Service Bulletin
Welcome to our international incident bulletin; a round up of any issues which may be affecting mail services to and from countries around the world.
We keep this information as up-to-date as possible, with information supplied to Reliance by the various foreign national postal authorities.
SERVICE UPDATE
Items are leaving the UK on time but we are experiencing significant delays to a number of EU countries as a result of both new customs processes and ongoing Covid-19 measures. Our service to other destinations is operating normally. We are working with our airline and postal/courier partners to maintain services across the globe, however delays should be expected as a result of Covid-19 measures. The number of countries we can access is changing daily.
Customers now need to complete and attach a customs declaration (CN22 or CN23) when sending goods to all destinations abroad. This will be carried out by Reliance on behalf of the customer. Otherwise items may be delayed or returned.
For International mail packets that do not contain printed matter, electronic customs data is mandatory and items without data will be delayed and not processed.
(Source: Royal Mail Group – As we are using multiple carriers across the network, we have discovered similar information is provided through other postal networks with their own content difference)
An update has been provided on Monday 16th May for: Australia.
We strongly advise not to send items to destinations listed as ‘On suspension’
Start date: 9th August 2021
Latest update: 23rd August 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: No available route
Original Incident
There is currently no route to Afghanistan as carriers have cancelled flights since Monday 16th August 2021.
Start date: 6 February 2018
Latest update: 13 May 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Runway repair work
Please Note: Mail to the Falkland Islands is unaffected.
Original Incident
Air transportation to Ascension Island & St Helena is greatly reduced due to essential runway repairs. Unfortunately, given the location of the islands, there isn't a viable alternative to air transport. Customers can continue to send mail, but there'll be significant delays in the delivery of all products.
Latest Update
We have been notified that air transportation to Ascension Island & St Helena is greatly reduced. Unfortunately, given the location of the countries, there is no viable alternative which would arrive any earlier. Customers can continue to send mail but there will be significant delays in the delivery of all products. Please note that mail to the Falkland Island is not affected. Last flight on the 6th of May 22 departed as planned. The next flights are to close on 26th of May and 8th of June 22.The situation is likely to be ongoing until Airport/runway rebuilding work is complete.
Start date: 12 March 2020
Latest Update: 16 May 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Coronavirus/ Airline capacity
Incident one
Australian Post has informed that it has suspended signature on delivery. Delivery will be conducted via limited face-to-face methods in an attempt to reduce the risk of the spread of covid-19.
Incident two
Items destined for Australia are currently experiencing delays due to ongoing airline capacity issues. Royal Mail are continuing to work with Australia Post and the airlines to rectify this issue and we will provide an update once the situation has improved.
Start date: 11 April 2022
Latest Update: 11 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Service availability
Latest Update
We are still despatching postal items to Belarus. We are continually monitoring the situation and will provide an update if there are any changes to our service moving forward.
Start date: 26 November 2021
Latest update: 20 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Coronavirus
Latest Update
Due to the ongoing situation in Botswana related to Covid 19 restrictions and associated impacts on flights from the UK to Botswana we strongly advise you to post items as soon as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will add any further details as soon as we are able.
Start date: 1 July 2021
Latest update: 13 May 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Customs delays/ IT issue
Incident one
Items posted to Bulgaria are still experiencing customs delays as a result of changes to the EU’s VAT rules for items from non-EU destinations from 1st July. If you are an international business contract customer and you have signed up for the EU's Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) or if you are sending items via an IOSS registered marketplace, you need to enter your IOSS registration number to each item in the pre-advice to reduce delays. You can find out more about we can help you start, or continue, trading from Great Britain into the EU using IOSS by clicking here
Incident two
Bulgarian post has informed that they are still experiencing the IT issues that have been ongoing since the 16th of April 2022, due to a cyberattack. Currently, the IT systems still remain down. As a result, the post will not be able to provide tracking details and is unable to meet delivery standards until the IT systems operation has resumed. The post is continuing to work to resolve this issue and we will provide an update once this becomes available.
