Zaudējis spēku - Par 2013.gada Pasta paku reglamentu

Skatīt Ministru kabineta 2021. gada 4. marta noteikumus Nr. 148 "Par Pasta konvencijas reglamentu". Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr.480 Rīgā 2014.gada 19.augustā (prot. Nr.44 10.§) Par 2013.gada Pasta paku reglamentu Izdoti saskaņā ar Ministru kabineta iekārtas likuma 31.panta pirmās daļas 2.punktu 1. 2013. gada 15. aprīlī Bernē parakstītais Pasaules Pasta savienības Pasta paku reglaments un tā Noslēguma protokols (turpmāk - Pasta paku reglaments) ar šiem noteikumiem tiek pieņemts un apstiprināts. 2. Pasta paku reglamentā paredzēto saistību izpildi koordinē Satiksmes ministrija. 3. Līdz ar noteikumiem publicējams Pasta paku reglaments angļu valodā un tā tulkojums latviešu valodā. 4. Pasta paku reglaments stājas spēkā tā RC 222. pantā noteiktajā kārtībā, un Ārlietu ministrija par to paziņo oficiālajā izdevumā "Latvijas Vēstnesis". Ministru prezidente Laimdota Straujuma Satiksmes ministrs Anrijs Matīss UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION Parcel Post Regulations Table of contents Chapter 1 General provisions RC 101 Use of the term «parcels» RC 102 Application of freedom of transit RC 103 Failure to give freedom of transit RC 104 Monetary unit RC 105 Postal security RC 106 Operation of the service by transport companies Chapter 2 Conditions of admission and posting. Charges. Exemption from charges. Delivery procedure RC 107 Exemption from postal charges on postal service parcels RC 108 Application of exemption from postal charges to bodies concerned with prisoners of war and civilian internees RC 109 Prepayment RC 110 Calculating air surcharges RC 111 Special charges RC 112 Marking of parcels sent post free RC 113 Weight system. Pound avoirdupois RC 114 Special conditions relating to limits of weights RC 115 Limits of size RC 116 Delivery procedure RC 117 Conditions of acceptance of parcels. Make-up and packing. Addressing RC 118 Special packing RC 119 Dangerous goods admitted exceptionally RC 120 Admissible radioactive materials, infectious substances, and lithium cells and lithium batteries RC 121 Conditions of acceptance and marking of items containing radioactive materials RC 122 Conditions of acceptance and marking of items containing infectious substances RC 123 Conditions of acceptance of parcels containing lithium cells and batteries installed in equipment RC 124 Indication of method of forwarding RC 125 Formalities to be complied with by the sender RC 126 Formalities to be complied with for the merchandise return service RC 127 Sender's instructions at the time of posting RC 128 Formalities to be complied with by the office of origin Chapter 3 Special services RC 129 Insured parcels RC 130 Cash-on-delivery parcels RC 131 Express parcels RC 132 Parcels with advices of delivery RC 133 Parcels for delivery free of charges and fees RC 134 Merchandise return service for the original seller RC 135 Fragile parcels. Cumbersome parcels RC 136 Consignment service RC 137 Integrated logistics service Chapter 4 Dangerous substances prohibited from insertion in postal parcels. Exceptions to prohibitions. Parcels wrongly accepted. Redirection. Return to sender. Withdrawal from post. Inquiries RC 138 Dangerous substances prohibited from insertion in postal parcels RC 139 Exceptions to prohibitions RC 140 Treatment of parcels wrongly accepted RC 141 Conditions of redirecting a parcel RC 142 Periods of retention RC 143 Parcels automatically retained RC 144 Return to sender of undelivered parcels RC 145 Return to sender of wrongly accepted parcels RC 146 Return to sender due to suspension of services RC 147 Non-compliance by a designated operator with given instructions RC 148 Parcels containing items whose early deterioration or decay is to be feared RC 149 Treatment of requests for withdrawal of parcels from the post or for alteration or correction of address RC 150 Inquiries Chapter 5 Customs matters RC 151 Customs declarations and customs clearance of parcels RC 152 Presentation-to-Customs charge RC 153 Cancellation of customs duty and other fees Chapter 6 Liability of member countries or designated operators RC 154 Application of the liability of member countries or designated operators RC 155 Delivery of a rifled or damaged parcel RC 156 Establishment of sender's liability RC 157 Payment of indemnity RC 158 Period for payment of indemnity RC 159 Automatic payment of indemnity RC 160 Determination of liability between designated operators RC 161 Procedures for determining the liability of designated operators RC 162 Recovery of indemnities paid from air carriers RC 163 Reimbursement of the indemnity to the paying designated operators RC 164 Settlement of indemnities between designated operators RC 165 Accounting for amounts due in respect of indemnity for parcels Chapter 7 Procedures concerning the transmission, routeing and receipt of parcels RC 166 General principles of the exchange of parcels RC 167 Barcode application and specifications RC 168 Tracking and tracing - Item and dispatch specifications RC 169 Tracking and tracing - Indicative targets for transmission times RC 170 Tracking and tracing - Indicative performance targets for transmitting data RC 171 Steps to be taken in the event of temporary suspension and resumption of services RC 172 Different methods of transmission RC 173 Transmission in closed mails RC 174 Use of barcodes RC 175 Parcel bills RC 176 Drawing up of CP 87 parcel bills RC 177 Dispatch of documents accompanying parcels RC 178 Routeing of mails RC 179 Direct transhipment of air parcels and of surface airlifted (S A L ) parcels RC 180 Preparation and checking of CN 37, CN 38 or CN 41 delivery bills - RC 181 Missing CN 37, CN 38 or CN 41 delivery bill RC 182 Steps to be taken in the event of an accident RC 183 Steps to be taken in the event of an interrupted fight, or of diversion or missending of air parcels or surface airlifted (S A L ) parcels RC 184 Preparation of trial notes RC 185 Transfer of mails RC 186 Check of mails RC 187 Discovery of irregularities and processing of verification notes RC 188 Discrepancies of weight or size of parcels RC 189 Receipt by the office of exchange of a damaged or insufficiently packed parcel RC 190 Notification of irregularities for which designated operators may be liable - RC 191 Check of mails of parcels forwarded in bulk RC 192 Reforwarding of a parcel arriving out of course RC 193 Return of empty receptacles Chapter 8 Quality of service RC 194 Quality of service targets Chapter 9 Rates and air conveyance dues RC 195 Inward land rates RC 196 Modifcations of the inward land rates RC 197 Transit land rates RC 198 Application of transit land rates RC 199 Sea rate RC 200 Application of sea rate RC 201 Application of new rates following unforeseeable changes in routeing RC 202 Weight of mails used for remuneration of designated operators RC 203 Allocation of rates RC 204 Rates and dues credited to other designated operators by the designated operator of origin of the mail RC 205 Allocation and recovery of rates, charges and fees, in the case of return to sender or redirection RC 206 Calculation of air conveyance dues RC 207 Calculation of air conveyance dues for the merchandise return service RC 208 Air conveyance dues for lost or destroyed air parcels RC 209 Air conveyance dues for diverted or missent mails or bags RC 210 Payment of air conveyance dues for the transport of empty bags Chapter 10 Preparation and settlement of accounts RC 211 Preparation of accounts RC 212 Settlement of accounts RC 213 Settlement of accounts through the International Bureau RC 214 Adjustment of outstanding debts arising from the settlement of accounts through the International Bureau clearing system RC 215 Payment of debts expressed in SDRs General provisions RC 216 Rules for payment of accounts not settled through the International Bureau clearing system Chapter 11 Miscellaneous provisions RC 217 Information to be supplied by designated operators RC 218 International Bureau publications RC 2196 Period of retention of documents RC 220 Forms RC 221 Applications of standards Chapter 12 Transitional and final provisions RC 222 Entry into force and duration of the Regulations Final Protocol to the Parcel Post regulations RC I Provision of the postal parcels service RC II Special conditions relating to limits of weights for parcels RC III Delivery procedure RC IV Dangerous goods admitted exceptionally RC V Admissible radioactive materials, infectious substances, and lithium cells and lithium batteries RC VI Formalities to be complied with for the merchandise return service RC VII Maximum limits for insured items RC VIII Merchandise return service for the original seller RC IX Treatment of parcels wrongly accepted RC X Parcels automatically retained RC XI Treatment of inquiries RC XII Application of the liability of member countries or designated operators RC XIII Delivery of a rifled or damaged parcel RC XIV Transmission in closed mails RC XV Routeing of mails RC XVI Discrepancies of weight or size of parcels RC XVII Determination of average rates RC XVIII Exceptional transit land rates RC XIX Sea rates RC XX Supplementary rates RC XXI Calculation of air conveyance dues for the merchandise return service RC XXII Preparation of accounts RC XXIII Adjustment of debts arising from the settlement of accounts through the International Bureau clearing system in effect before 1 January 2001 RC XXIV Forms List of forms No. Title or nature of the form Reference CP 71 Dispatch note RC 125.1 CP 72 Manifold set. Customs declaration/Dispatch note RC 125.1 CP 73 Parcel label with the