International Shipping Service Announcement
Last update: 30 Oct 2020 10:12:31
For other shipping methods such as DHL and Aramex, please contact us for more information and quote.
Delays in international shipments to and from Singapore
COVID-19 has severely impacted international movement of people and goods as countries implement additional border controls and restrictions on international travel. As a result, airlines have drastically reduced international services, leading to a significant reduction in air freight capacity and frequency to and from Singapore to all international destinations.
Please note that shipments to and from overseas will result in substantial delay, even as we work round the clock with our partner airlines and posts.
For Speedpost Services
All international Speedpost Standard services are suspended until further notice.
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Available: Service is currently available but please expect a delay of up to 10 working days depending on the service chosen
Limited Services: Service is currently limited and subject to delays
Suspended: Service is temporarily not available due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation
- : We currently do not offer this service to the selected country/region
Note: Speedpost Express services may be still be available. Please click here for details.
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Albania – Update on force majeure situation
Albanian Post has advised that the Albanian Government has now declared the state of emergency to be over, but is continuing to enforce measures aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
Although the force majeure situation remains in place, Albanian Post is endeavouring to meet delivery standards (including delivery time and other quality parameters) for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.
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Argentina – Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Correo Argentino has advised that the Argentinean Government has extended the period of obligatory social isolation until 27 April 2020. However, the postal service, as an essential service provider, has been exempted. As a result, Correo Argentino, will remain open for business and will provide its services as well as it can.
Notwithstanding its reduced workforce, Correo Argentino has made arrangements to guarantee the continuation of its key services. Also, as part of health and safety measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, no letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items will require signatures upon delivery. Instead, the postman/postwoman will ask the addressee for a piece of ID and will note down the number in the signature field.
Correo Argentino citing force majeure, will be unable to guarantee delivery service standards for all categories of inbound and outbound mail.
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Armenia – Measures to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
“Haypost” CJSC has advised that owing to the suspension of flights resulting from the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, it expects serious delays in processing of inbound and outbound mail from 19 March 2020 until further notice. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail. For safety reasons, delivery may be performed via methods that restrict direct contact. For all postal items requiring signature on delivery, the addressee’s signature may be replaced in the signature field by the postman/postwoman’s signature, together with the delivery code.
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Australia – Measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Australia Post has advised that its daily operations are being affected by precautionary measures imposed by the government requiring individuals affected by COVID-19 to self-isolate, and disruption of the services offered by airlines and other transportation providers. This is having a direct impact on service quality for both international inbound and outbound mail, and other transportation providers. This is having a direct impact on service quality for both international inbound and outbound mail.
Australia Post has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Delivery will be conducted via limited face-to-face methods.
Australia Post is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure for all international letter-post, parcel-post and EMS services.
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Austria – Latest developments resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
Österreichische Post AG has updated that in accordance with the measures taken to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Austrian government has introduced measures including self-isolation, social distancing, advising people to work from home and restricting travel. For this reason, service delivery standards and times can no longer be guaranteed in Austria.
In addition, where possible, Österreichische Post AG is suspending signature-on-delivery for inbound items in order to avoid human contact. Consequently, all items that require the addressee’s signature are now deposited in the addressee’s mailbox or in a secure location on the addressee’s premises, with signature by the postman/postwoman on their portable device. In cases where items are delivered to the recipient in person, the postman/postwoman will likewise sign on the recipient’s behalf.
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Belgium – Gradual resumption postal operations
bpost has advised that the Belgian Government is gradually relaxing confinement and quarantine measures.
bpost is making every effort to provide a five-day-a-week (Monday to Friday) service for the delivery of letter post, newspapers and registered letters, as well as collections from post boxes, and a six-day-a-week service (Monday to Saturday) for parcels and EMS. However, the confinement measures in place for certain categories of staff throughout Belgium prevent compliance with delivery times and collection of the addressee’s signature, and may result in processing and delivery delays throughout the country.
bpost will continue to provide services according to safety guidelines, but until further notice, all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery will be delivered with the postwoman’s or postman’s signature for delivery in place of the customer (but in the customer’s presence).
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Belarus – Disruption of services
The designated operator of Belarus has advised that there is major impact on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail owing to measures taken concerning COVID-19. It can no longer guarantee service delivery standards.
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Brazil – Update on the coronavirus situation
Correios has advised that the measures implemented and the situation of force majeure invoked with regard to COVID-19 remain in place.
The pandemic continues to have a major impact on Correios’ operations and on the quality of international inbound and outbound services.
