entry point (airport) are causing significant disruption. These factors combined with peak volumes and COVID-19 prevention measures have resulted in backlogs locally at Canada Post and to some extent Canadian customs. Subsequently, many suppliers are reporting potentially heavy delays. We will update as and when we receive further information. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Cayman Islands – All postal services to the Cayman Islands have been suspended as of 6th November 2020 due to tropical Storm Eta. Delivery will resume once the situation has improved with delays of 4-7 working days expected. Ongoing (issue start date: 06/11/20)
China – Severe weather is disrupting flight operations with around 700 flights were canceled at Beijing’s two city airports. The cancellations were due to torrential downpours and gale-force winds and weather authorities warned of extreme rainstorms plus thunder and lightning till the evening of July 12th. Ongoing (issue start date: 12/07/21)
Colombia – Landslide closes section of the Pan-American Highway: it has been reported that a section of the Pan-American highway has been closed in both directions due to landslides at kilometer 34 between Pasto and Ipiales in Colombia. The exact timetable for when traffic will resume has not been disclosed, and delays may be experienced until then. Ongoing (issue start date: 22/04/21)
Croatia – We have been informed that owing to an earthquake on 29th December 2020 in the region of the cities Petrinja and Sisak, some 50 km SE of Zagreb, the Croatian government has declared a state of emergency. Given this state of emergency, Croatian Post Inc. has established extraordinary measures for post offices within the affected areas (listed below) and these measures include:
• Extension of the delivery period by five working days;
• If items are undeliverable as a result of damage caused by the earthquake, and the new address of the addressee is unknown to the postal worker, they will be returned to the sender. The postal worker will mark such items “povrat zbog potresa” (“return owing to the earthquake”);
• If the addressee’s phone number is known, the postal worker will attempt to contact the addressee in order to deliver the mail item
44103 Sisak, 44104 Sisak, 44105 Sisak, 44201 Martinska Ves, 44202 Topolovac, 44203 Gušće, 44210 Sunja, 44272 Lekenik, 44273 Sela, 44250 Petrinja, 44253 Mošćenica, 44400 Glina, 44410 Vrginmost, 44415 Topusko, 44430 Hrvatska Kostajnica, 44440 Dvor, and 44450 Hrvatska Dubica. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/01/21)
Czech Republic – Postal operator to temporarily shut down data network: it has been reported that Česká pošta is planning an extraordinary shutdown of the data network between 19:00 local time on June 18th and June 20th due to maintenance. According to sources, the planned shutdown will concern all branches of Česká pošta. As a result, postal services will likely be unavailable.. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/06/21)
Eritrea – We have been informed that due to the domestic situation in the country, all mail services to this destination remain suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 08/10/18)
France – Postal workers in Limoux announce strike from June 29: postal workers in the Limoux region have gone on strike from June 29. The workers are represented by the CGT FAPT union and are demanding better workloads and more job security. Postal operational delays are expected in the region. It is unknown how long the strike will last. Ongoing (issue start date: 29/06/21)
Greece – We have been informed by our suppliers that Hellenic Post in Greece appears to have not been able to process mail and parcels in line with expectations for a number of months. This is apparently due to high inbound volumes, ongoing Covid-19 related staffing challenges and a reorganisation program. The Greek postal service has been able to catch up on backlogged shipments for the months January and February, and is now processing the shipments of March. The expectation is that material coming from EU origins has no more backlogs mid April. Material coming from non-EU origins – which are subject to customs – will take longer to process. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/01/21)
Greece – The Association of the Civil Servants have announced a 24-hour strike on Wednesday June the 16th, also the Confederation of the Greek workers, have announced a 4hour (13:00 – 17:00 local time) work stoppage on the same day. These actions have had an affect both international and domestic mail collection and delivery. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/06/21)
Indonesia – The designated operator of Indonesia, Pos Indonesia, informs that heavy rain in East Nusa Tenggara Province on Sunday, 4 April 2021 led to floods and landslides which rendered all major roads in those areas inaccessible by any type of vehicle. Delays are therefore to be expected in the processing and delivery of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items. The affected districts are in the following postcode areas: Kupang: 850xx, Soe: 855xx, Atambua: 857xx, Maumere: 861xx, Ende: 863xx, Komodo: 867xx, Waingapu: 871xx. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/12/20)