number of the parcel and the name of the office of origin RC 128.1 CP 74 "V" label for insured parcel RC 129.6.1 CP 75 Summarized account. CP 94 statements RC 133.8.3 CP 77 Statement of charges RC 144.10 CP 78 Verification note RC 133.1 CP 81 Table. Surface parcels RC 166.5 CP 82 Table. Air parcels RC 166.5 CP 83 Label for surface parcel mail RC 173.3.1 CP 84 Label for air parcel mail RC 173.3.1 CP 85 Label for S.A.L. parcel mail RC 173.3.1 CP 87 Air parcel bill. Surface, S.A.L and air parcels RC 175.1 CP 88 Special parcel bill. Payment of rates due for the transit of parcels RC 175.13 CP 91 Envelope for transmission of dispatch note, customs, etc., documents RC 177.3 CP 92 Envelope for transmission of dispatch note, customs, etc., documents RC 177.3 CP 94 Statement of amounts due. Surface, S.A.L. and air parcels RC 211.1 CP 95 COD label RC 130.3.2.1 Forms common to letter post and parcel post No. Title or nature of the form Reference CN 07 Advice of receipt/of delivery/of payment/of entry RC 132.2.2 CN 08 Inquiry RC 132.4.2 CN 11 Franking note RC 133.5.2 CN 12 Detailed monthly account. Customs, etc., charges RC 133.8.1 CN 13 Report. Information about a seized postal item RC 140.6 CN 15 "Return" label RC 144.5 CN 17 Request - for withdrawal from the post - for alteration or correction of address - for cancellation or alteration of the COD amount RC 149.3.1 CN 21 Advice. Redirection of a CN 08 form RC 150.6.6 CN 23 Customs declaration RC 125.2 CN 24 Report (irregularities in respect of insured letter-post items RC 143.4 CN 29 COD label RC 130.3.2.1 CN 29bis Label for COD items RC 130.3.2.1 CN 29ter International COD coupon RC 130.4.1 CN 37 Delivery bill. Surface mails RC 178.3 CN 38 Delivery bill. Airmails RC 178.3 CN 41 Delivery bill. Surface airlifted (S.A.L.) mails RC 178.3 CN 42 Direct transhipment label RC 179.1 CN 44 Trial note RC 184.1 CN 45 Transmission envelope for CN 38, CN 41 and CN 47 bills RC 185.2.5 CN 46 Substitute delivery bill RC 181.3 CN 47 Delivery bill. Mails of empty receptacles RC 193.2 CN 48 Statement. Amounts due in respect of indemnity RC 165.1 CN 51 Detailed account. Airmail RC 133.8.5 CN 52 General account RC 211.8 Parcel Post Regulations Having regard to article 22.5 of the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union concluded at Vienna, on 10 July 1964, the Postal Operations Council has drawn up the following measures for ensuring the implementation of the postal parcels service. Chapter 1 General provisions Article RC 101 Use of the term "parcels" 1 In these Regulations and the Final Protocol hereto, the term "parcels" shall apply to all parcels. 2 Parcels conveyed by air with priority shall be called "air parcels". Article RC 102 Application of freedom of transit 1 Member countries which do not provide the insured parcels service or which do not accept liability for insured parcels carried by their sea or air services shall nonetheless be bound to forward, by the quickest route and the most secure means, closed mails passed to them by other member countries. Article RC 103 Failure to give freedom of transit 1 Discontinuation of the postal service with a member country that fails to observe freedom of transit shall be notified in advance to the member countries and designated operators concerned by e-mail or any other form of telecommunication. The International Bureau shall be informed of the fact. Article RC 104 Monetary unit 1 The monetary unit laid down in article 7 of the Constitution and used in the Convention and the other Acts of the Union shall be the Special Drawing Right (SDR). 2 Designated operators of member countries may choose, by mutual agreement, a monetary unit other than the SDR or one of their national currencies for preparing and settling accounts. Article RC 105 Postal security 1 The postal security strategy implemented by member countries and designated operators shall aim to: 1.1 raise quality of service as a whole; 1.2 increase employee awareness of the importance of security; 1.3 create or reinforce security units; 1.4 share operational, security and investigative information on a timely basis; 1.5 propose to legislatures, wherever necessary, specific laws, regulations and measures to improve the quality and security of worldwide postal services. 1.6 provide guidelines, training methods and assistance to postal officials to enable them to deal with emergency situations that could endanger life or property or could hamper the mail transport chain, in order to maintain the continuity of operations. Article RC 106 Operation of the service by transport companies 1 The designated operator which has the service operated by transport companies shall make arrangements with them to ensure full implementation by them of all the provisions of the Convention and the Parcel Post Regulations, with special reference to the arrangements for the exchange of parcels. The designated operator shall be responsible for all their relations with designated operators of the other contracting countries and with the International Bureau. Chapter 2 Conditions of admission and posting. Charges. Exemption from charges. Delivery procedure Article RC 107 Exemption from postal charges on postal service parcels 1 Parcels relating to the postal service shall be exempt from all postal charges if exchanged between the following: 1.1 designated operators; 1.2 member countries and designated operators and the International Bureau; 1.3 post offices of the designated operators of member countries; 1.4 post offices and designated operators. 2 Air parcels, with the exception of those originating from the International Bureau, shall be exempt from air surcharges. Article RC 108 Application of exemption from postal charges to bodies concerned with prisoners of war and civilian internees 1 The following shall enjoy exemption from postal charges within the meaning of article 7.2 of the Convention: 1.1 the Information Bureaux provided for in article 122 of the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 relative to the treatment of prisoners of war; 1.2 the Central Prisoner-of-War Information Agency provided for in article 123 of the same Convention; 1.3 the Information Bureaux provided for in article 136 of the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 relative to the protection of civilian persons in time of war; 1.4 the Central Information Agency provided for in article 140 of the latter Convention. Article RC 109 Prepayment 1 Parcels shall be prepaid by means of postage stamps or by any other method authorized by the regulations adopted by the country of origin or by its designated operators. Article RC 110 Calculating air surcharges 1 Member countries or their designated operators shall set the air surcharges to be collected for air parcels. 2 The surcharges shall be related to the air conveyance dues and shall be uniform for at least the whole of the territory of each country of destination, whatever the route used. 3 Member countries or their designated operators shall be authorized to apply, for calculating air surcharges, smaller weight steps than one kilogramme. Article RC 111 Special charges 1 Designated operators shall be authorized to collect in the cases mentioned below the same charges as in the domestic service. 1.1 Charge on items posted outside normal counter opening hours, collected from the sender. 1.2 Charge for collection at the sender's address, collected from the sender. 1.3 Poste restante charge collected from the addressee; in the event of return to sender or redirection of a parcel addressed "poste restante", the guideline maximum amount shall be 0.49 SDR in accordance with article 15.5 of the Convention. 1.4 Storage charge for any parcel of which the addressee has not taken delivery within the prescribed period. This charge shall be collected by the designated operator which effects delivery, on behalf of the designated operator in whose service the parcel has been kept beyond the prescribed period. In the event of return to sender or redirection of a parcel on which a storage charge has been collected, the guideline maximum amount shall be 6.53 SDR in accordance with article 15.5 of the Convention. 1.5 Designated operators prepared to cover risks of force majeure shall be authorized to collect a charge for cover against risks of force majeure. In respect of uninsured parcels, this guideline maximum charge shall be 0.20 SDR per parcel in accordance with article 15.5 of the Convention. In respect of insured parcels, the guideline maximum amount is laid down in article RC 129.3. 1.6 Where a parcel is normally delivered to the addressee's address, no delivery charge may be collected from the addressee. Where delivery to the addressee's address is not normally provided, the advice of arrival should be delivered free of charge. In this case, if delivery to the addressee's addressee`s offered as an option in response to the advice of arrival, a delivery charge may be collected from the addressee. This should be the same charge as in the domestic service. Article RC 112 Marking of parcels sent post free 1 Every service parcel and its dispatch note shall bear, the former beside the address, the indication "Service des postes" (On Postal Service) or a similar indication; this indication may be followed by a translation in another language. 2 Every prisoner-of-war and civilian internee parcel and its dispatch note shall bear, the former beside the address, one of the indications "Service des prisonniers de guerre" (Prisoner-of-war Service) or "Service des internés civils" (Civilian Internees Service); these indications may be followed by a translation in another language. Article RC 113 Weight system. Pound avoirdupois 1 The weight of the parcels shall be expressed in kilogrammes. 