Here you will find the latest UK & global service updates and a list of upcoming worldwide public holidays. This is updated throughout the week with latest information available.
UK Service Updates
We have been informed by our distribution partners that Royal Mail workers in the Bristol may go on a 48-hour strike on December 23rd and 24th following the filing of a strike notice. According to reports, workers at the Keynsham delivery office will stop working on both days, likely impacting pick-up and delivery of postal items in the area. Ongoing (issue start date: 23/12/19)
International Service Updates
GENERAL – A National strike by multiple unions has been taking place in France since December 5th. The strike icnludes: National Rail, Paris’ regional transport authority, Air France air and ground crews, Air Traffic Controllers, Postal, Public Service Workers and Teachers Union, Police, Hospital and Ambulance Workers. Lorry Drivers have also announced that they intend to block major roads from 7th Dec onwards. As a result, mail to, or transiting via, France is likely to be delayed. Ongoing (issue start date: 05/12/19 – updated 16/12/19)
Afghanistan – Afghan Post has informed us that a terrorist attack hit the Afghan Post headquarters on Saturday, 13th April 2019. As this facility processes all inbound mail coming into the country, delays are expected until their operations are fully up and running again. Ongoing (issue start date: 13/04/19)
Algeria – Postal workers go on strike: workers with Algerie Poste in Said have begun a daily sit-in strike action over unfair working conditions. Disruptions to postal services in the area should be expected for the duration of the strike. Ongoing (issue start date: 19/11/19)
Australia – Due to ongoing bushfire activity, Australia Post operations have been impacted in a number of locations in QLD, NSW and SA. The situation is beeing monitored closely, and the updates will be provided as information is made available. Deliveries have been impacted in the following postcodes: QLD 4670, 4674, 4674, NSW 2250, 2469. In South Australia the following post offices have been closed until further notice: Wasleys LPO, Birdwood LPO, Woodside LPO, Lobethal LPO, Lenswood LPO. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/12/19)
Australia – Staffing issues impact services: On November 21, Australia Post indicated that staffing issues at airport services provider DNATA will likely impact transport service performance for all mail products into Melbourne in November. DNATA provides ground and charter handling, as well as warehouse and mail handling in Australia. Ongoing (issue start date: 21/11/19)
Bangladesh – Bangladesh Customs have witnessed an increase in the number of wrongly declared shipments. This has led the Bangladesh Customs to scrutinise each and every shipment, which is causing delays in the release of all shipments including mail. Ongoing (issue start date: 03/01/17)
Belgium – Employees of Bpost stage strikes: Belgian media sources indicated on November 6th that employees of Bpost have begun separate strike actions in Charleroi and Liege since the beginning of the week. In Liege, workers at the distribution center went on strike over staff and vehicle shortages whereas about 40 postmen staged a strike in Charleroi over longer working hours. Delivery delays of postal items are likely to occur for approx. the next week. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/11/19)
Brazil – Please also note that the following with regards to delays in postal customs clearance. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/11/17 – updated 14/08/18)
- Currently receiving 300,000 parcels per day
- Upon arrival in Brazil all mail is sent to Curitiba for inspection and duty and tax assessment
- Once duties and taxes are paid items can take 10 to 40 business days to deliver
- 30% of items are abandoned for non-payment of duties
Brazil – Postal strike causes delivery delays: Local media sources indicate on September 13th that about 70% of Correios employees participate in the nationwide strike action that began on September 10 over unaddressed grievances during the course of negotiations related to salary adjustments and preserving rights. The government ordered the company to maintain at least 70 percent of services or face severe fines. According to reports, postal services such as Sedex 10, Sedex 12, and Sedex were suspended on September 12, causing delivery delays. Ongoing (issue start date: 10/09/19)
Canada – We have been informed by our suppliers that since early December, Canada Post has been experiencing delays in its processing capacity and delivery owing to high volumes of parcels imported into Canada as the peak season continues. Canada Post apologises for the inconvenience and will do everything possible to minimise the backlog and delays. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/12/19)
Chile – Correos Chile asks us to inform other Union member countries and their designated operators that, as a result of social and political unrest since Sunday, 20 October 2019, Correos Chile is still experiencing delays in the processing and delivery of inbound and outbound postal items (letter post, small packets and parcels). Correos Chile is working diligently and making every effort to return to operational normality as soon as possible. It thanks all Union member countries and their designated operators for their understanding and cooperation. Ongoing (issue start date: 20/10/19 – updated 25/11/19)
China – China Post have informed us that owing to unprecedented volumes of parcels imported into Shanghai and Guangzhou, there are currently a number of issues with China Customs, resulting in large backlogs in their facilities. These problems are compounded by the high delivery volume within China, resulting in delays in mail delivery. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/07/16)
Colombia – Airport personnel to join nationwide strike: Civil Aviation Workers Union will join a nationwide strike in Colombia on November 21st. At least half of the union’s 3,000 members, including air traffic personnel, technicians, aeronautical information and administrative personnel, are expected to participate in the strike, beginning with a rally between 6 am and 10 am local time. Ongoing (issue start date: 21/11/19)
Congo (Republic) – Postal workers begin strike: workers with the Congolese Posts and Savings Company in the Republic of the Congo began an indefinite strike to demand the payment of unpaid salaries for April, May and June 2019. Expect associated disruptions to postal services. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/07/19)
