The member countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) decided to convene a third extraordinary Congress as a result of the announcement by the United States of America (USA) in October 2018 of its intention to withdraw from the UPU with effect from October 2019. The USA wants the UPU's remuneration system, particularly for bulky letters and small packets, classified as 'E-format', to be based on the principle of self-declared rates.
The growing flows of mail generated in recent years by e-commerce are mainly 'E-format' mail. The possible withdrawal of the USA from the UPU would cause disruption to the global postal network, especially since the USA is the largest generator of postal traffic in general (considering incoming and outgoing flows) and is one of the largest contributors to the work of the UPU.
This is the background to the third Extraordinary Congress of the UPU took place in Geneva from 24 to 26 September 2019, with a view to the immediate review of the system of terminal dues for 'E-format' mail, comprising 3 proposed options and respective amendments.
The Portuguese delegation will be headed by João Cadete de Matos, Chairman of ANACOM, and by Ambassador Rui Macieira. It will include officers of ANACOM, CTT - Correios de Portugal (Post Office), the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations, and Other International Organisations in Geneva.
Further information:
- UPU Third Extraordinary Congress http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/congress/about-congress.html
