Today, March 19, 2020, the USPS has announced several updates from international postal services in regards to mail disruptions due to coronavirus. For a full list of all international service disruptions visit the USPS Service Alerts Page. For the latest news about how coronavirus is affecting the mailing and shipping industry see the Stamps.com Coronvirus Updates Page.
Restored Service
Hong Kong Hong Kong Post has announced that inbound and outbound postal services have returned to normal.
Suspended Service
Ecuador Empresa Pública Correos del Ecuador CDE E.P has suspended all service until further notice.
Myanmar Myanmar Post has suspended all outbound services to international destinations until April 30, 2020.
Service Disruptions
Armenia Haypost CJSC expects serious delays for all inbound and outbound mail items until further notice. For all items requiring signature on delivery, the recipient’s signature will be replaced with the mail carrier’s signature and the delivery code.
Canada Canada Post has advised customers to expect delays for all letter-post, parcel-post, and EMS items. Additionally, Canada Post has suspended signature on delivery services. Instead, mail carriers will apply “safe drop” procedures whenever it is possible to do so.
Croatia Croatian Post has introduced a special process for mail items that would typically requite signature on delivery. Affected mail items will be placed in the recipients’ mailbox or at the front door of their home. Additionally, customers should expect delays in the delivery of all mail items.
Ireland An Post, has advised that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Effective immediately, delivery will be made via methods that limit direct contact.
Israel Israel Postal Company has suspended signature on delivery for inbound mail items. For items that would typically require signature, the item will be left at the door, after being scanned and photographed to ensure that delivery has been made.
Malaysia Malaysia has suspended all signature on delivery services. Additionally, customers are advised that they should expect delays.
Malta MaltaPost has suspended all signature on delivery services. For that would typically require signature on delivery, the mail carrier will instead record the recipient’s name and ID number.
Myanmar (Burma) Myanmar Post has advised that customers should be expected delays.
Norway Posten Norge AS suspended outbound mail to all countries outside the European Union except for Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Serbia Public Enterprise Post of Serbia has advised that customers should expect delivery delays until further notice.
Singapore Singapore Post has suspended signature on delivery will be suspended, effective immediately. All items will be deposited in mailboxes, where possible. Larger items will be delivered parcel locker stations, post offices or collection points for collection. Mailers are encouraged to include the recipient’s mobile number on all items, if possible.
Slovenia Slovenia, Pošta Slovenije, has advised that it is suspending signature on delivery for items destined to Slovenia. Additionally, in order to avoid human contact, Pošta Slovenije will deliver items using alternative delivery methods where possible. This includes delivery to agreed locations, such as P.O. boxes, mailboxes, parcel lockers. These measures will remain in place until further notice.
Suriname Suriname Postal Corporation has advised customers to expect delays until further notice.
Turkey Turkish PTT Corporation has advised customers to expect delays until further notice.
United Kingdom Royal Mail Group has announced changes for items requiring signature on delivery. Effective March 13, 2020, items requiring a signature on delivery will not always be signed by the recipient. If the recipient is unable to sign for an item but has accepted it, a code (XP1) will be entered into the handheld device. Additionally, Royal Mail customers should expect delivery delays for all mail.