Ecuador – UIO /Mariscal Sucre International Airport Ecuador is currently embargoed due to high baggage/cargo loads. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/01/19)
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, informs that the Finnish postal workers’ union has called a strike, which is taking place from November 11th to December 8th 2019. Some transport trade unions have also announced their support for the strike, and members of the aviation trade union plan to target mail handling at airports. Posti is therefore suspending both inbound and outbound airmail. The office of exchange will not be able to operate during the strike period. This applies to letter post, parcel post and EMS items. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/11/19)
France – National strike to disrupt postal operations: We have been informed that on 5th December a national strike will take place across France. The strike will involve the following Unions: National Rail, Paris’ regional transport authority, Air France air and ground crews, Air Traffic Controllers, Postal, Public Service Workers and Teachers Union, Police, Hospital and Ambulance Workers. Following the strike on 5th December, lorry drivers announced that they intended to block major roads from 7th December onwards. Expect disruption and delay but the exact duration and extent of the impact are not yet known. Ongoing (issue start date: 05/12/19)
Germany – Industry sources have indicated that labour union ver.di has called on workers with the forwarders and logistics association VDV to begin industrial action in Hesse on December 1st. The extent of the strike is not yet known but may include parts of FCS Frankfurt Cargo Services’ workforce. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/12/19)
Hong Kong – The designated operator of Hong Kong, China, Hongkong Post, informs that a series of public events, resulting in blockage of the streets and transportation network of major areas of Hong Kong, China since 1st October 2019, is seriously affecting the processing and delivery of all inbound, outbound and local mail (letter post, parcels and EMS items). Ongoing (issue start date: 21/09/19)
India – Main runway to close for repairs: the main runway at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai will be closed from November 1st until March 28th, 2020. The runway will be closed from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm local time every day except for Sundays. Expect flight disruptions during this period due to limited flight capacity.. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/11/19)
Iraq – Due to political developments in northern Iraq the government has issued an embargo on flights into the region. It is expected that no deliveries will be possible until the situation is resolved. Ongoing (issue start date: 02/11/17)
Ireland – We have been informed by our suppliers that since early December, An Post (the Irish Post Office) has been experiencing congestion at the mail handling facility and delays in the handover process from airlines to the mail handling facility. These problems are compounded by the high volume of incoming mail during peak season. We have been told that An Post is doing everything it can to process inbound mail as soon as possible and clear the backlog.. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/12/19)
Italy – Petrol station workers begin 2-day strike: Media sources indicate that petrol station workers have begun a nationwide strike at 6 am local time on November 6th, affecting road and motorway facilities throughout Italy. The two-day work stoppage may lead to long queues at opened stations, associated traffic congestion and fuel shortages. Ongoing (issue start date: 06/11/19)
Italy – We have been informed by Poste Italia that all HUBs are currently overloaded. This will cause delays for all Italy parcels until their backlog is cleared. We will keep you updated on this situation as more information becomes available. Ongoing (issue start date: 05/12/19)
Japan – Following a period of heavy rain and typhoons, the Japan Post facility in Kawasaki has been badly damaged. Subsequently, Japan Post put embargo on all international mail arriving. Whilst this has now been lifted, they are accepting mail but only on a limited basis. In addition, there is a significant backlog of mail that needs to be processed. Delays should be accepted until these issues are fully resolved. Ongoing (issue start date: 30/10/19)
Japan – Japan is strengthening their customs inspection of inbound mail as part of counter-terrorism measures. Therefore, Japan Post is reminding mail senders that all items containing goods are accompanied by the required documents and must not contain any hazardous or prohibited goods. Please attach a customs declaration form and any relevant documentation to postal items containing goods, and provide accurate information on the contents for customs declaration. – this must be completed in Japanese, English or French only. Failure to comply with these rules could lead to delays or the destruction/return of mail items sent to Japan. Ongoing (issue start date: 29/03/16)
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)
Kuwait – Please be advised that Kuwait customs are currently experiencing processing delays of up to 2-days. This is due to an intermittent customs system issue in country. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/11/19)
Lebanon – The designated operator of Lebanon, LibanPost, informs that operations at the office of exchange and all post and distribution offices are currently suspended as a result of demonstrations and road blockages in various cities of Lebanon since Wednesday, 13th November 2019. Ongoing (issue start date: 12/11/19)
Libya – All mail services to Libya are currently suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/07/14)
Malaysia – Flooding disrupts road traffic: Media sources report that flooding has been disrupting road traffic throughout Malaysia’s western coast since October 26th, with disruptions continuing to be reported in Selangor, Perak, and Kedah. Further disruptions should be expected until the flooding recedes. Ongoing (issue start date: 26/10/19)
Mexico – Transportation strike disrupts road traffic: it has been indicated that the Mexican Alliance of Carrier Organizations AC (AMOTAC) began a 24-hour national transportation strike at 8 am on October 29th. The strike action has been affecting road traffic significantly, particularly at the entrances and exits to Mexico City. Ongoing (issue start date: 29/10/19)
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 – Please be advised that due to the severe weather in the South Island over the weekend, the vendor has advised that this may lead to some delays in the lower South Island regions.