Start date: 28 January 2020
Latest update: 22 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
China Post has notified that Covid-19 restrictions remain in place and are directly impacting the processing, transiting and delivery of items. Restrictions are particularly impacting the Shanghai, Changchun and Yanji mail processing centres. As a result, the post is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed delivery standards and significant delays should be expected for items destined for China. We are continuing to work with China post and will provide an update once the situation has improved.
Start date: 26 November 2021
Latest update: 20 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Coronavirus
Latest Update
Due to the ongoing situation in Eswatini related to Covid-19 restrictions and associated impacts on flights from the UK to Eswatini we strongly advise you to post items as soon as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will add any further details as soon as we are able.
Start date: 3 April 2020
Latest Update: 13 May 2022
End date: 1 May 2022
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Fiji post has provided an update that services have returned to normal as of the 1st of May 2022.
Start date: 14 April 2022
Latest Update: 19 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: IOSS Technical issue
Latest Update
Due to a technical issue, IOSS items currently sent to France may be charged tax/duties. Customers can recieve a refund by contacting 0 810 821 821. The French Post (La Poste) is currently working to resolve this issue as soon as possible. We will provide an update once this becomes available.
Start date: 28 January 2022
Latest update: 12 May 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Coronavirus
Latest Update
Deutsche Post of Germany has updated that the Government has relaxed public health measures throughout the country. As a result, most restrictions relating to COVID-19 have now been lifted. However, as a significant number of Deutsche Post staff are still on sick leave, delivery delays may still occur in some parts of the country. We will provide an update once this becomes available.
Start date: 31 January 2022
Latest update: 28 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:IT issue
Latest Update
Hellenic Post have updated that the IT issue that was impacting customs clearance has been resolved. However, the post have advised that there is a backlog of items that require processing and therefore delays should still be expected for items destined for Greece until this has been resolved. We will provide an update as soon as this is available.
Please note: If you are an international business contract customer and you have signed up for the EU's Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) or if you are sending items via an IOSS registered marketplace, you need to enter your IOSS registration number to each item in the pre-advice to reduce delays. You can find out more about we can help you start, or continue, trading from Great Britain into the EU using IOSS by clicking here
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest Update: 16 December 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
The entire territory of Honduras continues to be subject to restrictions and to a curfew between 21.00 and 05.00. In order to minimize human contact and protect its workers, the Honduras post has reduced its workforce to 50% and signature on delivery remains suspended. This will have a significant impact on delivery standards and delays are to be expected until further notice.
Start date: 28 April 2020
Latest Update: 4 October 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
India Post has updated that the situation remains the same and covid-19 restrictions have been reintroduced. India Post continues to accept international mail but cannot guarantee the delivery standards until further notice.
Start date: 13 March 2020
Latest Update: 27 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Indonesian Post has updated that covid-19 restrictions are still in place and as a result, the post is still not able to meet delivery standards until further notice.
Start date: 16 September 2021
Latest Update: 7 March 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Customs delays
Latest Update
We are still experiencing disruptions to some of our services to Ireland. This disruption is still being caused by the implementation of import controls which are resulting in the return of some items by the Irish Customs authorities. Please ensure that you provide full and accurate data before posting your items as this will help reduce the possibility of delays. Royal Mail remains in discussions with our postal partner, AnPost with a view to help identify new processes that could improve the flow of mail items into Ireland and reduce the return of items. In parallel, we have a number of potential alternative services business customers may want to use to post to Ireland including Click and Drop . We’ll provide further updates as we have them.
IOSS HS Code Restrictions
The Irish Custom authority have notified us that they have relaxed their import controls on certain goods and HS codes. Customers sending items to Ireland via IOSS are advised to check the latest restricted HS Tariff codes implemented by Irish Customs. To access the list of restricted HS Tariff codes, please visit our Ireland Page .
Start Date: 5 May 2021
Latest update: 7 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Coronavirus
Latest Update
Israeli Post has updated that Covid-19 health restrictions are still in place and will continue to affect the processing and delivery of items until further notice.