2 Designated operators of countries which by reason of their internal regulations are unable to adopt the metric-decimal system of weight may substitute for the weights expressed in kilogrammes the equivalents in pounds avoirdupois. Article RC 114 Special conditions relating to limits of weights 1 The exchange of parcels whose individual weight exceeds 20 kilogrammes shall be optional, with a maximum individual weight of 50 kilogrammes. 2 Designated operators of countries which set a weight of less than 50 kilogrammes shall, however, have the option of admitting parcels in transit in bags or other closed receptacles between the weights of 20 and 50 kilogrammes. 3 Parcels relating to the postal service as provided for in article RC 107.1 and 2 may weigh up to 20 kilogrammes. In relations between designated operators which have set a higher limit, parcels relating to the postal service may weigh more than 20 kilogrammes and up to 50 kilogrammes. Article RC 115 Limits of size 1 Parcels shall not exceed two metres for any one dimension or three metres for the sum of the length and the greatest circumference measured in a direction other than that of the length. 2 Designated operators which cannot accept, for any parcel or for air parcels only, the sizes prescribed under 1, may adopt instead one of the following dimensions: 2.1 1.50 metres for any one dimension or three metres for the sum of the length and the greatest circumference measured in a direction other than that of length. 2.2 1.05 metres for any one dimension or two metres for the sum of the length and the greatest circumference measured in a direction other than that of length. 3 Parcels shall not be smaller than the minimum size prescribed for letters. Article RC 116 Delivery procedure 1 As a general rule, parcels shall be delivered to the addressees as soon as possible and according to the provisions in force in the country of destination. When parcels are not delivered to the addressee's address the addressee shall, unless this is impossible, be advised of their arrival without delay. 2 When delivering or handing over an ordinary parcel, the delivering designated operator shall obtain from the recipient a signature of acceptance, or register captured data from an identity card, or obtain some other form of evidence of receipt that is legally binding under the legislation of the country of destination to confirm acceptance. Article RC 117 Conditions of acceptance of parcels. Make-up and packing. Addressing 1 General packing conditions 1.1 Every parcel shall be packed and closed in a manner befitting the weight, the shape and the nature of the contents as well as the mode and duration of conveyance. The packing and closing shall protect the contents against crushing or damage by repeated handling and shall also be such that it is impossible to tamper with the contents without leaving clear traces thereof. 1.2 Every parcel shall be made up particularly securely if it has to be: 1.2.1 conveyed over long distances; 1.2.2 transhipped or handled many times; 1.2.3 protected against major changes in climate, temperature or, in the case of conveyance by air, variations in atmospheric pressure. 1.3 It shall be packed and closed in such a way as not to endanger the health of officials and so as not to present any danger if it contains articles of a kind likely to injure officials called upon to handle it or to soil or damage other parcels or postal equipment. 1.4 It shall have, on the packing or the wrapping, sufficient space for service instructions and for affixing stamps and labels. 1.5 The following shall be accepted without packing, and the address of the addressee may be given on the article itself: 1.5.1 articles which can be fitted together or put and kept together by a strong cord with lead or other seals, so as to form one single parcel which cannot come apart; 1.5.2 parcels in one piece, such as pieces of wood, metal, etc., which it is not the custom of the trade to pack. 2 Addresses of the sender and the addressee 2.1 To be admitted to the Post, every parcel shall bear, in roman letters and in arabic figures on the parcel itself or on a label firmly attached to it, the complete addresses of the addressee and the sender. If other letters and figures are used in the country of destination, it shall be recommended that the address be given also in these letters and figures. Addresses written in pencil shall not be allowed; nevertheless, parcels of which the address is written in indelible pencil on a surface previously dampened shall be accepted. 2.2 Only one person or a corporate body may be designated as addressee. However, addresses such as "Mr. A at ... for Mr. Z at ..." or "Bank A at ... for Mr. Z at ..." may be admitted, it being understood that only the person indicated under A shall be regarded by designated operators as the addressee. In addition, the addresses of A and Z shall be in the same country. 2.3 The office of posting shall also advise the sender to put in the parcel a copy of his address and that of the addressee. 3 Certificate of posting 3.1 A certificate of posting shall be handed over free of charge to the sender of a parcel at the time of posting. Article RC 118 Special packing 1 Articles of glass or other fragile objects shall be packed in a strong box filled with an appropriate protective material. Any friction or knocks during transport either between the objects themselves or between the objects and the sides of the box shall be prevented. 2 Liquids and substances which easily liquefy shall be enclosed in perfectly leak-proof containers. Each container shall be placed in a special strong box containing an appropriate protective material to absorb the liquid should the container break. The lid of the box shall be fixed so that it cannot easily work loose. 3 Fatty substances which do not easily liquefy, such as ointments, soft-soap, resins, etc., and silk-worm eggs, the conveyance of which presents few difficulties, shall be enclosed in a first packing (box, bag of cloth, plastic, etc.) which is itself placed in a box stout enough to prevent the contents from leaking. 4 Dry colouring powders, such as aniline blue, etc., shall be admitted only in perfectly leak-proof metal boxes, placed in turn in strong boxes with an appropriate absorbent and protective material between the two containers. 5 Dry non-colouring powders shall be placed in strong containers (box, bag). These containers shall themselves be enclosed in a stout box. 6 Live bees, leeches and parasites shall be enclosed in boxes so constructed as to avoid any danger. 7 Packing shall not be required for articles in one piece, such as pieces of wood, metal, etc., which it is not the custom of the trade to pack. In this case, the address of the addressee should be given on the article itself. 8 In addition, the following conditions shall be complied with: 8.1 Precious metals shall be packed either in a stout metal box or a case made of wood. The latter shall have a minimum thickness of 1 cm for parcels up to 10 kilogrammes and 1.5 cm for parcels over 10 kilogrammes. The packing may also consist of two seamless bags forming a double wrapping. When cases made of plywood are used, their thickness may be limited to 5 mm on condition that the edges of the cases are reinforced by metal angle strips. 8.2 The wrapping of the parcel containing live animals as well as the dispatch note shall be provided with a label bearing in bold letters the words "Animaux vivants" (Live animals). Article RC 119 Dangerous goods admitted exceptionally 1 Exceptionally, the following dangerous goods shall be admitted: 1.1 the radioactive materials sent in letter-post items and postal parcels mentioned in article RC 120.1; 1.2 the infectious substances sent in letter-post items and postal parcels mentioned in article RC 120.2; 1.3 the lithium cells and lithium batteries sent in letter-post items and postal parcels mentioned in article RC 120.3. Article RC 120 Admissible radioactive materials, infectious substances, and lithium cells and lithium batteries 1 Radioactive materials shall be admitted in letter-post items and parcels in relations between member countries which have declared their willingness to admit them either reciprocally or in one direction only under the following conditions: 1.1 Radioactive materials shall be made up and packed in accordance with the respective provisions of the Regulations. 1.2 When they are sent in letter-post items, they shall be subject to the tariff for priority items or the tariff for letters and registration. 1.3 Radioactive materials contained in letter-post items or postal parcels shall be forwarded by the quickest route, normally by air, subject to payment of the corresponding surcharges. 1.4 Radioactive materials may be posted only by duly authorized senders. 2 Infectious substances, with the exception of category A infectious substances affecting humans (UN 2814) and affecting animals (UN 2900), shall be admitted in letter-post items and postal parcels, under the following conditions: 2.1 Category B infectious substances (UN 3373) may be exchanged by mail only between officially recognized senders, as determined by their competent authority. These dangerous goods may be acceptable in mail, subject to the national and international legislation in force and the current edition of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, as promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 2.2 Category B infectious substances (UN 3373) must be handled, packed and labelled in accordance with the provisions listed in the Letter Post Regulations and Parcel Post Regulations. These items shall be subject to the tariff for priority items or the tariff for registered letters. An additional charge for the handling of these items shall be allowed. 