Ireland – For destination Ireland, we have been informed that Anpost (the Irish Post Office) have requested that some suppliers hold back volume due to high volumes within the Irish postal system. requested us to hold our volumes from last Friday, the 27th of November. Because of this, we have been told to expect potential delays of 3-6 days on top what has been previously communicated. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/12/20)
Italy – Flooding disrupts ground transportation routes in Piedmont Region: it has been reported that flooding has been reportedly affecting several areas of Piedmont Region on June 7. In Turin, disruption occurred along numerous roads across the city. A severe thunderstorm warning remains in place in Piedmont Region. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/06/21)
Italy – We have been informed that Poste Italiane is currently experiencing capacity issues at their customs warehouse as a a result of very high parcel volumes received from countries outside the EU. There are difficulties with storing and customs clearance of incoming parcel mail items from non-EU origins and due to this the transit times will be longer. Poste Italiane is doing the best they can to clear the backlog and to get the process under control again. Please take note that the delays are only affecting items coming from non-EU destinations such as the UK. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/03/21)
Italy -Italian Air transportation workers went on 24-hour nationwide strike on 6 July: the Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, and Uiltrasporti labor unions called for a nationwide 24-hour strike in the air traffic sector on July 6. The protest will reportedly involve ground staff, therefore associated flight delays are expected for the duration of the strike. Ongoing (issue start date: 06/07/21)
Jordan – The designated operator of JORDAN, Jordan Post, wishes to inform the designated operators of other Union member countries that, in accordance with the customs clearance procedures prescribed by the Jordanian customs authority for inbound international mail items containing goods, the addressee’s mobile phone number is of vital importance. Once the item is received by Customs, the addressee will be contacted for further customs declaration and payment of customs duties and taxes. The addressee’s mobile phone number will serve as the only credential for login purposes in the customs declaration system. Meanwhile, in an effort to improve customer experience and enhance delivery performance, Jordan Post has been asking mail couriers to contact addressees in advance to arrange a specific time for delivery before they go out to deliver. If the addressee’s mobile phone number is not available, the overall delivery performance will be severely affected. Therefore, all designated operators are requested to inform their staff and customers that, wherever possible, the mobile phone number of the addressee should be provided on the CN 22, CN 23 or CP 72 customs declaration forms for all letter post, parcel post and EMS items containing goods destined for Jordan. Ongoing (issue start date: 28/11/19)
Lebanon – Due to a general strike across Lebanon, that started Thursday, June 17th, all facilities of the local postal operator LibanPost are currently closed. There will be no scanning, delivery, or collection of mail and parcels going through the postal network, until the strike is over. Ongoing (issue start date: 17/06/21)
Libya – All mail services to Libya are currently suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/07/14)
Macao – The designated operator of Macao, China, Macao Post, informs that the Nangka tropical storm, which triggered a No. 8 typhoon signal between 5.40 and 19.40 on 13 October 2020, has had an impact on quality of service. All inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS services were affected. Ongoing (issue start date: 13/10/20)
Mali – The The designated operator of Mali, La Poste du Mali, informs other Union member countries and their designated operators that the National Workers’ Union of Mali (UNTM) has called a strike from 17th to 20th May 2021. The strike will affect the entire country. Inbound and outbound mail operations (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will be disrupted during this period. Ongoing (issue start date: 17/05/21)
Mali – Due to limited flight capacity towards Malta, transport is forced to go by truck and ferry instead. Since ferries to Malta leave less frequent than air planes, all shipments will be delayed. New flying options are being explored, to resolve this situation as soon as possible. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/06/21)
Mexico – All The designated operator of MEXICO, Correos de México, wishes to inform the designated operators of other Union member countries of new measures to strengthen import controls, in accordance with article 19 of the UPU Convention and article 3.7.1 of the General Rules of Foreign Trade of Mexico. These measures prohibit items in powder form, pharmaceutical products (pills, troches, tablets, granules, capsules and lozenges), and whey or serum proteins of animal origin. For a complete list of prohibited items, please consult
www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5545378&fecha=30/11/2018 (Spanish only). In addition, importers of food supplements require a licence in the form of a health certificate issued by the Government of Mexico. Further information regarding this certificate can be found at www.gob.mx/cofepris/acciones-y-programas/registrossanitarios-89343 (Spanish only). In the case of items already in the possession of Correos de México, commercial senders are requested to ask the addressees to comply with the applicable health regulation requirements. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/07/19)
Netherlands – Due to very high volumes of parcels in the network, deliveries may be delayed by upto 7 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/11/20)
New Zealand – Due to heavy rain on the Southern Island of New Zealand, since the 28th of May, there has been extensive floods and landslides. A state of emergency has been declared for the entire Canterbury region. New Zealand Post’s Southern Operations Centre (SOC) in Christchurch (the administrative centre of the Canterbury region) and the main hub of the delivery network in the South Island, has been affected poorly. Transport, processing and delivery operations for the entire South Island (postcodes 7000 to 9999) are disrupted, and New Zealand Post has declared a situation of force majeure. Resolved (issue start date: 10/06/21)
Romania – Due Romania Post is facing IT relates issues. These issues impact the processing of shipments from non-EU countries (packets and parcels) containing goods that require customs clearance. Processing these items will face considerable delays. Expected delays are currently estimated at 4-7 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 22/06/201
Saudi Arabia – Saudi Post wishes to inform that effective 1st January 2018, a value-added tax (VAT) of 5% will be applied to the total value of each individual item/waybill entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to be paid by the consignee. This includes, without exception, all commodities being sent to Saudi Arabia, regardless of their purpose. It is therefore essential that each shipment provide clear and precise commodity details, including the name of the product/commodity and the total value under each item/waybill (preferably in USD). Ongoing (issue start date: 01/01/18)
Saudi Arabia – It has been advised that, with immediate effect, Saudi Arabian Customs has introduced some changes for all Non-Document shipments sent to Saudi Arabia. All B2C shipments that contain materials other than documents/printed matter will require the Consignee’s ID number. Where this is not provided, the parcel may be delayed in clearing customs until the ID number is obtained from the consignee. All B2B shipments of non-document materials will require a Commercial Registration Form from the consignee. This will be requested from the consignee when arriving in the country and upon receipt of the form, the parcel can be cleared through customs. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/04/16)
Slovakia – Due to heavy snowfall in Slovakia, potential delays can be expected for the collection and delivery of all products & networks in the north and east of the country. Once the weather conditions improve, the delivery will be back on track. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/02/21)
Somalia – All mail services to Somalia are currently suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/11/19)
South Africa – Poor service continues to be observed for all mail into South Africa. A significant part of the delay is the time between the mail arriving in South Africa and being delivered to the recipient. While improvements have been made and delivery times reduced, increased mail volumes have created bottlenecks in processing. Ongoing (issue start date: 12/08/19)
South Korea – Heavy rainfall causes flooding across Jeonnam and Gyeongnam provinces In Jeonnam Province, flooding has impacted the counties of Gangjin, Goheung, and Haenam, including the cities of Gwangyang and Gwangju. In Gyeongnam Province, flooding has impacted the cities of Daegu and Busan. At least 12 major roads have been closed across Busan and Gwangju due to flooding and the risk of landslides. Further rainfall is expected across the region, which may exacerbate flood conditions. Ongoing (issue start date: 06/07/21)
Spain – Due to the extreme weather conditions and due to the heavy snowfall, the collection and delivery of mail is affected throughout the Spanish territory. The Barajas Exchange Office (where all mail arriving in Spain is received) along with the Airport vhas been closed since Friday, January 8th. Over the next week it is anticipated that activity will increase with mail processing returning to normal towards the end of the week. Ongoing (issue start date: 08/01/21)