Start Date: 22 March 2022
Latest update: 29 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Delays
Latest Update
We continue to see minor delays for items destined for Italy. To allow your items to be processed as quickly as possible, please provide full and accurate data before posting your items. We are continuing to work with Poste Italiane and will provide an update once the situation has improved.
Start Date: 25 April 2022
Latest update: 13 May 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:IT issue/ strike
Incident one
Jamaica Post has informed that their international mail processing centre has been experiencing IT issues affecting connectivity and customs-related procedures, since 25 April 2022 which has prevented the processing of International Mail. As a result, delays should be expected to items destined for Jamaica. An update will be provided once this becomes available.
Incident two
Jamaica post has informed that a strike by air traffic controllers was called on Thursday 12th of May 2022. The strike led to disruption of mail operations and flight cancellations. As a result, this may impact the delivery of items destined for Jamaica. An update will be provided once this becomes available.
Start date: 8 March 2022
Latest Update: 8 March 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Airline capacity
Latest Update
We are working with our airline and in country partners across the globe to maintain services. All export routes remain open and Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide) are continuing to accept, process and transport mail out of the UK for delivery across the globe. The current closure of airspace over Russia, Ukraine and Moldova, is affecting the normal routes of some airlines flying between the UK and destinations including Japan. We’re advised by our Japanese airline partners that because of longer routes / fuel costs there is currently reduced air capacity for cargo including mail items. As a result, we are continuing to accept and process items for Japan and working on alternative transit routes for mail and parcels into Japan. Customers are however advised there will be delays to items destined for Japan.
Start date: 2 July 2021
Latest Update: 15 December 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Infrequent Service
Latest Update
Connecting flights to Kiribati have been available again since the 15th of December. However, please note this service is infrequent and therefore customers should expect items to take between 2-3 months to reach their final destination.
Start date: 26 November 2021
Latest Update: 20 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Due to the ongoing situation in Lesotho related to Covid 19 restrictions and associated impacts on flights from the UK to Lesotho we strongly advise you to post items as soon as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will add any further details as soon as we are able
No service since July 2014.
Start date: 26 November 2021
Latest update:20 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Coronavirus
Latest Update
Due to the ongoing situation in Malawi related to Covid 19 restrictions and associated impacts on flights from the UK to Malawi we strongly advise you to post items as soon as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will add any further details as soon as we are able.
Start date: 12 December 2021
Latest Update: 6 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Flooding
Latest Update
Post Malaysia has updated that Covid-19 prevention measures are still being enforced. Selected Malaysia Post office outlets are temporarily closed owing to Covid-19 control and preventative measures, while others are open as usual. As result, the post is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed delivery standards.
Start date: 13 January 2022
Latest Update: 5 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Malta Post has updated that high Covid-19 absence and staff on quarantine continue to impact mail processing and delivery. As result, the post is unable to guarantee compliance with service standard / delivery times.
Start date: 15 November 2021
Latest Update: 28 April 2022
End date: 28 April 2022
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
La Poste of France has updated that mail operations at Martinique and Guadeloupe are back to normal after recent COVID restrictions.
Start date: 24 February 2022
Latest Update: 10 March 2022
End date: To be advised
Incident: Airspace availability
Origional Incident
Due to the situation in neighbouring Ukraine, we have been advised that Moldovan airspace is closed. We are working with our postal and transportation partners to put in place alternative routes. We are still accepting items for Moldova but please be advised that there may be short delays to the delivery of your item.
Latest Update
An alternative transit route is in place for Moldova. However as this is a non-direct route, please be advised that there may be short delays to the delivery of your item.