2.3 Exempt patient specimens (human or animal) may be exchanged by mail only between officially recognized senders determined by their competent authority. These materials may be acceptable in mail, subject to the national and international legislation in force and the current edition of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, as promulgated by the ICAO. 2.4 Exempt patient specimens (human or animal) must be handled, packed and labelled in accordance with the provisions listed in the Letter Post Regulations. These items shall be subject to the tariff for priority items or to the tariff for registered letters. An additional charge for the handling of these items is allowed. 2.5 Admission of infectious substances and exempt patient specimens (human or animal) shall be restricted to member countries that have declared their willingness to admit such items, whether reciprocally or in one direction only. 2.6 Permissible infectious substances and exempt patient specimens (human or animal) shall be forwarded by the quickest route, normally by air, subject to the payment of the corresponding air surcharges, and shall be given priority in delivery. 3 A maximum of four lithium cells or two lithium batteries, installed in equipment, shall be admitted in letter-post items and parcels under the following conditions: 3.1 For a lithium metal or lithium alloy cell, the lithium content shall not be more than 1 g, and for a lithium ion cell, the Watt-hour rating shall not be more than 20 Wh. 3.2 For a lithium metal or lithium alloy battery, the aggregate lithium content shall not be more than 2 g, and for a lithium ion battery, the Watt-hour rating shall not be more than 100 Wh; Lithium ion batteries subject to this provision shall be marked with the Watt-hour rating on the outside case. 3.3 Cells and batteries when installed in equipment shall be protected from damage and short circuit, and the equipment shall be equipped with an effective means of preventing accidental activation; when lithium batteries are installed in equipment, they shall be packed in strong outer packagings constructed of suitable material of adequate strength and design in relation to the packaging's capacity and its intended use unless the batteries are afforded equivalent protection by the equipment in which they are contained. 3.4 Each cell or battery shall be of the type proved to meet the requirements of each test in United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, sub-section 38.3. Article RC 121 Conditions of acceptance and marking of items containing radioactive materials 1 Items containing radioactive materials shall be admitted for conveyance by post subject to prior consent from the competent authorities of the country of origin and provided the activity does not exceed one tenth of that permitted in Table 3 - Activity Limits for Excepted Packages, as listed in the current edition of the IAEA TS_R_1. 2 The outside packaging of items containing radioactive materials shall be marked by the sender with a label with the applicable UN-number shown below. It shall also bear, in addition to the name and address of the sender, a request in bold letters for the return of the items in the event of non-delivery. 3 The sender shall indicate his name and address and the contents of the item on the inner wrapping. 4 The label shall be clearly crossed out should the empty package be returned to the place of origin. Article RC 122 Conditions of acceptance and marking of items containing infectious substances 1 Substances which are infectious or reasonably suspected to be infectious for humāns or animals and which meet the criteria of infectious substances in category B (UN 3373) shall be declared "Biological substance, category B". 2 Senders of infectious substances assigned to UN 3373 shall ensure that shipments are prepared in such a manner that they arrive at their destination in good condition and that the substances are packed according to Packing Instruction 650, as shown in the current edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions) published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), or the current edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For information, the text of Packing Instruction 650, as shown in the 2007/2008 edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions is provided below. Senders should consult the most recent edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions to verify the current text of Packing Instruction 650 prior to use. 3 The packaging shall be of good quality, strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered during transport, including transhipment between transport units and warehouses, as well as any removal from a pallet or overpack for subsequent manual or mechanical handling. Packaging shall be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of contents that might be caused under normal conditions of transport by vibration or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure. 4 The packaging shall consist of three components: 4.1 a primary receptacle; 4.2 a secondary packaging; 4.3 a rigid outer packaging. 5 Primary receptacles shall be packed in secondary packaging in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the secondary packaging. Secondary packaging shall be secured in outer packaging with suitable cushioning material. Any leakage of the contents shall not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material or of the outer packaging. 6 For transport, the mark illustrated below shall be displayed on the external surface of the outer packaging on a background of a contrasting colour and shall be clearly visible and legible. The mark shall be in the form of a square set at an angle of 45% (diamond-shaped) with each side having a length of at least 50 mm, the width of the line shall be at least 2 mm, and the letters and numbers shall be at least 6 mm high. The proper shipping name "Biological substance, category B", "Diagnostic specimen" or "Clinical specimen" in letters at least 6 mm high shall be marked on the outer package adjacent to the diamond-shaped mark. 7 At least one surface of the outer packaging shall have a minimum dimension of 100 mm x 100 mm. 8 The completed package shall be capable of successfully passing the drop test as laid down in the ICAO Technical Instructions, except that the height of the drop shall not be less than 1.2 m. 9 For liquid substances: 9.1 The primary receptacle(

1. s)shall be leak-proof and must not contain more than one litre of the liquid substance. 9.2 The secondary packaging shall be leak-proof. 9.3 If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they shall be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them. 9.4 Absorbent material shall be placed between the primary receptacle(
2. s)and the secondary packaging. The absorbent material shall be in quantity sufficient to absorbē the entire contents of the primary receptacle(
3. s)so that any release of the liquid substances will not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material or of the outer packaging. 9.5 The primary receptacle or the secondary packaging shall be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure of 95 kPa. 9.6 The outer packaging must not contain more than four litres of the liquid substance. This quantity excludes ice or dry ice when used to keep specimens cold. 10 For solid substances: 10.1 The primary receptacle(
4. s)shall be sift-proof and not exceed the outer packaging mass limit. 10.2 The secondary packaging shall be sift-proof. 10.3 If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they shall be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them. 10.4 Except for packages containing body parts, organs or whole bodies, the outer packaging must not contain more than four kilogrammes of the solid substances. This quantity excludes ice or dry ice when used to keep specimens cold. 10.5 If there is any doubt as to whether or not residual liquid may be present in the primary receptacle during transport, then a packaging suitable for liquids, including absorbent materials, must be used. 11 For refrigerated or frozen specimens (ice, dry ice and liquid nitrogen): 11.1 When dry ice or liquid nitrogen is used to keep specimens cold, all applicable requirements of the ICAO Technical Instructions shall be met. When used, ice or dry ice shall be placed outside the secondary packaging or in the outside packaging or an overpack. Interior supports shall be provided to secure the secondary packaging in the original position after the ice or dry ice has dissipated. If ice is used, the outside packaging or overpack shall be leak-proof. If solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used, the packaging shall be designed and constructed to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas to prevent a build-up of pressure that could rupture the packaging. 11.2 The primary receptacle and the secondary packaging shall be capable of maintaining their integrity at the temperature of the refrigerant used as well as the temperatures and pressures that could result if refrigeration were lost. 12 Where packages are placed in an overpack, the package markings required by this packing instruction shall either be clearly visible or be reproduced on the outside of the overpack. 