The Universal Postal Union supports the multilateral system for international mail in Geneva
Biel/Bienne, 26.09.2019 - The Universal Postal Union (UPU) agreed changes to the final-cost remuneration system for small parcels by consensus at the third Extraordinary Congress in Geneva. Postal operators in the country where consignments are received may in future determine themselves the level of remuneration for final delivery within certain limits. Thanks to these negotiations, the USA will remain part of the worldwide postal network.
The UPU's third Extraordinary Congress took place in Geneva from 24 to 26 September 2019. It was convened to negotiate changes to the final-cost remuneration system for small parcels and to take account of the concerns of various member countries. In view of the growing significance of e-commerce, the modernisation of the remuneration system that applies to international consignments of small parcels was discussed. UPU member countries had previously indicated that they did not receive cost-covering remuneration for the delivery of parcels sent from abroad. As a result, the USA decided to terminate its membership of the UPU in 2018 and was set to leave in autumn 2019. Thanks to the outcome achieved by the negotiations, the USA has now announced that it will remain a member of the UPU.
Switzerland attaches great importance to an effective system of global postal service provision. It was committed to the successful conclusion of the negotiations on the change to the remuneration system for international mail up to 2kg to allow the UPU to continue to play its role and global postal services to operate on a stable and reliable basis in this area. As the UPU's host country, Switzerland supported it significantly with the organisation of the congress. It made the International Conference Centre Geneva available as a neutral venue, which enabled the member countries to discuss the necessary reforms constructively, thereby strengthening the position of the UPU as a multilateral organisation.
The Swiss delegation at the UPU's Extraordinary Congress in Geneva was led by the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) and also included representatives from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and Swiss Post.
The final-cost remuneration system supports developing countries
The final-cost remuneration system of the international postal sector has taken account of economically disadvantaged countries since its inception, providing for the delivery abroad of consignments from less developed countries at comparatively low rates. It aimed to help postal organisations in poorer countries to support the global provision of postal services. Changes to the remuneration system were previously agreed at the 2016 UPU Congress in Istanbul. The resolutions now adopted mean the change to the remuneration system will be continued and accelerated. This decision is also in the interests of successful and fair e-commerce, both internationally and nationally.
Bern as the headquarters of the Universal Postal Union
The UPU – a special organisation of the United Nations which was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in Bern – ensures the effective operation of a comprehensive postal network physically, financially and electronically. Its remit includes defining the regulations on international postal services and providing recommendations on the modernisation of products and services.
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