Temporary closures of sorting centres and delivery units, reductions in the workforce deployed in all postal units, and the limitations or lack of transport are having a dramatic effect on operations. Correios is currently unable to send letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items to various member countries.
Until further notice, all postal items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed for at the moment of handover to the recipient.
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Bulgaria (Rep.) – Measures taken to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Bulgarian Posts plc has advised that the Bulgarian Government declared a state of emergency on 13 March 2020, and has introduced various measures such as self-isolation, social distancing, advising people to work from home and restricting travel, with the aim of minimizing the spread of COVID-19. In view of this, Bulgarian Posts can no longer guarantee service delivery standards.
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Burkina Faso – Delays in mail processing and delivery
La Poste BF has advised that owing to government measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and the declaration of a case of force majeure, the processing and delivery of mail is subject to delays, which will affect quality of service.
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Canada – Update on the measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Canada Post has provided update of additional measures being taken in response to the spread of COVID-19.
In order to eliminate interaction with customers at their doorstep and in accordance with physical distancing requirements, Canada Post has implemented revised delivery procedures. Only international inbound items requiring the payment of customs duties and taxes will be sent from our depots to a retail post office for collection. Customers will receive a delivery notice card telling them which post office is holding their item for collection. All other international items that would ordinarily require a signature will be left in a safe location without obtaining a signature from the recipient. This change eliminates the need for signature at the doorstep and greatly reduces the number of parcels sent to Canada Post offices for collection. -
Chile – Measures and restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19
CorreosChile has advised of the following measures, effective as of 17 March 2020, that apply to all postal items:
- Owing to a lack of international air transport capacity, CorreosChile is unable to dispatch international outbound mail. This applies to all countries except Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay;
- International inbound mail addressed to Easter Island will no longer be accepted;
- There will be delays in the processing and delivery of international inbound mail;
- Signature on delivery for international inbound mail will be suspended and replaced by delivery methods that limit direct physical contact.
These measures are a result of the reduced workforce across the logistics chain and of domestic and international flight connections in the light of the spread of COVID-19.
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China (People’s Rep.) – Back to normal
China Post has advised that its postal services are now back to normal.
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Colombia – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A. 4-72 has advised that the Colombian Government extended the period of mandatory preventative isolation until 0.00 on 1 September 2020. As an essential service, however, the postal service is currently exempt from restrictions on movement, although this may change in the future. 4-72 will continue to provide domestic and international services in line with the latest developments regarding COVID-19.
4-72 will continue to provide its services in accordance with the restrictions resulting from the global health crisis, and to take every possible measure to protect its staff and customers.
Significant delays are still expected on operations and delivery of letter-post, parcel- post and EMS services.
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Costa Rica – Update on measures to combat COVID-19
Correos de Costa Rica S.A. has advised the following measure taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic:
When delivering items with a signature requirement, the postman checks the identity document of the person taking receipt and records their name and ID number in the delivery list or on the electronic device.
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Cyprus – Update on postal services
Cyprus Post has advised that social distancing and other measures to combat the COVID-19 virus remain in place. Therefore, the delivery of postal items may still be subject to delays.
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Czech Rep. – Measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Česká Pošta s.p. has advised that the Czech Government has introduced a series of measures to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). These measures have a severe impact on international inbound and outbound service quality and Česká Pošta can no longer guarantee the service delivery standards.
Pursuant to its commitment to preserving the health and safety of the population and its employees, Česká Pošta has made the following changes to its delivery procedures to help contain the spread of the virus:
- International registered mail and parcels are delivered according to standards, if possible with measures that minimize interpersonal contact;
- International and domestic EMS delivery at the weekend and on public holidays is suspended for the moment;
- Domestic registered mail (with no additional services, such as written proof of delivery, etc.) with an unsuccessful delivery attempt will, if possible, be inserted in the addressee’s mailbox. Items that do not fit in the mailbox will be stored at the post office with an extended storage period. A notification, including instructions, will be inserted in the mailbox. The same applies to ordinary mail, including small packages;
- International and domestic items requiring a signature will be delivered with the use of envelopes for identification and signature provided by the recipient to minimize interpersonal contact. Items with an unsuccessful delivery attempt will be stored at the post office with an extended storage period and a notification will be inserted in the mailbox. In addition, all delivery offices have reduced their working hours (operational until 16.00) and are closed at weekends. All post offices in areas placed under quarantine are closed.
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Denmark – Update on measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Post Danmark (PostNord Denmark) has updated that as a measure to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit human contact, with immediate effect.
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El Salvador – Partial resumption of postal services
Correos de El Salvador has advised that postal services partially resumed on 16 June 2020, taking into account the measures established by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour to avoid COVID-19 contamination. The workforce continues to be reduced, however, and to operate on a unique schedule as a result of a public transport mobility restriction.
This will continue to have impact on operations and delivery standards.
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Estonia – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Eesti Post has advised that with effect from 1 October, all inbound items will be delivered as follows:
- agreed delivery standards will be observed;
- boxable registered letters (under 2 cm thick) will be delivered to the addressee’s mailbox without a signature being collected; registered letters over 2 cm thick will be handed over at post offices;
- all courier shipments requiring a signature will be delivered to the addressee; a photo will be taken of the address card signed by the addressee;
- couriers will not enter addressees’ premises during delivery; all handovers will be made outdoors.
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Eswatini – Extension of partial lockdown
Eswatini Posts & Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC)has advised that following the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, EPTC has been impacted as follows:
The country has been on partial lockdown, which was initially scheduled to end on 18 May 2020. However, owing to an increase in the number of new cases of people contracting the virus, the government of Eswatini has extended the lockdown by one month, until 19 June 2020.
During the partial lockdown, limited postal services are being offered.
Consequently, delivery standards are not being met.
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France – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
La Poste has advised of developments regarding the COVID-19 situation following the French Government ‘s announcement of a new lockdown until at least 1 December 2020.
Throughout metropolitan France, transmission of the virus has significantly increased. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the public health situation has greatly deteriorated, both in hospital and community healthcare settings, as reflected in the public health emergency status in place.
The measures announced aim to limit contact and movement to a strict minimum across France, for the period from 30 October to 1 December at least. The measures also concern education, work, essential shops, and public services, which will remain open during this period.
While ensuring the continuity of all the services offered to customers and of its various activities, La Poste is paying great heed to this new health situation and will adapt its operations as appropriate to protect the health of postal workers and the general public, particularly those who are most at risk.
This map of alert zones is changing very rapidly.
While ensuring the continuity of all the services offered to customers and of its various activities, La Poste pays great heed to the current health situation and adapts its operations as appropriate to protect the health of postal workers, particularly those in the most vulnerable groups.
As such, in line with general health protection and work safety principles, and the health measures put in place by public-facing businesses and institutions, La Poste is still required to ensure compliance with social distancing and hygiene measures both among its staff (management of flows of people) and between staff and customers:
- by implementing collective protection measures;
- by adapting the opening hours and operations of its processing and distribution centres, and its post offices;
- by avoiding the risk of hand-borne contamination; and
- by implementing measures to protect staff, in line with the applicable protocol drawn up by the Ministry of Labour.
In the context of this new situation, and given the announcement of imminent international border closures, La Poste will not be able to guarantee delivery standards and times. As a result, delays in the processing and delivery of mail are to be expected throughout the country.
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Georgia – Extension of measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Georgian Post has advised that with effect from 16 March 2020, the Government of Georgia has taken measures to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As these measures include the self-quarantine of staff, significant delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound mail.
In order to minimize human contact, indirect methods will be implemented temporarily for the delivery of all postal items that would ordinarily require the addressee’s signature on delivery for security reasons. Consequently, it will not be mandatory for Georgian Post to collect and provide written proof of delivery.
Georgian Post LLC has advised that the Georgian Government has decided to extend the period of application of the measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 until 22 May 2020.
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Germany – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Deutsche Post has updated that in addition to the measures already communicated, it has implemented supplementary measures to reduce direct interaction with customers at their doorstep, in accordance with physical distancing requirements: inbound items requiring a payment by the recipient, such as cash-on-delivery (COD) or the payment of customs duties and taxes, will be immediately directed to a postal outlet for collection. Recipients will receive a notification as to which postal outlet is holding their item for collection.
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Greece – Update
Hellenic Post (ELTA) has advised that owing to quarantine cases, traffic disruption and restrictions, compulsory days off work for health reasons, all as consequences of COVID-19, Hellenic Post faces major difficulties in mail collection and delivery.
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Guatemala - Measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Due to government measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the General Directorate of Posts and Telegraphs will be operating with 50% of its normal staff until 12 April 2020 (subject to extension).
All post offices have been closed, and only home deliveries are being provided by the reduced staff, with appropriate steps taken to protect employees and customers. These measures will result in delays to deliveries, quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mails is affected, and service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed.
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Hong Kong, China – Lifting of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Hongkong Post has advised that the measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted and the force majeure situation previously announced is closed as of 15 September 2020.