13 Infectious substances assigned to UN 3373 which are packed and marked in accordance with this packing instruction are not subject to any other requirements under this article except for the following: 13.1 the proper shipping name, UN number and the name and address and telephone number of a person responsible must be provided on a written document (such as the CN 38 delivery bill) or on the package; 13.2 classification must be in accordance with provision 2;6.3.2 of the ICAO Technical Instructions; 13.3 the incident reporting requirements of provision 7;4.4 of the ICAO Technical Instructions must be met; and 13.4 the inspection for damage or leaking requirements in provisions 7;3.1.3 and 7;3.1.4 of the ICAO Technical Instructions shall apply. 14 Clear instructions on filling and closing such packages shall be provided by packaging manufacturers and subsequent distributors to the consignor or to the person who prepares the package (e.g. patient) to enable each single package to be correctly prepared for transport. 15 Other dangerous goods must not be packed in the same packaging as Division 6.2 infectious substances unless they are necessary for maintaining the viability, stabilizing or preventing degradation or neutralizing the hazards of the infectious substances. A quantity of 30 ml or less of dangerous goods included in Classes 3, 8 or 9 may be packed in each primary receptacle containing infectious substances. When these small quantities of dangerous goods are packed with infectious substances in accordance with this packing instruction no other requirements in this article need be met. 16 Solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) used as refrigerant 16.1 If solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used as refrigerant, the packaging requirements of Packing Instruction 904 as set out in the current edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions or IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations must be met. Senders must also comply with the marking and labelling requirements applicable to packages containing solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) in addition to those applicable for Packing Instruction 650. 16.2 For air transport, a transport document shall be provided in accordance with ICAO Technical Instructions or the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. In addition, the CN 38 delivery bill covering this shipment shall contain the following statement: "Dangerous Goods as per attached shipper's declaration". 16.3 Bags containing infectious substances only and identified by special "UN 3373" labels shall be handed over by postal authorities to airlines in unsealed mailbags. Article RC 123 Conditions of acceptance of parcels containing lithium cells and batteries installed in equipment 1 Parcels containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells and batteries installed in equipment shall be packed according to Packing Instruction 967, Section II (lithium ion cells and batteries), or Packing Instruction 970, Section II (lithium metal cells and batteries), as applicable, of the current edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions) published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Senders must consult the most recent edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions. 2 Cells and batteries installed in equipment that have been identified by the manufacturer as being defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, or that have the potential of producing a dangerous evolution of heat, fire or short circuit are forbidden for transport. Article RC 124 Indication of method of forwarding 1 Every air parcel shall bear at the time of dispatch a special blue label inscribed "Par avion" (By airmail), with, if desired, a translation in the language of the country of origin. The method of forwarding shall also be clearly indicated on the dispatch note relating to the parcel, either by means of the special blue airmail label or by a corresponding indication in the appropriate box. 2 If the dispatch note is included in a self-adhesive document pack pasted firmly to the parcel and provided with a duly marked blue tick-box, the label mentioned in 1 shall not be mandatory, either on the dispatch note document pack or on the parcel. Article RC 125 Formalities to be complied with by the sender 1 Each parcel shall be accompanied by a CP 71 dispatch note, either as part of a CP 72 manifold set or as a single CP 71 form. 2 A CN 23 customs declaration shall be attached to each parcel, either as a single form or as part of a CP 72 manifold set. The contents of the parcel shall be shown in detail on the customs declaration and indications of a general kind shall not be admitted. The CN 23 customs declaration shall be attached to the outside of the parcel, in such a way as to prevent its loss. 3 Where designated operators so agree in advance, customs data provided in accordance with the instructions on the CN 23 customs declaration, including the names and addresses of the sender and addressee, may be transmitted electronically to the designated operator of the country of destination. The designated operator of origin may share all or part of these data with the customs administration in the country of origin for export purposes, and the designated operator of destination may share all or part of the data referenced above with the customs administration in the country of destination for customs import purposes. 4 The use of the data from the paper CN 23 customs declaration provided for in paragraph 3 above shall be restricted to processes related to the exchange of mail and customs formalities in respect of the export or import of postal items and may not be used for any other purpose. 5 All provisions of article RC 151 shall also apply to the data from the paper CN 23 customs declaration provided for in paragraph 3 above. In case of a discrepancy between data on the CN 23 customs declaration and the electronic data provided pursuant to paragraph 3 above, the CN 23 customs declaration shall constitute the customs declaration. 6 The sender may also attach to the dispatch note any document (invoice, export licence, import licence, certificate of origin, certificate of health, etc.) necessary for customs treatment in the dispatching country and in the country of destination. 7 The addresses of the sender and addressee, and all other particulars to be furnished by the sender, shall be identical on the parcel and the dispatch note. In the event of a discrepancy, the particulars appearing on the parcel shall be regarded as valid. Article RC 126 Formalities to be complied with for the merchandise return service 1 A CN 23 customs declaration shall be attached to the outside of each parcel sent by the customer/addressee via the merchandise return service, in such a way as to prevent its loss. 2 The CN 23 form shall be prepared by the original seller in accordance with the formalities described in article RC 125. In addition, the CN 23 shall include the original item identifier and be clearly marked "Merchandise Return Service (MRS)". 3 The customer/addressee returning the parcel shall complete the CN 23 form, which shall already contain the customs declaration information provided by the original seller, including the total weight of the parcel, by indicating the date and providing a signature. By signing the customs declaration form, the customer/addressee certifies that the description of the content mentioned on the form corresponds to the merchandise authorized to be returned to the original seller. 4 The customer/addressee shall obtain proof of posting. Article RC 127 Sender's instructions at the time of posting 1 At the time of posting of a parcel, the sender shall be required to indicate the treatment to be given in case of non-delivery. For this purpose he shall insert a cross in the appropriate box of the dispatch note. 2 He may give only one of the following instructions: 2.1 return forthwith to the sender by the most economical route or by air; 2.2 return to the sender by the most economical route or by air at the end of a period of time, which may not exceed the regulation period of retention in the country of destination; 2.3 redirection of the parcel by the most economical route or by air, for delivery to the addressee; 2.4 abandonment of the parcel by the sender. 3 Designated operators of origin shall have the option of not allowing all the instructions mentioned under 2. The number of boxes on the dispatch note shall be limited accordingly. However, designated operators shall always allow instructions 2.1 and 2.4. The sender may reproduce or have printed only one of the permitted instructions on the dispatch note. The instruction marked on the dispatch note shall be reproduced on the parcel itself, either by sticking a copy of the CP 71 or CP 72 "Address label" on the parcel, or by reproducing in some other way the instructions given on that form. It shall be in French or in a language known in the country of destination. 4 If the sender wishes to forbid any redirection, the parcel and the dispatch note must bear the indication "Ne pas réexpédier" (Do not redirect) in French or in a language known in the country of destination. 