We have been advised that the following regions have been affected: Invercargill, Dunedin, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wanaka. Arrival times of freight into these regions will be delayed until these routes are repaired which is estimated to be by the end of this week. Ongoing (issue start date: 09/12/19)
North Macedonia – New customs system delays clearance: Industry sources reported that there have been significant customs clearance delays in North Macedonia due to the recent implementation of a new system in July. Average clearance times of 5-7 days have been reported for all types of imports. Ongoing (issue start date: 03/07/19)
Norway – Norwegian Post informs that following the modernisation of their International Mail Hub a proportion of Tracked mail is still experiencing delays daily. Norwegian Post has confirmed further enhancement activities are planned for processing improvement. Ongoing (issue start date: 23/07/19)
Portugal – Postal workers may strike in Ermesinde, Portugal: the SNTCT union is threatening a strike at postal offices in Ermesinde on December 20th after filing a complaint to the Valongo Labor Court. We will update if we receive any further info. Ongoing (issue start date: 20/12/19)
Saudi Arabia – Please be advised that Saudi Arabia customs are currently experiencing processing delays from 2-3 working days. This is due to an increase of volume into the country. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/12/19)
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)
Serbia – Postal strike affects deliveries: Self-organized postal workers of Post of Serbia went on strike at the Main Postal Center Belgrade on December 2. The postal collection and delivery were not guaranteed on December 3. It was not immediately clear how long the strike would last. Ongoing (issue start date: 02/12/19)
Slovenia – Postal workers plan to go on strike: postal workers of Posta Slovenije together with the Postal Union of Slovenia plan to go on strike on November 11th due to unresolved claims regarding additional staff and salary increases. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/11/19)
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 Africa – With immediate effect that additional customs inspections have been implemented on all shipments to South Africa. Therefore, any shipments that are subject to inspection may experience further delays. Ongoing (issue start date: 05/10/17)
Spain – Protests affect ground and air traffic: protests have been affecting road and air traffic in Barcelona and Girona, with over 100 flights cancelled at El Prat Airport on October 14th. Expect further disruptions as more protests are planned for the week. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/10/19)
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)
Ukraine – Delivery of mail for the Crimea and Sevastopol (postal codes 95000 – 99999) regions remains suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/03/14)
USA – Critical to Extreme fire weather conditions continue to affect parts of northern and southern California. The fast moving Kincade fire in Sonoma County has resulted in the temporary closure of several United States Post Offices. Below is a list of impacted offices:
• Healdsburg Post Office, 160 Foss Creek Cir, Healdsburg, CA 95448
• Windsor Post Office, 8800 Lakewood Dr., Windsor, CA 95492
• Santa Rosa Annex Post Office, 2850 McBride Ln, Santa Rosa, Ca 95403
• Guerneville Post Office, 14060 Mill St, Guerneville, CA 95446
We have been informed that postal employees having been working overtime to ensure deliveries are still made in accessible areas. However, please be aware that delays are possible and non-delivery to affected or inaccessible areas is likely. Ongoing (issue start date: 28/10/19)
USA – Please be advised that US Customs have increased individual inspections on shipments arriving into airports across the country, which is causing clearance delays. The US customs authorities are currently stopping random flights to individually search all shipments. The situation is being monitored and updates will be provided as soon there will be further information. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/09/19)
Yemen – All mail services to Yemen have now been suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/03/15)
Upcoming Public Holidays
December 30th – India (regional), Philippines
December 31st – Azerbaijan, East Timor, Switzerland (regional), Various (New Year’s Eve)
January 1st – Cuba, Czech Republic, Haiti, Slovakia, Sudan, Taiwan
January 2nd – Bhutan, Cuba, Haiti, India (regional), Saint Kitts & Nevis, Switzerland (regional), Various (Day After New Year’s Day)
January 3rd – Burkina Faso
January 4th – Armenia, DR Congo, Myanmar
January 5th – Armenia
January 6th – Azerbaijan, Iraq, Italy, Various (Epiphany, Orthodox Christmas Holiday)
January 7th – Bosnia Herzegovina, Cambodia, Ghana, Various (Coptic Christmas Holiday)
January 8th – Russia
