International Cooperation

Air is the primary transport method for international mail but land and sea can also be used.  International postal items are processed by customs authorities throughout the world (facilitated clearance of items under Kyoto Convention – Specific Annex J) and the UPU regularly interacts with other international entities associated with the postal supply chain to define rules that impact international postal operations.  These international organizations and initiatives include:

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime   World Customs Organization   INTERPOL    International Civil Aviation Organization   United Nations Economic and Social Council  International Air Transport Association   International Narcotics Control Board                United for Wildlife 

 Securing the Supply Chain

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Postal Security Bodies

The postal operations council has multiple committees which work together to accomplish the goals established at congress. Postal Operations Council Committee One focuses on the Supply Chain and this is where the Postal Security Group conducts its work.

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The Postal Security Group (PSG)

The Postal Security Group (PSG) was created at the 20th Washington Congress in 1989 and reports to the Postal Operations Council through Committee 1 - Supply Chain Integration. The PSG facilitates the development and implementation of security standards and best practices among post operators.  Its mission is to promote worldwide postal security, encourage the creation of postal security services in all UPU member countries, and establish contact and collaboration with international organizations.

The PSG has the following key priorities:

  • Prevention of injuries to people through the carriage of dangerous goods in the mail
  • Prevention of loss or theft of mail entrusted to postal operators
  • Prevention of revenue or asset losses by postal operators
  • Preservation of customer confidence in postal operators