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Hungary – Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Magyar Posta has advised that, on Monday, 16 March 2020, the Government of Hungary declared a state of emergency, lasting 30 days, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Consequently, Magyar Posta can pursue its activities only in compliance with the strict ad hoc measures implemented by the government. Magyar Posta is no longer able to guarantee compliance with delivery standards for all categories of mail items (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) until further notice. Magyar Posta is working continuously to improve the situation. International and domestic operations will continue to operate normally insofar as possible.
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Iceland – Measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Iceland Post has advised that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items as of 19 March 2020. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit direct contact. These special measures have been implemented in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to keep staff and customers safe by avoiding human contact.
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Indonesia – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Pos Indonesia has advised that operational activities have been partially restored as of 13 July 2020, subject to COVID-19 social distancing measures.
While processing of inbound mails has resumed, distribution to remote customs and delivery offices is still subject to delays, owing to insufficient means of transportation. Some regions have also continued to implement specific measures in response to the COVID-19 situation. This means that Pos Indonesia is still unable to guarantee the quality of service and delivery standards for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, and the case of force majeure already invoked remains in force. The disruption is expected to continue until the pandemic is over.
Signature on delivery remains suspended for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.
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India – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
India Post has advised that the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 crisis has been extended, though with certain relaxations.
India Post continues to accept inbound international mails; however, owing to limited domestic transport capacity, it still cannot guarantee to meet service delivery standards.
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Italy – Extension of measures taken to minimize the spread of the COVID-19
If the addressee cannot be contacted, or in the case of parcels addressed to businesses, cultural institutions, commercial activities and other entities that are temporarily closed in accordance with the Prime Ministerial Decree of 25 March 2020, items can be returned to sender after the first delivery attempt.
The list of the most affected municipalities is updated regularly and is available on the following page of the Poste Italiane website: www.poste.it/emergenza-covid19.html.
Furthermore, in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect employees’ health by enabling processing by a single person, only parcels below 25 kg in weight, 120 cm in length and 150 cm for the three dimensions combined can be accepted. Parcels exceeding these weight and size limits will not be accepted until further notice. However, these restrictions do not apply to donations.
Poste Italiane has advised that the Italian Government has further extended the period of application of the measures aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19 until 3 May 2020.
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Ireland – Measures to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
An Post has advised that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit direct contact, with immediate effect. These special measures have been implemented in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to keep staff and customers safe by avoiding human contact.
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Israel – Update on measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Israel Postal Company has advised that given the large number of people still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the various restrictions such as physical distancing between postal employees and between postal employees and customers remain in place - a signature is no longer required for items requiring signature on delivery, and such items will be left at the door after being scanned and photographed to prove that delivery has been made. If possible, the name of the addressee will be recorded.
The lockdown requirements imposed by the Ministry of Health, involving temporary closures of certain areas and postal facilities, with postal workers unable to access their workplace and limited numbers of employees available are leading to delays in the processing and delivery of all types of mail. Israel Postal Company would like to underline the need for addressees' mobile phone numbers to be displayed on items so that customers can be contacted by SMS to improve the delivery process.
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Jordan – Measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19
Jordan Post Company has advised that the Jordanian Government has eased the lockdown with effect from 6 June 2020, and public sector workers have been back at work since 26 May. Jordan Post is continuing to take steps to ensure the safety of staff and customers.
With regard to inbound mail, all incoming items are being sanitized, and no signatures are being required for letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items.
The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have a major impact on operations, and consequently on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail.
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Kazakhstan – State of emergency
Kazpost JSC has advised that a state of emergency has been declared throughout the country from 16 March to 15 April 2020 and a quarantine regime has been imposed in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays in mail delivery to all areas are expected.
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Latvia – Update on measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Latvijas Pasts has advised that the Latvian Government has lifted the state of emergency with effect from 10 June 2020. Some of the restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have thus been relaxed, and the situation is gradually returning to normal.
However, the processing of postal items may still be subject to significant delays. Accordingly, the restrictions regarding service standards continue to apply, and the force majeure situation remains in force.
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Lithuania – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Lithuania Post has advised that the Lithuanian Government has lifted the quarantine regime as from 17 June 2020.
However, measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 may still result in staff shortages or temporary suspension of the work of some post offices.
Lithuania Post will continue to provide services according to safety guidelines, but all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery will be delivered to the addressees directly, and addressee signatures will be collected (except in cases where the addressee is isolating).
Operational conditions remain difficult and this may also cause delays. Accordingly, the usual service delivery standards still cannot be guaranteed, and the force majeure situation remains in force.