5 Parcels shall be returned without advice if the sender has given no or contradictory instructions. Article RC 128 Formalities to be complied with by the office of origin 1 The office of origin or the dispatching office of exchange shall be responsible for affixing a CP 73 label on the parcel beside the address and on the dispatch note. This label shall show clearly the serial number of the parcel and the name of the office of origin. If the designated operator of origin so permits, that part of the CP 73 label which is to be affixed to the dispatch note may be replaced by a preprinted indication having the same layout as the corresponding part of the label. 2 The weight of the parcel in kilogrammes and hundreds of grammes shall be given on the parcel and on the dispatch note. Each fraction of a hundred grammes shall be rounded up to the next hundred 3 A date-stamp impression shall be applied on the dispatch note, unless a posting/collection scan (EMA) or the information captured by such a scan is provided by the designated operator of origin to the designated operator of destination. 4 The postage stamps or any other method of showing prepayment authorized by the regulations adopted by the country of origin or by its designated operator shall be affixed either on the parcel, or on the dispatch note. 5 Designated operators may agree to dispense with the formalities mentioned under 1 to 4. 6 The same office of origin or the same dispatching office of exchange may not use two or more series of labels at the same time, unless the series are distinguished by a distinctive mark. Chapter 3 Special services Article RC 129 Insured parcels 1 Parcels may be exchanged with insurance of the contents for the value declared by the sender. This exchange shall be restricted to relations between designated operators which have declared their willingness to admit such items, whether reciprocally or in one direction only. 2 Insured value 2.1 In principle, the amount of insured value shall be unlimited. Every member country or designated operator may limit the insured value, so far as it is concerned, to an amount which may not be less than 4,000 SDR or to an amount at least equal to that adopted in its internal service if that amount is less than 4,000 SDR. However, the limit of insured value adopted in the internal service shall be applicable only if it is equal to or higher than the amount of indemnity set for a parcel weighing one kilogramme. The maximum amount shall be notified in SDR to the member countries of the Union. 2.2 In the service between member countries or designated operators which have adopted different maximum values, all parties shall observe the lowest limit. 2.3 The insured value may not exceed the actual value of the contents of the parcel but it is permitted to insure part only of that value. 2.4 Any fraudulent insurance for a value greater than the actual value of the contents of a parcel shall be liable to the legal proceedings prescribed by the legislation of the country of origin. 2.5 The insured value shall be expressed in the currency of the country of origin and written by the sender, on the parcel and the dispatch note. These entries shall be made in roman letters and in arabic numerals, without erasure or alteration, even if certified. The amount of the insured value shall not be indicated in pencil or indelible pencil. 2.6 The amount of the insured value shall be converted into SDRs by the sender or by the office of origin. The result of the conversion, rounded up where appropriate to the nearest SDR, shall be shown in figures at the side of or below those representing the value in the currency of the country of origin. The conversion shall not be carried out in direct services between countries which have a common currency. 2.7 When circumstances of any kind disclose a fraudulent insurance for a value greater than the actual value of the contents of the parcel, the designated operator of origin shall be advised as soon as possible. Where appropriate, the documents relating to the inquiry shall be sent to that designated operator. If the parcel has not yet been delivered to the addressee, the designated operator of origin may ask for its return. 3 Charges 3.1 The charge on insured parcels shall be paid in advance. 3.2 It shall be made up of the principal charge, an optional dispatch charge and an ordinary insurance charge; any air surcharges and charges for special services shall be added to the principal charge; the guideline maximum dispatch charge shall be the same as the registration charge for letter-post items, viz 1.31 SDR or the corresponding charge of the internal service if this is higher or exceptionally, a guideline maximum charge of 3.27 SDR. 3.3 The guideline maximum ordinary insurance charge shall be 0.33 SDR for each 65.34 SDR of insured value or fraction thereof, or 0.5% of the scale of the insured value. 3.4 Any charge for cover against risks of force majeure shall be set so that the sum of this charge and the ordinary insurance charge do not exceed the maximum amount of the insurance charge. 3.5 In cases where exceptional security measures are required, designated operators may collect from the sender or from the addressee, in addition to the charges mentioned under 3.2 to 4, the special charges provided for by their internal legislation. 4 Designated operators shall have the right to provide their customers with an insured items service in accordance with specifications other than those defined in this article. 5 Admission 5.1 Every insured parcel shall be subject to the following special rules regarding make-up. 5.1.1 Insured parcels shall be made up in such a way that the contents cannot be tampered with without obvious damage to the envelope, the packaging or the seals and shall be sealed by effective means such as fine adhesive tape with a special uniform design or mark of the sender. Designated operators may, however, agree not to require such a design or mark. 5.1.2 Notwithstanding 5.1.1, designated operators may require insured parcels to be sealed with identical wax seals, lead seals or other effective means, with a special uniform design or mark of the sender. 5.1.3 The wax, seals, labels of any kind and the postage stamps, if any, affixed to these parcels shall be spaced out so that they cannot hide any damage to the packing. 5.1.4 The labels and postage stamps shall not be folded over two sides of the packing so as to cover an edge. 5.1.5 An address-label may be gummed to the packing itself. 5.2 Every designated operator shall have the option of setting a maximum amount for the insured value up to which it will forgo application of the provisions of 5.1.1 and 5.1.2. The lower of the amounts concerned shall be applied in relations between member countries or designated operators that have set different maximum values. 5.3 A receipt shall be handed over free of charge to every sender of an insured parcel at the time of posting. 6 Marking and treatment of parcels 6.1 Any insured parcel and its dispatch note shall be provided with a CP 74 pink label. This label shall bear in roman letters the letter V, the name of the office of origin and the serial number of the parcel. It shall be gummed on the parcel, on the same side as, and near to, the address. 6.2 Designated operators may, however, use at the same time the CP 73 label prescribed in article RC 128.1 and a small pink label, bearing in bold letters the words "Valeur déclarée" (Insured). 6.3 The weight in kilogrammes and tens of grammes shall be given both on the parcel beside the address and on the dispatch note in the space provided. Any fraction of 10 grammes shall be rounded up to the next ten. 6.4 No serial number shall be placed on the front of insured parcels by the intermediate designated operator. 7 Delivery procedure 7.1 Role of office of destination. 7.1.1 When delivering or handing over an insured parcel, the delivering designated operator shall obtain from the recipient a signature of acceptance, or register captured data from an identity card, or obtain some other form of evidence of receipt that is legally binding under the legislation of the country of destination to confirm acceptance. Article RC 130 Cash-on-delivery parcels 1 Parcels may be sent cash-on-delivery. The exchange of cash-on-delivery parcels shall require prior agreement between designated operators of origin and destination. These designated operators may agree to apply the provisions of the Postal Payment Services Agreement and the Regulations thereof. 2 Parcels admitted and charges 2.1 On the basis of bilateral agreements, parcels which fulfil the conditions laid down in these Regulations may be sent. 2.2 The designated operator of origin of the item shall freely decide the charge to be paid by the sender, in addition to the postal charges payable on the category to which the parcel belongs. 3 Role of office of posting 3.1 Indications to be given on the parcels and dispatch notes. 3.1.1 Parcels on which a COD charge is payable and the corresponding dispatch notes shall bear very prominently, on the address side in the case of the parcels, the heading "Remboursement" (COD) followed by the COD amount. 3.1.2 The sender shall write his name and address in roman letters on the address side of the parcel and on the front of the dispatch note. 3.2 Label 3.2.1 The dispatch notes of COD parcels shall bear an orange label in the form of the specimen CN 29. If the dispatch note is included in a self-adhesive document pack with a proper indication of the COD amount, the CN 29 label shall not be mandatory. In addition, COD parcels shall bear, on the address side, two further labels in the form of specimen CN 29bis and specimen CP 95. 3.3 Form to be attached to the parcels 3.3.1 Every COD parcel shall be accompanied by an MP 1bis form, or any other form agreed among designated operators, which shall be used for sending the postal payment order in exchange of the COD parcel to its sender. 