Start date: 26 November 2021
Latest Update:20 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Due to the ongoing situation in Mozambique related to Covid 19 restrictions and associated impacts on flights from the UK to Mozambique we strongly advise you to post items as soon as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will add any further details as soon as we are able
Start date: 26 November 2021
Latest Update: 20 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Due to the ongoing situation in Namibia related to Covid 19 restrictions and associated impacts on flights from the UK to Namibia we strongly advise you to post items as soon as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will add any further details as soon as we are able
Start date: 15th October 2021
Latest Update: 4th November 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: No route available
Latest Update
Our 3rd Party Postal Operator has temporary suspended transit service to Nauru since 22nd Oct. No alternative route has been found for this destination at present. As result, despatch to this destination is suspended, until alternative route can be identified. Items that have been sent that are currently in transit will be returned to senders.
Start date:18 February 2022
Latest update:25 April 2022
End date:Ongoing
Incidents:IOSS technical issue
Latest Update
Due to a technical issue, IOSS items sent to the Netherlands before the 9th of February may be charged duties. Any impacted items are being held in customs until the charges have been paid, however the Netherlands Post will refund these charges. If the Netherlands Post do not refund these charges, you can claim these back via the Post NL customer service page here: https://www.postnl.nl/en/customer-service/international-shipments/objecting-customs-clearance-costs/ . Please note, this issue was quickly detected and rectified meaning that any IOSS items sent to the Netherlands after the 9th of February were not impacted.
Start date:28 January 2022
Latest Update: 6 May 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Delivery delays
Latest Update
New Zealand post have updated that they are experiencing delays of up to 3 days for mail items, due to precautionary maintenance on their electric mail buggy fleet. The post has also updated that they are experiencing delays of up to 2 days for parcel delivery in Wellington, Waikato, Hawkes Bay and Palmerston North, the West Coast, Invercargill, and Dunedin. Delivery delays of up to a day should also be expected for parcels being sent across the rest of country. We will provide an update as soon as this is available.
Start date: 2 July 2021
Latest Update: 28 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Panama Post has updated that all of their processing facilities are operating under normal working hours but subject to special measures established by the Ministry of Health of Panama. As result it is unable to guarantee delivery standards until further notice.
Start date: 19 March 2020
Latest Update: 29 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Customs delays
Latest Update
We are currently still experiencing delays to items being delivered in Portugal. Items are leaving the UK on time but are being delayed when being processed through Portuguese customs. Please make sure you provide complete and accurate electronic customs data and customs documents (CN22/23) to avoid disruption. Provision of the recipient’s mobile phone number (including country code and/or recipient email address) in electronic data is also recommended to assist in timely delivery of items.
Please note: If you are an international business contract customer and you have signed up for the EU's Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) or if you are sending items via an IOSS registered marketplace, you need to enter your IOSS registration number to each item in the pre-advice to reduce delays. You can find out more about we can help you start, or continue, trading from Great Britain into the EU using IOSS by clicking here
Start date: 28 February 2022
Latest Update: 11 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Service availability
Latest Update
We are still despatching postal items to Russia. We are continually monitoring the situation and will provide an update if there are any changes to our service moving forward.
Start date: 26 March 2020
Latest Update: 1 March 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Samoa Post has updated that there is currently only one flight per week to and from New Zealand on which Samoa Post can send and receive mail. All items are subject to a three-days quarantine before being processed and delivered. As result, Samoa Post has advised that delays are to be expected.
Start date: 11 March 2020
Latest Update: 3 March 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Singapore Post has updated that restrictions remain in place to limit spread of COVID-19. Signatures are not collected at delivery, items of letter box size will be deposited in letter box, and items larger than letter-box size, will be delivered to parcel locker stations (POP stations), post offices or collection points for collection by the addressee.
No service since October 1991.
Start date: 26 November 2021
Latest Update: 20 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Due to the ongoing situation in South Africa related to Covid 19 restrictions and associated impacts on flights from the UK to South Africa we strongly advise you to post items as soon as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will add any further details as soon as we are able
Start date: 14 January 2022
Latest Update: 14 January 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Customs information
Latest update
Customers sending goods (including low value consignments) to the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla now need to electronically report these items to the Spanish customs. To do this, items must be accompanied by the necessary electronic customs data and compliant customs declarations (CN22/CN23). Items that do not fulfil these requirements will be manually processed which is likely to lead to delays and in some cases held until the recipient can be contacted in order to provide any missing information and/or in the case of certain products any supplementary documentation that may be required.
