Here are the current mail updates for International Mail Service as posted by the United States Postal Service. Updates are also available in HTML or Excel format at http://about.usps.com/news/service-alerts/welcome.htm.
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Australia
The Australian Post reports that as of Feb 3, all problems with the EDI system have been resolved.
Belgium
As reported by the Belgium Post, the International Post Corporation (IPC) was advised by GXS, that a technical issue on a server prevents access to the ESU system. GXS is working on the problem.
Belgium Post reports that the trade unions have announced a national strike for Jan. 30. The road transport federations may also take part in this strike. As a result of the impending strike, a number of industrial estates and strategic roads will be blocked. Road access to Belgium’s OE’s is not guaranteed, and outbound transport from Brussels EMC (BEBRUA) is likely to be disturbed. Mail delivery in Belgium will be heavily affected by this strike.
Brazil
Brazil Post informs that the partial strike at Brazilian Post that has been taking place since Sept15, has endedOperations will soon return to normal.
Britain
The Royal Post has reported a temporary change to the dispatches out of HWDC, Great Britain, during the Easter 2012 period.
- Friday, April 6 (Good Friday B/H) — Normal dispatches for priority letter mail and parcels.
- Saturday, April 7 — Normal dispatches for priority letter mail. Parcel dispatches canceled.
- Sunday, April 8 — Normal dispatches for priority letter mail.
- Monday, April 9 (Easter Monday B/H) — Great Britain does not dispatch on Mondays.
- Tuesday, April 10 — Normal dispatches for priority letter mail. Parcel dispatches canceled.
- Wednesday, April 11 — Normal dispatches for priority letter mail and parcels.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Post has informed that the territory of Costa Rica is suffering the effects of extreme weather, which could delay the delivery of mail to various regions of the country. This situation could continue for at least two weeks, as the extreme weather and flooding has damaged the country’s road network. The management of Correos de Costa Rica is making every effort to minimize any disruption to postal communications.
Costa Rica Post has informed that the Government of Costa Rica has postponed the public holiday scheduled for Oct12 (“Encuentro de Culturas”) until Oct17. As a result, letters, parcels and EMS will not be delivered on Oct17. Correos de Costa Rica apologizes to its customers for any inconvenience caused by this government decision.
Denmark
As reported by the Denmark Post, a strike among the Security Staff in Copenhagen Airport started Mar. 15 at 5:00 a.m., and ended at 8:30 a.m. During this time, Denmark could not tender any outbound mail to aircrafts. As a result, a substantial amount of export priority mail will be delayed, but is expected to be cleared by the end of the day.
El Salvador
The El Salvador Post reports that a strike by customs officials has been disrupting international mail services since Nov. 28.
France
As reported by France Post, Chronopost is using two mailboxes for REDES/RESDES EDI exchanges:
- Mailbox FR102 is receiving all inbound traffic for France, and destined to the Chronopost network.
- Mailbox FR101 is handling return dispatches ONLY.
France Post also reports that Coliposte and other entities of La Poste Group are not impacted by this change, and messages should continue to be send from/to the existing EDI mailboxes as follows:
- Mailbox FR101: EMS and EPG return dispatches only.
- Mailbox FR102: Letters and EMS to France.
- Mailbox FR103: Parcels, EMS and EPG from France.
- Mailbox FR103/FR102: EPG to France (based on bilateral agreement).
Germany
The Deutsche Post reports that a warning strike announced by the Groundhandler and Security Staff for Tuesday Mar. 27, has ended. Due to major impacts to the postal flights, delays over the next two days should be expected. Approximately 1/3 of the daily flights were canceled or delayed, and LH has canceled 400 inbound and outbound flights — continental and intercontinental. In addition, the main gate for road transport from and to OE Frankfurt (IPZ) was blocked from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., resulting in minor delays.
Deutsche Post will send mail to SE, NO, and FI, via DK. HU and SK will be sent directly, via ground service.