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Luxembourg – Suspension of signature on delivery
Post Luxembourg has advised of the measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). International and domestic operations will continue as normal insofar as possible. However, several measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff, including the following:
- In general, post offices will remain open (with the exception of 21 post offices), but will be closed on Saturdays;
- For all postal items requiring signature on delivery, the addressee’s signature will be replaced by the postman/woman’s signature, together with the delivery code, in the signature field.
- Post Luxembourg is no longer able to guarantee delivery times or comply with standard rules for signature on delivery.
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Lebanon – Update on measures to combat COVID-19
LibanPost has advised that in response to the latest increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Lebanese Government has declared a complete lockdown in the country from Thursday, 30 July to Monday, 3 August (end of day) and from Thursday, 6 August to Monday, 10 August (end of day).
While LibanPost’s management and customer service unit will be closed during this period, post offices will remain open and the distribution network will remain active and continue to process mail flows, albeit with reduced capacity. LibanPost will make every effort to process inbound and outbound mail during this period, but the situation will clearly affect quality of service in respect of all mail classes (letter-mail, parcels and EMS).
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Madagascar – Update on the measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Paositra Malagasy has advised that in order to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Antananarivo, the Madagascan Government has extended the lockdown measures in the Analamanga region until 23 August 2020.
In Antananarivo, the Madagascan capital, travel is subject to restrictions and the use of public transport is not permitted, in order to limit person-to-person contact as far as possible. However, post office opening hours have returned to normal (i.e. 8.00 to 16.00). Mail will therefore be delivered to post office boxes, but home deliveries may still be subject to delays.
Paositra Malagasy remains unable to guarantee quality of service for all categories of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items).
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Malaysia – Measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pos Malaysia has advised that owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the Restricted Movement Order enacted by the Malaysian Government, delays are expected in processing, transportation and delivery of both incoming and outgoing international shipments of all postal items.
All postal items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed at the moment of handover to the recipient, for health, safety and security reasons. Instead, the postman will ask for the recipient’s name and will enter this information in the signature field of the handheld device or delivery manifest. This temporary measure came into force from 16 March 2020 and remains in effect until further notice. For delivery of items to a mail room, the addressee will receive a text message or telephone call. Deliveries to premises or areas needing to be closed down due to COVID-19 are suspended.
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Malta – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
MaltaPost p.l.c. has advised that the collection of signatures on delivery (with appropriate social distancing measures) has resumed since 1 July 2020 for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature.
MaltaPost is still required to follow social distancing rules among staff and between staff and customers, and this may lead to delays in the processing and delivery of all types of mail items.
Also, operational conditions remain difficult in both inbound and outbound mail. Consequently, MaltaPost is still unable to guarantee quality of service and delivery standards for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, and the case of force majeure already invoked remains in force.
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Mauritius – End of national lockdown
Mauritius Post has advised that the sanitary curfew imposed by the Government of Mauritius due to COVID-19 was lifted at midnight on Saturday, 30 May 2020. Most economic activities have now resumed, but with some restrictions.
All postal activities are operational, but the government’s health directives are being strictly observed.
Delivery of all postal items will be strictly in line with the national health guidelines laid down by the government. Registered letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items will be delivered against signature, with social distancing measures applied.
However, as quality of service, including delivery times still cannot be fully guaranteed. Therefore, the force majeure situation is being extended until further notice.
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Mexico – Service disruptions
Correos de México has advised that owing to the cancellation of international flights from Mexico to South America and to other continents, including Africa, Asia and Europe, it is facing significant disruption to its operations. This disruption will have a direct impact on quality of service in relation to both inbound and outbound mail. Consequently, Mexico is declaring a situation of force majeure in relation to all international consignments, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on services worldwide.
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Morocco - Measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Poste Maroc has advised that due to the suspension of international commercial air traffic, it is suspending exports of all postal items until normal flight operations resume. Incoming mail has been processed and delivered as normal. However, following steps taken to limit the spread of COVID-19, and for public health and safety reasons, delivery services may suffer certain delays, because of limited staff numbers in processing and delivery centres. Postal items are being delivered without the addressee's signature being requested. For such items, postmen/postwomen will ask the addressee for their identity card number and record it.
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Netherlands – Changes of delivery procedures
PostNL has advised that owing to the COVID-19 situation in the Netherlands, it has made some further changes to the delivery procedure for all international inbound items that would normally require a signature.
