Universal Postal Union Background
On Oct. 17, 2018, the U.S. president announced the start of a one-year withdrawal process from the Universal Postal Union, a United Nations organization established in 1874 that regulates global mail delivery and rates among its 192 member countries. The president’s primary concern was the subsidized rate set by the UPU for delivery of lightweight packages sent from countries such as China, known as terminal dues. That rate, which is much lower than the domestic delivery cost charged by the U.S. Postal Service, puts American e-commerce businesses at a disadvantage.
In an effort to keep the United States in the organization, UPU members will vote for proposals to reform the terminal dues system at the UPU Extraordinary Congress scheduled for Sept. 24-25 in Switzerland. However, if the outcome is not satisfactory, the U.S. may leave the organization — a scenario that will create uncertainty and possible disruption of USPS international shipping.
New GlobalPost international shipping services
The newly introduced GlobalPost international services are not reliant on U.S. relationships with the UPU. Our network leverages partnerships with international postal operators as well as commercial carriers to offer worldwide delivery with quality postal services at extremely competitive rates.
Whether or not the United States withdraws from the UPU, GlobalPost will allow you to continue to ship internationally with similar transit times, customs clearances and competitive rates. Best of all, GlobalPost services include features not found in traditional international offerings, including:
- Electronic customs forms
- Global address verification
- Up to $100 of Included Parcel Coverage
- Shipment of merchandise in flats
- Instant international refunds
For more information about GlobalPost visit GoGlobalPost.com or call 1-888-899-1255