The QSF was created in 2001 following a decision of UPU’s 22nd Congress in Beijing in 1999. The continuation of the Fund has been confirmed in subsequent Congress resolutions. In 2012, the Doha Congress prolonged the duration of the QSF until the end of 2020. The subsequent Congress held in Istanbul in 2016 approved the creation of a QSF Common Fund and has further decided to extend the lifespan of the QSF until 31 December 2028. Over the five cycles, the Fund has proven its relevance and has supported the worthy efforts of UPU member countries to strengthen the quality, reliability and durability of the global postal network and improve the letter post services.
Goals and Objectives
The overall goal of the QSF is to measurably improve letter-post mail service quality, eliminate weak links and ensure the sustainability of the worldwide postal network by providing a funding platform for the development and implementation of domestic and multinational projects. Specifically, the QSF aims at funding projects destined to improve the quality of postal services in the Beneficiary Countries and provides financial support for development and implementation of projects with a greater footprint for cross-border e-commerce infrastructure.
New QSF Model
The Istanbul Congress approved the establishment of a new QSF Model which adopted a QSF Common Fund. The new model which came into operation on 1 January 2018 builds a platform for resource mobilization whereby DOs contribute towards a Common Fund. The Common Fund ensures availability of funds for projects to improve quality of service as well as to implement global projects for enhancement of e-commerce supply chain. Contributions to the Common Fund from countries and territories classified in Group I, II and III, supports the implementation of projects aimed at improving the postal infrastructure and quality of postal services of UPU member countries classified in Group II, III and IV. In addition, the new model allows the transfer of unused funds from Group IV countries to Common Fund, two years after the end of the period for receipt of QSF contributions under the Istanbul Cycle, starting 2026.
Classifications of countries and territories for Terminal Dues for QSF purposes
The current Terminal Dues System for UPU’s QSF purposes was adopted by the Istanbul Congress which places Union member countries and territories in groups and applies different rates based on postal development indexes.
Classifications of Countries & Territories for Terminal Dues