Royal Mail has issued an alert to Brits sending parcels and letters, with severe delays expected amid continuing turmoil in one region. The postal giant says shipments destined for nine countries could be affected – and warns that some consignments travelling through the region may also face lengthy disruption.
Affected Countries and Current Status
The countries listed are Israel, Iraq, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Royal Mail is continuing to accept post to all of the destinations for now, but has warned that the situation is 'highly fluid' and could change at short notice.
In its latest International Incident Bulletin, updated on August 10, the company said export traffic to the affected destinations was 'likely to be affected'. It added that some shipments transiting through impacted areas could experience severe delays.
Service Suspension for Iran and Gaza
Royal Mail said it was maintaining close contact with airlines and postal partners in the destination countries and would provide further updates as information becomes available. The warning will be of particular concern to families sending gifts and personal belongings to relatives overseas, as well as businesses relying on international parcels and documents.
Royal Mail has gone further in relation to Iran, where its service remains suspended. The company says the suspension was introduced because of the situation in the region and that items already in transit are likely to be returned to their senders. Post to Gaza, Khan Yunis and the West Bank is also currently not being accepted, according to Royal Mail's international incident information.
Rising Costs and Advice for Senders
Royal Mail's warning comes against a backdrop of rising costs for international mail. In May, the company increased its international surcharge from 6.5% to 12%, while its fuel and energy surcharge rose from 11% to 16%. Royal Mail explicitly linked those increases to rising costs associated with the Middle East situation, including higher fuel prices and shortages.
Royal Mail says customers should continue to check its international incident information before sending important items. Anyone sending goods or gifts internationally should also make sure the correct customs information is provided. Royal Mail warns that items requiring customs declarations should be posted using its online services, shipping solutions or over the counter at a Post Office branch rather than simply using stamps or meters.
The company also warns that under the EU's Import Control System 2 (ICS2) rules, international consignments containing goods need the required customs documentation and electronic data. Items with missing mandatory information could be delayed, returned or even destroyed, according to Royal Mail.