PostNL changed its handover procedure in line with Dutch Government guidance as of 16 March 2020. Since that date, it has no longer provided a recipient’s signature for registered items, parcels or EMS items. As PostNL is committed to ensuring the delivery of these items to its customers, alternative proofs of delivery were implemented, based on different sources of handover confirmation: these may be the signature of the delivery person, the last three digits of the addressee’s identity card, or simply a proof of delivery scan event.
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New Zealand – Update on measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
New Zealand Post has advised that the Government of New Zealand has moved the Auckland region down to Alert Level 1 of the national pandemic plan, meaning that all restrictions are lifted.
As New Zealand Post is classified as a business entity providing essential services to the community, it will continue domestic and international inbound/outbound operations as was the case during the previous heightened COVID-19 alert levels in New Zealand between March and June 2020.
Various protective measures (social distancing, extra cleaning) are being implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff. There are various additional measures in place for the Auckland region, the location of New Zealand Post’s inbound/outbound office of exchange.
Throughout New Zealand, contactless delivery and pick up processes apply, with delivery staff capturing the name of the receiving customer, and stepping back from the door to remove the need for any physical contact.
Given the current restrictions, New Zealand Post can no longer guarantee service delivery standards, and is invoking force majeure until further notice.
It will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and will actively follow the guidance and safety recommendations issued by the New Zealand Government.
New Zealand Post can no longer guarantee service delivery standards.
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North Macedonia - Measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Post of North Macedonia has advised that the government has officially declared a state of emergency for 30 days from 19 March 2020 (period subject to extension). This situation will have a major impact on operations, and quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail is affected. Service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed.
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Pakistan – Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Pakistan Post has advised that certain measures have been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan, including restriction of transport and other infrastructural resources.
These measures will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound mail (letter post, parcel post and EMS). Therefore, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed, and a situation of force majeure has been declared until the situation returns to normal.
Also, Pakistan Post is currently unable to send outbound mail (letter post, parcel post and EMS) to numerous countries owing to the lack of transport capacity.
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Philippines – Update on measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
PHLPost has advised that the Government of the Philippines has extended the community quarantine within the Philippines until 30 September 2020, without prejudice to the declaration of localized enhanced community quarantine in critical areas, as follows:
- Iligan City in Mindanao Island is placed under modified enhanced community quarantine;
- The following areas are placed in general community quarantine:
Luzon Island: National Capital Region and the provinces of Batangas and Bulacan; and
Visayas Island: Bacolod City and Tacloban City;
- The remaining areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao islands are placed under modified general community quarantine.
PHLPost is continuing to transition to the “new normal” in line with government advice and plans.
All post offices remain open, while observing strict social distancing measures. Post offices in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine are conducting limited operations, with only domestic postal items being accepted, and deliveries limited to postal items containing vital communications, medicines and medical supplies, pension and loan cheques and perishable articles, along with express items. Other post offices are fully operational and can now accept and deliver domestic and international postal items.
The international mail processing centres are still operating with a skeleton workforce, but are already processing and forwarding inbound international dispatches to domestic destinations. Delays may still be expected as transport of postal items is over land within the islands, with a combination of land and sea conveyance used between islands.
Sea transport of outbound international dispatches is now back to normal, but outbound dispatches by air are subject to the availability of flights to destination countries.
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Poland – Update on measures to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Poczta Polska has advised that the measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 are still in force in Poland and will continue to affect its services.
These updated measures came into force on 28 May 2020 and will remain in force until further notice. There are no significant changes and they are as follows: registered letter-post items without advice of delivery can be delivered to the addressee's mailbox (the delivery is recorded in the IT system), while parcels and insured parcels, including advice of delivery and courier items (EMS), are delivered with signature. If the recipient refuses to sign, the last four digits from the ID document, as well as the type of ID and the exact name of the receiver, are placed in the delivery card by the courier/postman. Registered letter-post items with advice of delivery are delivered to the addressee or authorized person after verification of their ID document (the last four digits from the ID and the type of ID are placed in the delivery card as well the exact name of the receiver instead of signature).
In the case of parcel-post items, insured items with advice of delivery and EMS items addressed to persons in quarantine, the addressee will be contacted by telephone if possible before attempted delivery. If it is not possible to deliver the item to the addressee, it will be returned to the post office for temporary storage, and no notice will be left. The delivery will be attempted again once the quarantine is over.
These measures and administrative or other decisions that may exclude particular areas from delivery of mail will of course affect operations and the quality of services provided by Poczta Polska.
