Information Hub

As a multilateral institution, the UPU is uniquely positioned to foster platforms for knowledge sharing and advocate the Post’s role in supporting sustained socio-economic growth. By facilitating access to research, studies and analytical materials, the UPU assists policymakers, regulators and postal operators in making informed decisions. 

This page provides information on UPU member countries’ regulatory frameworks and emerging best practices. 

Universal postal service refers to the permanent provision of quality basic postal services at all points in a member country’s territory, for all customers, at affordable prices, as defined in article 1.1.18 of the Universal Postal Convention. UPU member countries are required to provide such service in accordance with article 3 of the Convention, which sets out the universal service obligation.

However, it falls within the sovereignty of member countries to define their own universal postal service, including, but not limited to, the scope, standards and financing mechanisms of that service.

In this context, the UPU International Bureau regularly conducts surveys to gather information about provision of the universal postal service in member countries. This information is made available in the database.

The database provides information on the main aspects of the universal postal service in each member country.

UPU member countries must collect and share certain data as required by UPU rules – for example, to deliver postal services, manage customs, ensure security, and handle customer inquiries.

As expectations grow around how personal data is collected and used, member countries need to keep up with these changes and have the right policies in place.

This database gives an overview of data protection and privacy laws across UPU member countries. For each country, it covers the relevant laws and regulations, the key principles behind them, and individuals' rights over their personal data.

This study examines emerging data protection laws and how they apply to international postal services. It also sets out recommendations for the safe handling and sharing of personal data between UPU member countries. The final study, available below, includes recommendations for strengthening the UPU's policy and regulatory framework.

The UPU studies extraterritorial offices of exchange (ETOEs) and international mail processing centres (IMPCs) to better understand how domestic postal markets are organized and how national or regional policies affect the UPU, its rules, and related agreements.

Newsletter on policy and regulation developed by the UPU in collaboration with the European Committee for Postal Regulation (CERP)