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 UPDATE – The closure of Russian airspace is causing delays to transport routes, especially to those in the far east.
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 (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 – Severe storms, heavy rain and flooding across the country is causing disruptions, particularly in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. The processing and delivery of inbound and outbound mail items are affected. Expected delay is 1-5 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 02/03/22)
Belarus – Due to the 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)
Bulgaria – Items shipped to Bulgaria 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)
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 13/05/22)
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)
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)
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)
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. Current estimated delays are 3-7 working days. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/01/21 – updated 06/12/21)
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)
Ireland – We have been informed that there has been some disruption regarding shipments to Ireland. This disruption is being caused by the implementation of new import controls which are resulting in the return of some items by the Irish Customs authorities. Postal operators remain in discussions with AnPost to help identify new processes that could improve the flow of mail items into Ireland and reduce the return of items. Ongoing (issue start date: 29/09/21)
Ireland – We have been informed that there are delays in transit times to Ireland due to transport and delivery issues. Expected delay at present is estimated at 4 – 7 working days. Ongoing (issue start date: 29/09/21)
Italy – We Postal workers to go on strike: Media sources indicated that workers at Poste Italiane in Liguria are to take part in an overtime strike. The overtime strike is set for all staff from March 16th until April 16th. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/03/22)
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)
Jamaica – The designated operator of Jamaica, Jamaica Post, wishes to inform that the JMKINA international mail processing centre (IMPC) has been experiencing information and communication technology (ICT) issues, affecting connectivity and customs-related procedures, since 6.00 local time on 25 April 2022. As a result, Jamaica Post is currently unable to process international inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items). Investigations are underway in order to resolve the situation and restore the system as quickly as possible. Resolved (issue start date: 25/04/22)
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 – Due Mail and parcels with destination New Zealand are experiencing delays due to limited air capacity. Service to Nauru was suspended, but is resolved now. Expected delay: 4-7 days to North and South Island, 7 days to Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, Tonga, Vanuatu and West Samoa, 6 weeks to Kiribati, Pitcairn Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown – updated 12/05/22)
Philippines – The designated operator of the Philippines, PHLPost, wishes to inform that Typhoon Odette (international name Typhoon Rai) has affected certain parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Some roads are not currently passable owing to landslides and floods. Delays are therefore to be expected in the processing of mail and transmission of tracking events in the areas with the following postcodes: 5400,5402,5404-5408,5413-5414,5417, 4503-4504, 5600-5601,5603-5604,5606,5608-5615, 5701-5702,5704-5708,5710-5717, 5800-5807,5810-5812,5815-5816, 5044-5046, 5000-5004,5006-5010,5012-5014,5016-5019,5021,5023,5026-5027,5031,5034-5036,5038-5039,5041-5043, 6100-6116,6119-6122,6124-6127,6129-6133, 6809, 6822, 8700-8702,8704,8706,8708-8709,8711,8723, 9100, 9103, 9000, 9008, 9011, 9014, 9203, 9205, 9209, 7203, 7207, 7209, 8800, 8804, 9407, 9409, 8601-8607, 8609-8611, 8600, 8501-8507, 8509-8513, 8400,8402-8406, 8408-8410, 8414, 8416-8424, 8427 8301-8302,8306, 8308-8310, 8312-8316, 8318 9222, 9310, 9708, 9715, 9628. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/12/21)
Portugal – Due to implementation issues regarding the new VAT regulations, CTT Portugal postal volume has some delay. Expected delays: 3-5 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/08/21)
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 – Delays in processing mail and parcels at Slovakian Post due to COVID-19 measures. Expected delay: 1-7 days. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
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)
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)
Thailand – Continuing rain in the southern part of Thailand has caused floods in the provinces of Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat (postcodes 90210, 94XXX and 96XXX), causing delays. Ongoing (issue start date: 02/03/22)
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)
Ukraine – Delivery of mail to Ukraine is suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/03/14 – updated 01/03/22)
UAE – 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)
USA – We are experiencing delays currently to this destination due to limited flight capacity. Ongoing (issue start date: 26/11/21)
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
April 25th – Australia, Canada (regional – Government Holiday), Egypt, Eswatini, Faroe Islands, Italy (regional), New Zealand, North Korea, Portugal, Saudi Arabia (Government Holiday), Spain (regional), Switzerland (regional), USA (regional – Government Holiday), Tonga, Various (Orthodox Easter Monday)
April 26th – Malaysia (regional), Saudi Arabia (Government Holiday), Tanzania
April 27th – Saudi Arabia (Government Holiday), Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South Africa, Togo, Various (Netherlands King’s Birthday)
April 28th – Afghanisatn, Barbados, Gibraltar, Italy (regional), Saudi Arabia (Government Holiday), Wallis and Futuna, Zambia
April 29th – Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, USA (regional – Government Holiday), Various (Jumatul Bidah, Night of Destiny)
April 30th – Bonaire, St. Eustatius & Saba & UAE, Sint Maarten, UAE, Vietnam
May 1st – Finland, India (regional), Various (Eid Al Fitr, Labour Day, Mother’s Day)
May 2nd – Antigua & Barbuda, Australia (regional), Bhutan, Dominica, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Montserrat, Peru (Government Holiday), Saint Kitts & Nevis, Spain (regional), Vietnam, Various (Eid Al Fitr, Labour Day, Early May Bank Holiday)
May 3rd – Belarus, India (regional), Japan, Poland, USA (regional – Government Holiday), Various (Eid Al Fitr, Labour Day, Raya Puasa)
May 4th – Indonesia, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia (regional), Namibia, Thailand, Various (Labour Day, Eid Al Fitr)
May 5th – Ethiopia, Guyana, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico (regional), Netherlands (Government Holiday), South Korea, Various (Eid Al Fitr)
May 6th – Bulgaria, Indonesia, Syria, Various (Eid Al Fitr)
May 7th – India (regional), Various (Eid Al Fitr)
May 8th – Macau, Qatar (Government Holiday), South Korea, Various (Mother’s Day, V-E Day)
May 9th – Hong Kong, India (regional), Macau (Government Holiday), Qatar (Government Holiday), Samoa, USA (Government Holiday), Uzbekistan, Various (Europe Day, Liberation Day, Victory Day)
May 10th – El Salvador, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Philippines (regional), Russia, USA (regional – Government Holiday)
May 11th – Bhutan
May 12th – Georgia
May 13th – Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Nepal, Spain (regional), Thailand (Government Holiday)
May 14th – Cambodia, Liberia, Myanmar, Paraguay
May 15th – Cambodia, Malaysia, Paraguay, Sri Lanka
May 16th – Bangladesh, Cayman Islands, India (regional), Indonesia, Malawi, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, South Sudan, Spain (regional), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uruguay (Government Holiday)
May 17th – HDR Congo, India (regional), Malaysia (regional), Norway, Spain (regional)
May 18th – Argentina, Haiti, Turkmenistan
May 19th – Cambodia, turkey
May 20th – Cameroon, East Timor
May 21st – Chile, Montenegro
May 22nd – Malaysia (regional), Martinique, Montenegro, Yemen
May 23rd – Canada (regional), Jamaica
May 24th – Bulgaria, Eritrea, North Macedonia