4 Role of office of destination 4.1 The designated operator which has delivered the parcel to its addressee shall issue the MP 1bis form for sending the postal payment order in exchange of the COD parcel, or use any other means agreed among designated operators, in favour of the sender of the parcel. 5 Redirection 5.1 Any parcel on which a COD charge is payable may be redirected if the country of new destination provides the service for items of this type in its relations with the country of origin. 6 Indemnities 6.1 If a COD parcel is delivered without collection of the COD amount, the destination designated operator shall pay the dispatching designated operator an indemnity corresponding to the COD amount. 6.2 If the item is partially rifled, the indemnity shall be set at the actual value of the theft, on the basis of the COD amount. 6.3 In the event of loss, the indemnity shall be limited to the total COD amount. Article RC 131 Express parcels 1 Marking of parcels 1.1 Every express parcel and its dispatch note shall be provided with a light red label, bearing very conspicuously the printed indication "Exprès" (Express). This label shall be affixed whenever possible beside the name of the place of destination. 2 Charges 2.1 The guideline maximum supplementary charge to which express parcels shall be subject shall be 1.63 SDR. This charge must be fully paid in advance. It is payable even if the parcel cannot be delivered by special messenger but only the advice of arrival. 2.2 An additional charge may be collected in accordance with the provisions relating to items of the same kind in the internal service, when express delivery involves special demands. This charge shall be paid even if the parcel is returned to sender or redirected; however, in such a case, the guideline maximum amount of the supplementary charge prescribed in 2.1 shall be 1.63 SDR. 2.3 Addressees may ask the destination office, subject to what is laid down in 2.1, for express delivery of items which are intended for them, if the regulations of the designated operator of destination so permit. In that case the designated operator of destination shall be authorized to collect, on delivery, the charge that applies in its internal service. 3 Treatment of parcels 3.1 In countries whose designated operator does not provide delivery to the place of address, express parcels shall give rise to the delivery, by special messenger, of an advice of arrival. The advice may also be sent by telecommunications. 3.2 If the address of the addressee is situated outside the local delivery area of the office of destination, delivery of an express parcel or of an advice of arrival by special messenger shall not be obligatory. 3.3 The delivery by special messenger of an express parcel or of the advice of delivery shall be attempted at least once. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, any subsequent attempt to deliver the parcel or the advice of delivery by special messenger shall not necessarily be obligatory. 3.4 Designated operators which participate in the exchange of express parcels shall take all steps to speed up customs clearance. Article RC 132 Parcels with advices of delivery 1 In the case of designated operators which offer the advice of delivery service to customers, the sender of a parcel may apply for an advice of delivery at the time of posting by paying a charge the guideline maximum amount of which is set in 3.1. This advice of delivery shall be returned to him by the quickest route (air or surface). Designated operators may restrict this service to insured parcels if such restriction is provided for in their internal service. 2 Marking of parcels 2.1 Every parcel for which the sender requests an advice of delivery shall bear very conspicuously the stamp impression A.R. The same indication shall also be made on the dispatch note. 2.2 Parcels with advices of delivery shall be accompanied by a copy of the CN 07 form duly completed. This form shall be attached to the dispatch note. If the CN 07 form does not reach the office of destination, that office shall automatically make out a new advice of delivery. 3 Charge 3.1 The guideline maximum amount of the charge for an advice of delivery prescribed in 1 shall be 0.98 SDR. 4 Treatment of advices of delivery 4.1 As a matter of priority the advice of delivery shall be signed by the addressee or, if that is not possible, by another person authorized under the regulations of the country of destination. If those regulations so provide, the advice may be signed by the official of the office of destination. In addition to the signature, the name in capital letters or any clear and legible indication permitting unambiguous identification of the person signing shall also be obtained. 4.2 Immediately the parcel has been delivered, the office of destination shall return the CN 07 form, duly completed, to the address shown by the sender. This form shall be sent à découvert and post free by the quickest route (air or surface). If the advice of delivery is returned without having been duly completed, the irregularity shall be notified by means of the CN 08 inquiry form provided for in article RC 150, to which the relevant advice of delivery shall be attached. 4.3 When the sender inquires about an advice of delivery which he has not received within a normal period, this advice shall be requested free of charge on form CN 08. A duplicate of the advice of delivery, bearing on the front in bold letters the word "Duplicata" (Duplicate), shall be attached to the CN 08 inquiry form. The latter shall be dealt with in accordance with article RC 145. Article RC 133 Parcels for delivery free of charges and fees 1 In the service between designated operators which have notified their agreement to that effect, senders may, by means of a previous declaration at the office of origin, undertake to pay the whole of the charges and fees to which the parcels are subject on delivery. 2 Senders shall undertake to pay the amounts which may be claimed by the office of destination. If necessary, they shall make a provisional payment. 3 The designated operator of origin shall collect from the sender a charge, the guideline maximum amount of which is set in 6.1, which it shall retain as payment for services rendered in the country of origin. 4 The designated operator of destination shall be authorized to collect a commission charge the guideline maximum amount of which is set in 6.2. This charge shall be independent of the presentation-to-Customs charge. It shall be collected from the sender on behalf of the designated operator of destination. 5 Marking and treatment of parcels 5.1 Every parcel for delivery to the addressee free of charges and fees and its dispatch note shall bear, in very bold characters, the heading "Franc de taxes et de droits" (Free of charges and fees) or any other equivalent expression in the language of the country of origin. The parcel and the dispatch note shall be provided with a yellow label bearing, also very boldly, the indication "Franc de taxes et de droits". 5.2 Every parcel sent for delivery free of charges and fees shall be accompanied by a CN 11 franking note on yellow paper. The sender of the parcel shall complete the text of the right-hand side of the front of parts A and B of the franking note. The dispatching office shall enter on it the postal service indications. The entries of the sender may be made with the use of carbon paper. The text shall include the undertaking prescribed in 2. The dispatch note, the customs declarations and the franking note shall be securely fastened together. 6 Charges 6.1 The guideline maximum amount of the charge referred to in 3 shall be 0.98 SDR per parcel. 6.2 The guideline maximum amount of the commission charge referred to in 4 shall be 0.98 SDR per parcel. 7 Return of franking notes (Part A). Recovery of charges and fees 7.1 The provisions of the Letter Post Regulations shall apply. 7.2 When the sender disputes the amount of the charges shown in part A of the franking note, the designated operator of destination shall verify the amount of the sums paid out. If necessary, it shall approach its national customs services. After making any necessary corrections, it shall send part A of the note in question to the designated operator of origin. Likewise, if the designated operator of destination finds an error or omission regarding the charges relating to a parcel free of charges and fees for which part A of the franking note has been returned to the designated operator of origin, it shall issue a corrective duplicate. It shall send part A to the designated operator of origin to put the matter in order. 8 Accounting with the designated operator of posting 8.1 Accounting in respect of charges, customs duty and other fees paid out by each designated operator on behalf of another shall be effected by means of CN 12 detailed accounts, drawn up on a quarterly basis by the creditor designated operator. The data of parts B of the franking notes which it has retained shall be entered in the alphabetical order of the offices which have advanced the charges and in the numerical order given to them. "Nil" accounts shall not be prepared. 8.2 The detailed account, accompanied by parts B of the franking notes, shall be forwarded to the debtor designated operator at the latest by the end of the second month after the quarter to which it relates. 8.3 Accounting shall be effected by means of the CP 75 account mentioned in article RC 211. 