Pricing & Classification DMM Advisory

Message board to keep postal customers informed of changes to mailing standards, services, and prices.

September 8, 2021

UPDATE 196: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On September 8, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

French Polynesia UPDATE: OPT PF – FARE RATA has advised that the lockdown has been extended until September 20, 2021. Nevertheless, all mail processing and delivery operations will continue, with slight delays.

Jamaica UPDATE: Jamaica Post has advised that the Government of Jamaica has extended the national curfew until September 17, 2021. Revised working shifts/hours will continue to apply across the entire postal network, affecting sorting operations and mail delivery. Consequently, the force majeure previously announced continues to apply, with an impact on quality of service for all types of mail, including inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.

New Caledonia UPDATE: OPT-NC has advised that in order to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Government of New Caledonia has decided to impose strict lockdown measures effective September 7, 2021. Movement will be restricted, and transport services will be limited during the lockdown, affecting the processing and delivery of inbound and outbound postal items. For all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring a signature on delivery, the addressee's signature will be replaced by that of the postman/woman or OPT-NC agent.

Sri Lanka UPDATE: The Department of Posts has advised that the Government of Sri Lanka has extended the national lockdown until September 13, 2021. Therefore, the restrictions previously announced will continue to apply, and the Department of Posts will be unable to guarantee compliance with quality of service standards.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm