Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Universal Postal Union (UPU) Tracking

Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates postal policies among member nations

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Track parcels using the Universal Postal Union (UPU) service

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

The Universal Postal Union (UPU), a United Nations specialized agency established in 1874, plays a pivotal role in coordinating postal policies among its 192 member countries. Headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, the UPU is instrumental in fostering cooperation within the postal sector, ensuring a global network of modern postal products and services.

Tracking Parcels with UPU Services

Our website offers comprehensive tracking for international parcels under the UPU framework. Simply enter your tracking number and select 'Universal Postal Union (UPU)' from the carriers list. Upon clicking the tracking button, you'll receive detailed information about your shipment, including dates, locations, and origin and destination countries.

Shipment Tracking Statuses Explained

In addition to the basic information about the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and its tracking capabilities, understanding different shipment tracking statuses is crucial for users. These statuses provide valuable insights into the journey of a parcel from the sender to the recipient. Here's an explanation of common tracking statuses:


  1. Pre-Shipment/Pre-Advised: This status indicates that the shipping information has been received by the postal service, but the parcel has not yet been handed over or scanned into the system. It essentially means that the shipping process is about to begin.
  2. Accepted/In-Transit: Once the parcel is received by the postal service, the status changes to 'Accepted' or 'In-Transit'. This means that the parcel is on the move, either within the origin country or en route to the destination country.
  3. Processed Through Facility/Sorting: This status appears when the parcel has been processed through a postal facility. It is typically scanned at various sorting centers along its route, indicating that it is being routed towards its final destination.
  4. Out for Delivery: This is a critical status indicating that the parcel has reached the final delivery center and is out for delivery to the recipient's address. It suggests that the parcel should be delivered soon, typically within that day.
  5. Failed Attempt/Delivery Exception: If a delivery attempt is unsuccessful, this status will appear. Reasons could include the recipient not being available, issues with accessing the delivery location, or incorrect address details. The parcel is usually held for a future delivery attempt or for pickup.
  6. Delivered: This is the final status, indicating that the parcel has been successfully delivered to the recipient.
  7. Customs Clearance/Customs Delay: When a parcel is being sent internationally, it may enter this status while undergoing customs clearance. Delays can occur due to various reasons, such as missing documentation or customs duties needing to be paid.
  8. Return to Sender: This status appears if the parcel cannot be delivered and is being sent back to the sender. This can happen due to various reasons, including incorrect address details, failure to pay customs duties, or the recipient refusing the package.
  9. Held at Customs: If a parcel is held at customs, it means there is a requirement for additional documentation or payment of duties/taxes before the parcel can be released and continue its journey.


Understanding these statuses helps users track their parcels more effectively, providing insights into each step of the shipping process. It’s important to note that the exact terminology might vary slightly depending on the carrier or postal service used.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Universal Postal Union (UPU)

What are UPU Tracking Numbers?

Tracking numbers compatible with UPU services follow specific formats, typically starting and ending with two letters, enclosing nine digits (e.g., EE123456789CN). These letters often represent the ISO code of the origin country.

Can I track parcels from different countries using UPU services?

Yes, UPU services enable tracking of parcels from all member countries, including nations like China, the USA, and Malaysia.

What does a typical UPU tracking number look like?

A standard UPU tracking number format is AA123456789AA, where 'AA' denotes the origin country's ISO code.

List of UPU Member Countries

The UPU boasts a diverse membership, including over 190 countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. This extensive list ensures widespread tracking capabilities across continents.

How accurate is UPU tracking?

UPU tracking is generally reliable, offering timely updates on parcel locations and status. However, accuracy can vary based on the postal systems of origin and destination countries.

What if my parcel's tracking number doesn't match UPU formats?

If your tracking number doesn't align with UPU formats, it may be handled by a different carrier or postal system. You can check other carriers or contact the sender for clarification.

Can UPU tracking provide estimated delivery dates?

While UPU tracking offers transit details, specific delivery estimates might depend on local postal services and conditions.

Is there a cost associated with UPU parcel tracking on your website?

Our website provides free UPU tracking services, allowing users to track their international parcels without any additional fees.

Examples of statuses which Universal Postal Union (UPU) shipment tracking passes

Statuses
Arrival at delivery office
Arrival at inward office of exchange
Arrival at outward office of exchange
Arrival at transit office of exchange
Departure from inward office of exchange
Departure from outward office of exchange
Departure from transit of exchange
Export cancellation
Final delivery
Final delivery Delivered to: *** *****
Held by customs
Import terminated
Item arrival at collection point for pick-up
Item held at delivery depot
Item held at inward office of exchange
Item held at outward office of exchange
Item into sorting centre
Item out for physical delivery
Item out of sorting centre
Item presented to import Customs
Item returned from Customs (import)
Unsuccessful delivery
Unsuccessful delivery 50/Sender contacted, awaiting reply
Unsuccessful delivery 58/Item returned to sender
Unsuccessful delivery 59/Attempted delivery today
Unsuccessful delivery 59/Item being held, addressee being notified
Unsuccessful delivery 59/Will attempt delivery on next working day
Unsuccessful delivery Addressee has P.O. Box/Item being held, addressee being notified
Unsuccessful delivery Addressee not available at time of delivery/Item being held, addressee being notified
Unsuccessful delivery Addressee not available at time of delivery/Item returned to sender
Unsuccessful delivery Addressee not available at time of delivery/Will attempt delivery on next working day
Unsuccessful delivery Addressee requested later delivery/Item being held at addresses request
Unsuccessful delivery Force Majeure - item not delivered/Will attempt delivery on next working day
Unsuccessful delivery Incorrect Address/Item being held, addressee being notified
Unsuccessful delivery Incorrect Address/Item returned to sender
Unsuccessful delivery Incorrect Address/Will attempt delivery on next working day
Unsuccessful delivery Item refused by addressee/Item returned to sender
Unsuccessful delivery Missed Delivery/Item being held, addressee being notified
Unsuccessful delivery Missed Delivery/Item returned to sender
Unsuccessful delivery Missed Delivery/Will attempt delivery on next working day
Unsuccessful delivery Payment of charges/Item being held, addressee being notified
Unsuccessful delivery Unclaimed/Item returned to sender