To ensure all items are not held at customs, please ensure you’re providing complete and accurate electronic customs data and customs documentation (CN22/23). Provision of the recipient’s mobile phone number (including country code and/or recipient email address) in electronic data is also recommended to assist in timely delivery of items. It’s particularly important to provide the Spanish address in the correct format as below:
Put the postcode, town and province (in brackets) on one line. Please include ‘SPAIN’ in capital letters on the last line of the address.
Example
Sra Ana Jimenez
Mimbreras, 4
03201 ELCHE (Alicante)
SPAIN
For help on sending a parcel, view the Spanish country guide here
Please note: If you are an international business contract customer and you have signed up for the EU's Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) or if you are sending items via an IOSS registered marketplace, you need to enter your IOSS registration number to each item in the pre-advice to reduce delays. You can find out more about we can help you start, or continue, trading from Great Britain into the EU using IOSS by clicking here
IOSS can be used to send items into mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands but not into the Canaries, Ceuta and Melilla.
Start date: 1st April 2021
Latest Update: 20 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest update
Sri Lankan Post has updated that Covid-19 restrictions remain in place. In addition, current fuel and power shortages are also affecting mail transportation as well as power supply interruptions. As result, the Post is still unable to guarantee compliance with delivery standards for all mail types.
No service since December 2012
Start date: 8 March 2022
Latest Update: 1 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident 2: Coronavirus
Latest update
Thailand Post has updated that the state of emergency in Thailand has been extended to at least until 31 May 2022.The Post still has to comply with restrictions and safety guidelines which may impact on mail processing for international items. As a result, Thailand Post is unable to comply with the agreed standards until further notice.
Start date: 2 July 2021
Latest update:15 December 2021
End date: To be advised
IncidentInfrequent Service
Connecting flights to Tuvalu have been available again since the 15th of December. However, please note this service is infrequent and therefore customers should expect items to take between 2-3 months to reach their final destination.
Start date: 24 February 2022
Latest update:19 April 2022
End date: To be advised
Incident Service availability
Origional Incident
Due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Ukrainian airspace is still closed. We are still accepting items for Ukraine as normal, however please be advised that deliveries to all parts of the country are subject to unpredictable delays. We are using road routes into Ukraine working with our postal partners and continue to work with the Ukrainian postal service (Ukrposhta) to ensure we can operate a service to Ukraine.
Latest Update
The Ukrainian postal service has provided an update that road access for postal exchanges with Ukrposhta’s centre in Kyiv is severely limited, some international mail processing operations have been moved to Lviv. Longer transit times are to be expected because of queues at the border and difficult road connections inside Ukraine. Ukrposhta remains committed to maintaining its postal operations, but will not be able to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards.
Additional information on open post offices and their working hours is updated daily on Ukrposhta’s webpage at: offices.ukrposhta.ua. with further update to be provided when available from the Post.
Ukraine - Crimea & Sevastopol Regions - Long-Term Suspension
No mail service to Donets 83-87, Luhansk 91-94 Crimea 95-98 and Sevestapol 99 since 2014.
An alternative route is now available for Venezuela and has been available from 21st January 22.
Start date: 25 February 2022
Latest update: 28 February 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident:Coronavirus
Latest update
The designated operator of Vietnam, VNPost, has informed that its operations are currently disrupted by a large number of employees having contracted COVID-19. As a result, until further notice, the processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail will be impacted. An update will be provided once available.
No service since March 2015.
Start date: 26 November 2021
Latest Update: 20 April 2022
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Due to the ongoing situation in Zimbabwe related to Covid 19 restrictions and associated impacts on flights from the UK to Zimbabwe we strongly advise you to post items as soon as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will add any further details as soon as we are able.