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Portugal – Extension of measures to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
To minimize contact and in accordance with physicaldistancing requirements, CTT Correrios de Portugal will deliver registered mail into mailboxes with the exception of registered mail with associated special services.
Additional measures have been implemented whereby items subject to a delivery notice are now available for collection at CTT Correios de Portugal outlets and post offices for a longer period of time, namely 15 working days.
CTT Correios de Portugal has advised that the Portuguese Government has extended the measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 until 2 May 2020. The service restrictions and situation of force majeure are extended until further notice.
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Republic of Korea - Delay of shipments to Republic of Korea
Due to outbreak of COVID-19, many airlines had announced that they will reduce or stop flights to and from Republic of Korea. Please expect delay in processing and delivery for all shipments to and from Republic of Korea.
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Romania – Additional measures in response to COVID-19
CN Poșta Română SA has advised that the state of emergency in Romania is being replaced by a state of alert with effect from 15 May 2020. Therefore, the situation of force majeure previously declared by Poșta Română is being extended until further notice.
Consequently, Poșta Română is still not able to guarantee service delivery standard on mail services.
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Russian Federation – Inability to comply with delivery standards
Russian Post has advised that owing to the quarantine measures implemented in Moscow to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the fact that the principal office of exchange for imports is located in Moscow, Russian Post is unable to guarantee compliance with delivery standards.
As a result, Russian Post is invoking a situation of force majeure with regard to quality of service and remuneration for all categories of mail item (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) until further notice.
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Senegal – Delivery delays
La Poste du Sénégal has advised that in view of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, measures to close the borders and restrict travel have been implemented by the Government of Senegal and the airlines. These decisions will have a significant impact on shipment and delivery times for all postal items. Consequently, La Poste du Sénégal is unable to guarantee compliance with delivery standards.
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Seychelles – Partial resumption of operations
Seychelles Postal Services has advised that Seychelles International Airport reopened on 1 August 2020. The previous schedule of international flights serving the Seychelles is gradually being resumed, as tourist demand slowly increases.
However, as flights may still be cancelled owing to low levels of demand, these can impact mail shipment.
Therefore, the situation of force majeure previously declared will continue to apply until further notice, in view of the dynamic nature of the situation and particularly the increased risks arising from the reopening of the Seychelles borders.
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Slovakia – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Slovenská pošta has advised that owing to the growing numbers of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s government and public health authorities have declared a partial lockdown across the whole country, which will come into effect on 24 October 2020 and last for at least three weeks.
During the lockdown, postal services will continue to function with restrictions, reduced working hours in post offices, and reduction of the workforce to minimize contacts between people. Items normally requiring the addressee’s signature upon delivery will be handed over without signature.
These measures will affect the processing and delivery of all types of services, including outbound and inbound letter post, parcel post and EMS, with an impact on quality of service.
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Slovenia – Second wave of the coronavirus
Pošta Slovenije has advised that Slovenia has been hit with the second wave of the coronavirus and that a 30-day state of coronavirus epidemic has been officially declared by the Slovenian government for the entire country, starting on 19 October 2020. Wide-ranging restrictions have come into force, including a lower limit for gatherings, a 21.00 to 6.00 curfew across the county, and a ban on movement between statistical regions. The decree also provides a legal basis for additional restrictions if the situation does not improve.
Pošta Slovenije is fully committed to continuing to provide postal services to the extent possible; however, given the worsening situation in the country, quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail (EMS, parcel post and letter post) cannot be guaranteed. The impact is expected to last until the end of the epidemic. For this reason, a situation of force majeure is again invoked with respect to quality of service until the situation is back to normal.
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Spain – Extension of the state of alert
Correos y Telégrafos has advised that the Spanish Government has extended the state of alert until 21 June 2020. This is to be the final such extension.
This will continue to have a major impact on operations. Consequently, until further notice, Correos y Telégrafos remains unable to guarantee quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail and apply standard rules for items requiring signature on delivery.
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Sudan – Measures to combat COVID-19
Sudan Post has advised that owing to government measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and the declaration of a case of force majeure, the processing and delivery of mail is subject to delays, which will affect quality of service.
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Sweden – Update on measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Sweden Post (PostNord Sweden) has updated that as a measure to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, Sweden Post (PostNord Sweden)has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items, with the exception of items that are delivered through a retail outlet. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit human contact, with immediate effect.
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Switzerland – Measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19
Swiss Post has advised that as part of measures to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Swiss Government, Swiss Post has had to change its delivery process for all items requiring signature on delivery.
