Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Postal Addressing Standards

Abstract

Developing and maintaining an International Addressing Standard is an important prerequisite for effective postal operation and for interconnecting the global network. The Post, the end customers and the overall mailing community benefit from well defined addressing standards and the use of country-based templates. Adopting and using address standards leads to the following benefits: • Improves the value of mail as a means of communication • Provides for the efficient processing of international mail that, with country-specific addressing tools, can result in international mail being processed as efficiently as addressed domestic mail • Fosters the exchange of postal-related information between postal operators • Promotes the compatibility of UPU and international postal initiatives • Allows the Post to work closely with postal handling organizations, customers, suppliers and other partners, including various international organizations. A primary advantage to having access to country-specific templates reflecting a standardized address format is improved deliverability of mail. Properly formatted mail supports automation compatibility, barcode accuracy, carrier route assignments; pre-sort levels, postage payment accuracy, timely and consistent processing, and improved customer satisfaction. From the postal administration viewpoint, the use of complete and correct address information can result in reduced operational and delivery costs. In addition, by improving the efficiency and reliability of mail, we improve the value of mail as a communications medium with the overall result being an increase in the volume of mail. From the customer viewpoint, complete and correct address information increases the surety that a mailpiece be delivered to the intended recipient without delay. It fosters reliability – one of the most important features that customer value.