Sri Lanka – Heavy rainfall causes flooding in Colombo. Increased rainfall and related flooding have been recorded in Colombo and surrounding areas. Reportedly, the Kelani river overflowed and lead to flooding that is causing disruptions to ground transportation routes. The affected areas include Horana, Agalawatta, Bulathsinhala, Millaniya, and Madurawela. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/06/21)
Syria – We have been informed that due to the domestic situation in the country, all mail services to this destination remain suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 08/10/18)
Tanzania – All mail/cargo going to DAR is embargoed until further notice. Ongoing (issue start date: 30/04/18)
Taiwan – Please be aware due to a Customs regulation change by Taiwanese customs, all nationals are now required to be registered with Customs in order to receive the shipments. This can be done via two methods: 1) Through a mobile app called EzWay 2) Through the Customs website. The recipient will only need to register once with customs, please note failure to do this may lead to customs delays or returns. More information can be found on the website: https://etaipei.customs.gov.tw/. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/01/20)
Ukraine – Delivery of mail for the Crimea and Sevastopol (postal codes 95000 – 99999) regions remains suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/03/14)
USA – Hurricane Elsa made landfall on the west coast of Florida, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding and causing widespread power outages. Tampa Airport has suspended commercial flights on July 7, but has since re-opened. Delays in postal service are expected to occur over the coming days in western Florida. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/07/21)
USA – The impact of peak volumes and limited availability/capacity of United States Postal Service entry points (at US airports) appears to be causing significant delays. Some of our suppliers are reporting that these delays could potentially run into a number of weeks. These delays affect both mail and parcel volumes. In addition, it is being reported that for tracked mail to the USA, not all initial scans in the USA are being done by the USPS. This means that some tracking events/info may be missing until they are sorted in the domestic centers of USPS.. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Yemen – All mail services to Yemen have now been suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/03/15)
Upcoming Public Holidays
July 5th – Algeria, Armenia, British Virgin Islands, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Colombia, , Czech Republic, Guyana, Isle of Man, Kazakhstan, Rwanda, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Slovakia, Tonga, USA, Venezuela, Zambia
July 6th – Comoros, Czech Republic, India (regional), Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Malawi, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Zambia
July 7th – Malaysia (regional), Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Zambia
July 9th – Argentina, Brazil (regional), Canada (regional), South Sudan
July 10th – Bahamas, Kiribati, Malaysia (regional)
July 11th – India (regional), Kiribati, Mongolia
July 12th – India (regional), Kiribati, Mongolia, Sao Tome & Principe, United Kingdom (regional)
July 13th – Bhutan, Mongolia, Montenegro
July 14th – France, India (regional), Iraq, Mongolia, Montenegro
July 15th – Brunei, Italy (regional), Mongolia, Turkey
July 16th – American Samoa, Bolivia (regional), Chile, India (regional)
July 17th – India (regional), Lesotho, Malaysia (regional)
July 18th – Israel, Saudi Arabia (Government holiday), Uruguay
July 19th – Botswana, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Various (Arafat (Haj) Day, Eid Al Adha)
July 20th – Botswana, Colombia, Laos Various (Hari Raya haji, Eid Al Adha)
July 21st – Belgium, Guam, Malaysia (regional), Various (Eid Al Adha)
July 22nd – Eswatini, Japan, Malaysia (regional), Various (Eid Al Adha)
July 23rd – Egypt, japan, Myanamar, Papua New Guinea, USA (regional & Government holiday), Various (Eid Al Adha)
July 24th – Ecuador, Saudi Arabia (Government holiday), Venezuela, Vanuatu
July 25th – Cuba, Spain (regional), Thailand (Government holiday), Tunisia
July 26th – Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (regional), Costa Rica, Cuba, Liberia, Maldives, Thailand
July 27th – Cuba, North Korea
July 28th – Faroe Islands, Peru, San Marino, Spain (regional), Thailand
July 29th – Bermuda, Faroe Islands, Iran, Peru, Wallis & Futuna
July 30th – Bermuda, Malaysia (regional), Morocco, South Sudan, Vanuatu
July 31st – India (regional)
August 1st – Barbados, Benin, DR Congo, Nicaragua (regional), Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Various (Emancipation Day)
August 2nd – Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia (regional), Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada (regional), Costa Rica, Iceland, India (regional), Ireland, North Macedonia, Trinidad & Tobago, UK (regional), Zambia, Various (Emancipation Day)
August 3rd – Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, St. Kitts & Nevis
August 4th – British Virgin Islands, El Salvador (regional), Ghana
