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
ROYAL MAIL STRIKE ACTION – The CWU has formally notified Royal Mail they plan to call on their members who collect, sort and deliver parcels and letters to take 24 hours of national strike action from 12:30hrs on Thursday 16th February until 12:30hrs Friday 17th February 2023 – NB. AS OF 9AM, 7TH FEB, THE PLANNED STRIKE ACTION HAS BEEN CANCELLED
International Service Updates
ROYAL MAIL CYBER INCIDENT – Royal Mail is experiencing severe service disruption to their international export services following a cyber incident. Items that have already been posted may be subject to delays and items due to be dispatched may be held until the incident is resolved.
GENERAL UPDATE – The closure of Russian airspace is causing delays to transport routes, especially to those in the far east. There are also severe delays at both sides of the Channel Tunnel due to extremely high demand and a reduced service which is affecting parcel deliveries both to and from Europe. Delays are also being seen to numerous destinations as a result of current flight capacity or destination handling issues.
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 (depending on region) may be experienced. This is on top of any potential COVID-19 related impact to linehaul and transport. Delays related to extreme weather conditions across NSW & Queensland are also causing delivery delays. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/09/20 – updated: 06/05/22)
Australia – We have experienced delays due to the flooding as previously advised. Australia Post also advise that Parcel Post items sent to Western Australia from the east coast of Australia may take up to an additional two weeks to be delivered (based on the current estimates). Heavy rain and flooding closed the Sydney-to-Perth rail line. The Melbourne-to-Adelaide rail link was closed due to damage caused by a train derailment and reopened on 21st November; however, delays are expected due to a backlog of freight. Ongoing (issue start date: 25/10/22 – updated 09/12/22)
Austria – Mail and parcels to Austria are experiencing delays due to a backlog caused by a non-operational distribution centre. Austrian Post is working hard to resolve the issue and to keep the delays to a minimum. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/08/22 – updated 21/09/22)
Belarus – Due to flying restrictions to Belarus, the country is currently only available via road. This results in a delay of approximately 14 days. As soon as flying is possible again, the transit time will be back to normal. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/05/21)
Brazil – Mail and parcels to Brazil are experiencing delays due to limited air capacity. Expected delay: 14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/04/22)
Canada – Mail and parcels to destination Canada are experiencing delays due to transport issues. Expected delays are being reported at potentially 2-3 weeks. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/10/22 – updated 14/12/22)
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 (currently estimated at 7-14 days). Ongoing (issue start date: unknown – updated: 02/09/22)
Cayman Islands – Mail and parcels to Brazil are experiencing delays due to limited air capacity. Expected delay unknown. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/04/22)
Chile – The designated operator of Chile, CorreosChile, wishes to inform that adverse weather conditions may lead to delays in the release, transfer and handling of shipments, as well as last-mile delivery of items, until further notice. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/07/22)
China – China Post has notified that they are now in the process of clearing the backlog of items currently held up due to quarantine measures at airports. However, Covid-19 restrictions remain in place and continue to directly impact the processing, transiting and delivery of items. As a result, the postal authority are unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed delivery standards and delays should be expected for items destined for China.. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown – updated: 05/08/22)
Cyprus – Items shipped to Cyprus are experiencing customs delays as a result of changes to the EU’s VAT rules for items from non-EU destinations from 1st July 2021. Ongoing (issue start date: 13/08/21)
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)
Finland – The designated operator of Finland, Posti Ltd, has informed us that the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT) have announced a strike in the transportation sector from 15th February 2023. In addition, the Postal and Logistics Union (PAU) has announced that it will support the AKT strike with industrial action concerning the loading and unloading of trucks and trailers from 16th to 21st February 2023. It is anticipated at this stage that the following estimated delays should be expected – 5 working days for tracked parcels and 5-14 working days for all mail and letter post items. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/02/23)
France – Mail and parcels to France might experience a delay due to a national strike on Thursday the 31st of January. Ongoing (issue start date: 31/01/23)
Germany – The designated operator of Germany, Deutsche Post, wishes to inform that, owing to increasing COVID-19 infections among its staff and severe shortages on the labour market, it is currently encountering challenges in delivering letter-post items in line with its high quality standards. These challenges are mainly seen on a local or regional rather than nationwide level but may affect different parts of Germany. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/01/22 – updated 01/11/22)
Germany – Mail and parcels with destination Germany might experience a delay due to a strike at Deutsche Post last Monday and Tuesday, the 6th and 7th of February. Ongoing (issue start date: 09/02/23)
Greece – Mail and parcels with destination Greece are experiencing delays in delivery due to heavy snowfall. Expected delays are upto 7 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 10/02/23)
Hong Kong – Mail and parcels to destination Hong Kong are experiencing delays due to transport issues – expected delays upto to 14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/10/22)
Indonesia – The Indonesia post office, Pos Indonesia, has communicated a change to national customs regulations effective 1st August 2021. All inbound postal items and the related declaration forms (CN 23 EMS, CN 22, CN 23 and CP 72) are to be completed with the corresponding tax ID (NPWP) of the Indonesian resident, where available. For corporate addressees, tax ID information is required. For private addresses, if the tax ID number is not available, there are some alternatives:
• National identity number (NIK);
• Passport number (for foreigners); or
• Other identification number, e.g. driver’s licence number.
Failure to comply with this regulation may result in inbound processing delays, as items will be held until the required identification numbers have been provided. Furthermore, in accordance with the new regulation, all inbound postal items containing goods will be submitted to Customs. Therefore, it is very important that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that the CN 23 EMS, CN 22, CN 23 and CP 72 customs declaration forms for all postal items containing goods (letter mail, parcels and EMS) are duly completed in accordance with article 20-001 of the UPU Convention Regulations. Incomplete, incorrectly completed, or missing customs declara tions may cause delays in delivery. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/08/21)
Israel – Mail and parcels with destination Israel are experiencing delays due to capacity issues at the postal operator. Ongoing (issue start date: 29/09/21 – updated 14/12/22)
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)
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)
Libya – All mail services to Libya are currently suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/07/14)
Malta – 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)
New Zealand – Mail and parcels to the Auckland region in New Zealand will experience a delay due to severe weather conditions. Expected delay: 3-5 days. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown – updated 31/01/23)
North Korea – Destination North Korea is closed due to transport issues. Ongoing (issue start date: 28/09/22)
Peru – The designated operator of Peru, Servicios Postales del Perú (Serpost), wishes to inform that, owing to the civil unrest and protests taking place in Peru, there may be disruption to postal services (both inbound and outbound). The unrest has disrupted transportation and access to certain areas of the country, making it difficult to ensure the timely delivery of mail. Ongoing (issue start date: 10/12/22 – updated 03/02/23)
Poland – Poland Post has advised that they are currently experiencing a significant increase in the volume of items received into their network due to the aid assistance they are providing to bordering Ukraine. Poland Post is continuing to process and deliver items as soon as possible however, due to the increased volumes, delays are to be expected. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Portugal – CTT Correios de Portugal, wishes to inform that there will be a strike on October 31st – 24 H (0h00 until 23h59) & November 2nd – 24 H (0h00 until 23h59). Ongoing (issue start date: 31/10/22)
Puerto Rico – Mail and parcels with destination Puerto Rico will be delayed due to hurricane Fiona. Expected delay: 7-14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 21/09/22)
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)
Somalia – All mail services to Somalia are currently suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/11/19)
South Korea– Mail and parcels to destination South Korea are experiencing delays due to transport issues – expected delays upto to 14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/10/22)
Spain – Some associations of the transport sector have called for an indefinite strike as from the 14th of March applicable to Spanish Territory. From information received, picket lines are stopping trucks and vans in main cities and industrial parks where the transports/logistics companies are located. Delays are to be expected. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/03/22)
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)
Tonga – Tonga is experiencing delays due to the impact of a volcanic eruption – estimated delay is currently 2 weeks. Ongoing (issue start date: 20/01/22)
Turkey – The Turkish Post Office (Turkish PTT Corporation) has stated that as a result of the two earthquakes that hit the southern and south-eastern regions of the country on 6th February 2023, the Turkish government has declared a state of emergency with effect from 8th February 2023. These devastating earthquakes have caused buildings to collapse and significant disruption to transport and travel in the affected areas. The most severely affected cities are Adana, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Şanlıurfa, as well as the surrounding districts and villages. This has had, and will have, a major impact on operations and, consequently, on the quality of service for all types of inbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) and significant delays are likely in the affected areas. Ongoing (issue start date: 06/02/23)
Ukraine – Delivery of mail to Ukraine is suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/03/14 – updated 01/03/22)
UAE – We have been informed that the UAE customs authorities are reducing the Duty threshold from AED 1000 to AED 300 effective January 1st 2023. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/01/23)
USA – The lack of transport capacity 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 – updated: 12/05/22)
Yemen – All mail services to Yemen have now been suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/03/15)
Upcoming Public Holidays
February 13th – Australia (regional), USA (regional)
February 14th – Lebanon, Qatar
February 15th – IAfghanistan, India (regional), Serbia
February 16th – Lithuania, North Korea, Serbia, Uganda
February 17th – Bolivia (regional), Kosovo, Libya
February 18th – Gambia, Sierra Leone, Various (Israa & Miaraj Night, Maha Shivrati)
February 19th – India (regional)
February 20th – American Samoa, Canada (regional), Germany, Gibraltar, India (regional), Luxembourg, Mongolia, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, USA, Various (Carnival Monday)
February 21st – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India (regional), Mongolia, USA (regional – Government holiday), Vanutau, Various (Carnival Tuesday), Zimbabwe
February 22nd – Algeria, Bhutan, Mongolia, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Various (Ash Wednesday)
February 23rd – Bhutan, Brunei, Guyana, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Sauid Arabia (Government holiday), Russia,
February 24th – Estonia, Russia
February 25th – Kuwait, Philippines
February 26th – Kuwait
February 27th – Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Greece, Kuwait, Taiwan
February 28th – Spain (regional), Taiwan