With effect from 16 March 2020, all postal items requiring signature on delivery will not be signed for by the recipient, for health and safety reasons. For such items, in place of the recipient’s signature, the delivery agent will enter a code in the signature field of the handheld device. As a result, Swiss Post is no longer able to guarantee inbound and outbound mail standards.
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Thailand – Update on the partial return to normality
Thailand Post has advised that the lockdown and curfew have been lifted, and that all postal services are back to normal as of 21 October 2020.
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Togo – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
The Togo Postal Corporation (La Poste) has advised that the Togolese Government has now eased the measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 in Togo.
Following a reorganization of its services, the Togo Postal Corporation has restored some of its capacity to process letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items. Because of this reorganization, designed to meet social distancing requirements, mail processing is liable to be delayed.
Postal items are delivered only over post office counters between 8.00 and 16.00, or to post office boxes. Mail processing and delivery times remain impacted.
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Turkey – Force majeure
Turkish PTT Corporation has declared a situation of force majeure with immediate effect, and delays are also to be expected for all inbound and outbound postal items.
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Trinidad & Tobago – Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPost) has advised that in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, the country’s borders are currently closed to commercial air and sea traffic.
Authorizations have, however, been given for cargo flights to operate on a limited basis, but postal service quality for international inbound and outbound services and service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed until further notice.
TTPost is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure for all categories of inbound and outbound mail services.
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Uganda – Impact of measures against the spread of COVID-19 on postal operations
Uganda Post has advised that precautionary measures have been implemented by the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Health in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
These measures are having an impact on its operations, processing and delivery of international mail throughout Uganda Post’s network.
Uganda Post can no longer guarantee the service delivery standards and has declared a situation of force majeure with regard to letter post, parcel post and EMS.
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Ukraine – Update on measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Ukrposhta has advised that the previously announced state of emergency across the country, initially due to end on 24 April 2020, has now been extended until 11 May 2020.
Ukrposhta is maintaining its operations, with measures in place to protect staff and customers. As these measures include self-quarantine of staff, delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound mail. It will not be mandatory for Ukrposhta to collect and provide written proof of delivery; registered postal items (other than summons) will be left in addressees' mailboxes, and inbound international postal items will be stored at post offices free of charge until the end of the state of emergency.
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United Arab Emirates – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Further to earlier announcement, Emirates Post has advised that it is carrying out contactless deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For deliveries over the post office counter, the customer inserts his or her Emirates ID in a card reader, which records the name of the person collecting the item.
For deliveries to the addressee’s premises, the courier confirms the recipient’s name by asking to see ID. The courier records the name and hands over the item.
Emirates Post has advised that the government of the United Arab Emirates has extended the state of alert until further notice, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. Measures and restriction taken earlier on postal service will continue.
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United Kingdom – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide) has advised that as part of UK measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19, they have had to change their delivery process for all postal items requiring signature on delivery. As from 13 March 2020, items requiring a signature on delivery will not always be signed for by the recipient. Instead, in these exceptional and difficult circumstances, where the recipient has not been able to sign for the item but has duly received it, a code (XP1) will be entered into the handheld device, and this will constitute evidence of receipt.
In addition, Royal Mail Group also can no longer guarantee service delivery standards, in view of the UK Government introducing a series of measures, including self-isolation, social distancing, advising people to work from home and restricting travel with a view to minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
Saturday deliveries will be maintained for the majority of tracked parcel services.
Saturday deliveries of untracked letters and small packets have resumed as of 13 June 2020.
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United States of America – Impact of COVID-19 on postal operations
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has advised that it can no longer maintain service delivery standards (i.e., on-time delivery, etc.).
USPS has changed its traditional procedures for international mail requiring signature. In lieu of asking the recipient to provide a signature, USPS delivery staff have been requested to maintain a safe distance, and ask the recipient for their first initial and family name. This information (along with delivery agent details) is entered into the mobile delivery device.
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Vatican – Measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Poste Vaticane has advised that it will carry on operating and provide its services as far as it is able to. The current situation will have repercussions in terms of quality of service for all types of inward and outward mail. Under these circumstances, Poste Vaticane will no longer be able to guarantee delivery service standards.
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Vietnam – Measures taken to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
VNPost has advised that that the government is extending the measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to more locations as follows:
Binh Duong (820000-829999), Khanh Hoa (650000-659999), Dac Lac (630000-639999), Dong Nai (810000-819999), Tra Vinh (940000-949999), Lang Son (240000-249999), Long An (850000-859999), Can Tho (900000-909999), Bac Ninh (220000-229999).
Therefore, the delivery of all mail items to these locations may be delayed.