Greece
As reported by the Hellenic Post, delays with mail collection and delivery, due to severe weather conditions since Jan. 30, is now back to normal in most parts of Greece; while the north part of Greece continues to experience problems.
Guatemala
As reported by Guatemala Post, Union member countries have had heavy rain storms since Oct 13, leading to landslides, swelling of the main rivers, and the destruction of bridges. The storms have caused major damage to key roads and a number of Correo de Guatemala offices in these areas. Access is not impossible but it is very difficult, and significant delays in mail deliveries are to be expected. As a result, mail collection and delivery is suffering disruption in the following areas:
- Alta Verapaz
- Baja Verapaz
- Chimaltenango
- Chiquimula
- El Progreso
- Escuintla
- Huehuetenango
- Jalapa
- Jutiapa
- Quetzaltenango
- Quiché
- Retalhuleu
- San Marcos
- Santa Rosa
- Solola
- Suchitepequez
- Totonicapán
Honduras
Honduras Post has informed that the Government has declared a state of national emergency, as a result of the heavy rains that have been falling in the country since Oct 10. The rain is expected to continue over the next few days, and postal services may be affected.
Hungary
The Hungarian Post has reported that following the press release of Malev on Feb. 3 at 6:00, The Hungarian airline Malev has stopped all operations. No aircrafts have taken off since that time. Hungarian Post further reports, that they have closed mail dispatches for all kind of postal items to other countries, but delays are to be expected. The Hungarian Post request that IPC member countries reorganize air transportation to the destination Budapest, by using other airlines or other means of transportation.
Iceland
Iceland Post reports that due to strong wind, with gusts over 30 meters a second, it was impossible to unload arriving aircraft at Keflavik Airport on the afternoon of Feb. 7. The only flight unloaded on time, was FI 307 from Stockholm. All other flights were not able to be unloaded until 7:00pm. Mail arriving on these flights were not processed until Feb. 8.
India
India Post has reported that on Oct 18 at 6:10 PM, an earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck the state of Sikkim and other parts of northeastern India. This was followed by two more quakes of lower intensity during the night of Oct 18 and Oct 19, as well as incessant rain and landslides in the hilly areas of Sikkim and Darjeeling Dist (West Bengal). Postal services in these areas have been disrupted as a result, as has the transmission of EDI messages. India Post will notify of changes in the situation
Ireland
The Dublin Post has reported a shortage of blue International Letter Post Bags. They are kindly requesting that all countries return these bags to Dublin OE without delay.
Italy
The Italian Post reports that severe weather conditions continue, and heavy snowfalls have worsened; especially in the Northern part of the country. Delays in the forwarding and delivery of letter and parcel mail continues. On Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, airports were open and flights were scheduled, but with delays. This is expected to continue through-out the heavy snowfalls.
Due to icy highways, and being covered in snow, delays are also expected for truck departures and arrivals from/to Milan OE.
Japan
Japan Post has informed member countries of the following updated information regarding the impact on postal services of the Pacific Ocean earthquake off the Tohoku region coast and the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident:
- Japan Post is continuing its efforts to deliver postal items, not only to addresses in the affected areas, but also to evacuation centres where affected addressees are staying temporarily The number of areas in which there are difficulties delivering postal items has decreased.
- Japan Post has provided a link to the sites of government agencies — including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — which are providing updated information regarding radiation levels in Japan, including information released by international organizations (ICAO, IATA, IMO and IAEA).
Additional information is available at http://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2011/0331_01_en.html. For an up-to-date list of the areas still facing delivery problems, use the listed url and go to the page entitled “Delivery delay of international postal items caused by the Pacific Ocean earthquake off the Tohoku region coast”.
Kenya
As reported by the Kenyan Post, Kenyan postal workers began an industrial action on Dec. 16. This action will result in delays of inbound and outbound mail delivery.
Libya
Effective immediately, all U.S. Postal Service locations cannot accept any mail addressed to recipients in Libya. This suspension affects Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG®), Express Mail International®, Priority Mail International®, First-Class Mail International®, International Priority Airmail™ (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag items. Mail addressed to Libya that has already been accepted by the Postal Service — other than items already at an International Service Center — will be returned. Upon request, the Postal Service will refund postage and fees on items returned due to the temporary suspension of service. Items already at an International Service Center may be returned or held for dispatch in accordance with USPS policy once service is restored
Luxembourge
The Luxembourge Post reports that due to server maintenance, no EDI messages will be sent from Feb. 11, through the evening of Feb. 12. In regards to operations, during this time all ordinary mail will be handled on inbound as usual; yet the RESDES messages will not be sent until Feb. 13, containing the actual time of arrival of transport. All barcoded items, such as parcels, prime and registered mail entering the OE on Jan. 11, will be kept on hold until Jan. 13, and as a consequence, will experience a 1 day delay.
Malta
MaltaPost p.l.c. has advised that the forwarding of letters and parcels from Malta to Libya has been suspended MaltaPost p.l.c. will not provide open or closed transit services on behalf of third countries until further notic. Any such items will be returned to the country of origin, including mail already en route to Malta or currently in possession of carriers within Malta.
Netherlands
The Netherlands Post reports a major power outage at the International Mail Unit of Amsterdam. As a result, not all mail has been forwarded, some mail pieces have been sent with an incomplete set of paperwork, and EDI was temporarily interrupted. Please use the normal procedure to send BV’s.
Norway
The Norwegian Post informs that due to bad weather conditions, the Oslo Airport was temporarily closed on Dec. 12, until 10:00 am. During this time, no aircraft were allowed to take off or land. The airport is currently open for limited traffic. Flight delays and cancellations can still be expected, in addition to major delays to incoming and outgoing mail.
The Norwegian Post reports that due to IT issues, the Norwegian Post had not been able to send PREDES messages from NOOSLA since Dec. 9. As of Dec. 12, the IT issues have been resolved, and all missing PREDES messages have been generated and sent.
Philippines
The Philippine Post reports, that as a result of tropical depression Sendong (international codename: Washi) between Dec. 15 and Dec. 18, 31 municipalities and 8 cities in the 13 provinces of the Philippines suffered damage. As reported by the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council, some roads and bridges in the impacted areas are open only intermittently, or are impassable or barely passable for vehicles. The transport of all classes of inbound international mail may be rerouted or temporarily discontinued until the main network of roads in the impacted areas reopen. These conditions will result in delivery delays in impacted areas, until situations return to normal.
The following municipalities and cities were affected:
.
| Provinces | Municipalities/cities |
|---|---|
| a. Agusan del Sur | 1. Talacogon |
| b. Bohol | 2. Valencia |
| c. Bukidnon | 3. Baungon 4. Libona 5. Malitbog 6. Valencia City |
| d. Capiz | 7. Panitan 8. Sigma |
| e. Compostela Valley | 9. Compostela 10. Monkayo 11. Montevista 12. Nabunturan 13. New Bataan |
| f. Davao del Norte | 14. Asuncion (Saug) |
| g. Lanao del Norte | 15. Iligan |
| h. Lanao del Sur | 16. Karai |
| i. Misamis Occidental | 17. Clarin 18. Ozamis City |
| j Misamis Oriental | 19. Cagayan de Oro City 20. El Salvador 21. Kinoguitan 22. Lugait 23. Manticao |
| k. Negros Oriental | 24. Amlan (Ayuquitan) 25. Bacong 26. Dumaguete 27. Mabinay 28. Pamplona 29. San Jose 30. Siaton 31. Sibulan 32. Tanjay 33. Valencia (Luzurriaga) |
| l. Surigao del Sur | 34. Bislig 35. Hinatuan 36. Lingig 37. Tagbina |
| m. Zamboanga del Norte | 38. Dipolog City 39. Polanco |
Poland
Poland Post has advised that due to the planned technical break of their ISP in Warsaw, their (EDI, AMQM/QSM) systems will be unavailable from 10:00 p.m. Nov. 28, through 7:00 a.m. Nov. 29. All EDI messages will be sent upon restoration of communications.
Portugal
Portuguese unions inform that following the 24-hour general strike, that began Thursday, Nov. 24, all flights arriving and/or leaving the Portuguese airports were cancelled. Although the strike ended at midnight, many airlines did not return to normal until the afternoon of Nov. 25. Portuguese unions further reports, that it will take an additional 1-2 for normal activities to resume.
Romania
As reported by the Romanian Post, as a result of heavy snowstorms and blizzard conditions, international flights arriving and departing from H. Coanda International Airport in Bucharest, are currently being delayed or canceled. In addition, inbound and outbound postal items have been suffering a disruption in service since the evening of Jan. 25. Romanian Post will advise as the situation develops.
Rwanda
The relocation of its central services and mail processing center from the Kacyiru district to central Kigali that began May 23 is still underway, causing delays in the processing of mail and parcel delivery. Track and trace operations are not being performed at the normal rate. The EMS call center has temporarily suspended operations. Also, prompt replies to Rugby System messages is not possible. The relocation also has disrupted telephone and fax connections. Communications by mobile telephone and email still is possible.
Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten Post has reported that the industrial action preventing mail delivery on the island since Oct6, has endedAs of Oct18, all operations have returned to normal and mail processing has resumed.
Spain
As reported by Correos Post, the main trade unions have called for a general strike in Spain; on Thurs. March 29. As a result, postal processes may be severely affected throughout the country.
Syria
Syrian Post reports that due to the current exception circumstances in its country, there will be delays in the delivery of parcels and letter-post items. The Syrian Post thanks all for their understanding.
Thailand
The Thailand Post reports that their mail centers will be closed from Apr. 13 thru Apr. 16, for the Thailand Traditional New Year Holidays. Consequently, all mail operations will be suspended during this time. Thailand has requested that all parties halt the dispatch of mail destined to Thailand; during the period of Apr. 13 thru Apr. 16.
Thailand Post reports that all mail operations and deliveries have returned to normal.
Turkey
Turkish Post reports that the serious earthquake on 23 October 2011 has disrupted mail operations, and delays in deliveries of letter, parcel and EMS items to Van and Erciþ are expected. The Turkish Post will keep designated operators informed of the situation via EmIS.
Turkish Post has advised that the forwarding of letters and parcels by airmail or S.A.Lfrom Turkey to Libya has been suspended. Any such items received will be returned to the country of origin. Turkish Post will not provide any open or closed transit services on behalf of third countries until further notice.
United States of America
This is to inform you that all temporary operation changes involving the Indianapolis Processing and Distribution Center, Indian Mail Processing Annex, park Fletcher Branch Post Office, Indianapolis Mail Post Office, and Circle City Station have ended. All normal operations will resumed as of Feb. 7.
Uruguay
As reported by Uruguay Post, please inform the designated operators of other Union member countries that Uruguay has been experiencing difficulties in transmitting EDI messages since Sunday, 4th of December.
The designated postal operator of Uruguay will keep designated operators informed of the situation and thanks them for their understanding and cooperation.).
Yemen
The U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended acceptance of inbound international mail originating in Yemen, and continues to monitor the situation as part of its mission to protect the Postal Service, its employees and its customers. The Postal Service is prepared to make further adjustments to its international mail transportation network based on the recommendations of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and other federal law enforcement agencies.
Zimbabwe
As reported by Zimbabwe Post, the Zimbabwe Posts has reported that due to difficulties encountered in migrating to version 5.11, Zimbabwe Posts has reverted to IPS version 4.24. Normal services have been restored on the 4.24 platform. Zimbabwe Posts will advise when version 5.11 has been successfully implemented.
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