8.4 Unless the designated operators concerned have agreed otherwise, the amount on the last line of the CN 12 account shall be included by the creditor designated operator in the next CP 75 sent by that designated operator, with justification given in the "Observations" column. 8.5 In cases where the designated operator does not use the CP 75 in its relations with the debtor designated operator, the CN 51 account can, exceptionally, be used in similar fashion. Article RC 134 Merchandise return service for the original seller 1 General 1.1 Designated operators may bilaterally agree to offer a supplementary merchandise return service comprising acceptance of prepaid returns with priority transportation. 1.2 The purpose of the merchandise return service shall be to enable the original seller to pay for returned parcels posted by its customers/the addressees residing abroad after successful delivery. 1.3 Designated operators that operate this service shall comply with the provisions outlined in the user guide as approved by the POC. 1.4 Designated operators may otherwise agree bilaterally on another service to be applied among themselves. 2 Formalities 2.1 Authorized addressees returning parcels via the merchandise return service shall utilize the customs declaration information provided by the original seller in order to comply with the formalities outlined in article RC 126. 3 Charges for the merchandise return service (outward land rates and air conveyance dues) 3.1 A designated operator sending parcels via the merchandise return service shall be entitled to collect charges corresponding to costs incurred for the service from the designated operator of the country of origin of the returned merchandise. 3.2 The charges shall be fixed as follows: 3.2.1 A charge for the outward land rates shall be set at 85% of the inward land base rates for an air parcel (with a rate per kilogramme and per item) of the designated operator that is returning parcels, with a floor rate of 2.85 SDR per item and 0.28 SDR per kilogramme. 3.2.2 Air conveyance dues shall be calculated in accordance with article RC 207. 4 Accounting for the merchandise return service charges 4.1 Unless bilaterally agreed otherwise, the accounting of merchandise return service charges shall be based on current settlement procedures, supported by the electronic exchange of information. 5 Merchandise return service reporting 5.1 A monthly report shall be produced by a bilaterally agreed third party, based on the EMC and EMD events transmitted to the designated operator of the original seller. This report shall provide the number of returned parcels with EMC and EMD events transmitted and the total weight corresponding to these items detailed by designated operator of origin. All additional weight information shall be provided by sending a PREDES message, and shall include a RESDES message for comparison and reconciliation purposes. Article RC 135 Fragile parcels. Cumbersome parcels 1 Any parcel containing articles which are liable to break easily and which are to be handled with special care shall be called a "fragile parcel". 2 The following shall be called a "cumbersome parcel"; any parcel: 2.1 whose dimensions exceed the limits laid down in the Parcel Post Regulations or those which designated operators shall set between themselves; 2.2 which, by reason of its shape or structure, does not readily lend itself to loading with other parcels or which requires special precautions. 3 Fragile parcels and cumbersome parcels shall be subject to a supplementary charge, the guideline maximum amount of which is laid down in 6.1. If the parcel is both fragile and cumbersome the supplementary charge shall be collected once only. However, the air surcharges in respect of these parcels shall not be increased. 4 The exchange of fragile parcels and cumbersome parcels shall be restricted to those designated operators which admit such items. 5 Marking of fragile parcels and of cumbersome parcels 5.1 Without prejudice to compliance with the general rules regarding make-up and packing, every fragile parcel shall be provided, either by the sender or by the office of origin, with a label featuring a picture of a glass printed in red on a white background. 5.2 The relative dispatch note shall bear very conspicuously on the front the indication "Colis fragile" (Fragile parcel) either in manuscript or printed on a label. 5.3 Every parcel, the fragile nature of whose contents is indicated by any external sign whatever affixed by the sender, shall be provided by the office of origin with the label prescribed in 5.1. The corresponding supplementary charge shall be collected. If the sender does not wish the parcel to be treated as fragile, the office of origin shall cross out the marking made by the sender. 5.4 Every cumbersome parcel and the front of its dispatch note shall bear a label showing in bold letters the word "Encombrant" (Cumbersome). 5.5 Designated operators which admit the limits of sizes set out in article RC 115.1 may charge as cumbersome any parcel whose dimensions exceed the limits set out in article RC 115.2 but which weighs less than 10 kilogrammes. In such a case, the word "Encombrant" shall be supplemented on the dispatch note only by the words "en vertu de l'article RC 135.5.5" (pursuant to article RC 135.5.5). 6 Charges 6.1 The guideline maximum amount of the supplementary charge referred to in 3 is 50% of the principle charge. Article RC 136 Consignment service 1 Designated operators may agree among themselves to take part in an optional "Consignment" service for collective items from one consignor sent abroad. 2 The Consignment service: 2.1 shall at least comprise joint posting and transport of parcels from a single customer to the inward office of exchange or entry point in the country of destination and joint customs clearance by the designated operator of origin; 2.2 shall include all parcel items, as well as any other types of postal items agreed between the designated operator of origin and the designated operator of destination; 2.3 may, subject to the agreement of the relevant customs authorities, use bulk customs clearance for cost efficiency; 2.4 may use specific bags, specific pallets or specific postal containers to transport items; 2.5 shall include distribution of the parcels by the designated operator of destination to one or more addressees. 3 Wherever possible, this service shall be identified by the logo defined in 4. 4 The details of this service shall be laid down bilaterally between the designated operator of origin and the designated operator of destination on the basis of provisions defined by the Postal Operations Council. 5 Identification of the "Consignment" service 5.1 The logo designed to identify the "Consignment" service shall consist of the following components: 5.1.1 the word "CONSIGNMENT" in blue; 5.1.2 three horizontal bands (one red, one blue and one green). Article RC 137 Integrated logistics service 1 In relations between designated operators which have agreed to provide this service, the integrated logistics service may include the collection, receipt, processing, storage, handling, dispatch, transfer, transport and physical delivery of separate or combined documents or goods. 2 The details for an integrated logistics service involving two or more designated operators shall be based on bilateral agreements. Aspects that are not expressly governed by the latter shall be subject to the appropriate provisions of the Acts of the Union. 3 Charges for the service shall be set by the designated operator of origin in consideration of costs and market requirements. Chapter 4 Dangerous substances prohibited from insertion in postal parcels. Exceptions to prohibitions. Parcels wrongly accepted. Redirection. Return to sender. Withdrawal from post. Inquiries Article RC 138 Dangerous substances prohibited from insertion in postal parcels 1 The articles covered by the "Recommendations on Transport of Dangerous Goods" drawn up by the United Nations, with the exception of certain dangerous goods and radioactive materials provided for in these Regulations, and by the Technical Instructions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations shall be considered as dangerous substances in accordance with the provisions of article 18.3 of the Convention and prohibited from insertion in postal parcels. Article RC 139 Exceptions to prohibitions 1 The prohibition relating to narcotics and psychotropic substances shall not apply to consignments sent for a medical or scientific purpose to countries which admit them on this condition. 2 If the internal regulations of the member countries concerned so permit, parcels may also contain any document exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel or persons residing with them. 3 Article 18.6.1.3 of the Convention shall not apply when the exchange of parcels between two member countries admitting insured parcels can only be made in transit through the intermediary of a member country which does not admit them. Article RC 140 Treatment of parcels wrongly accepted 1 Parcels containing articles mentioned in article 18.2, 18.4.3 and 18.5 of the Convention, and wrongly admitted to the Post shall be dealt with according to the legislation of the country of the designated operator establishing their presence. 2 In the case of the insertion of a single item of correspondence prohibited within the meaning of article 18.5 of the Convention, this shall be treated as an unpaid letter-post item. The parcel shall not be returned to sender on this account. 3 The designated operator of destination shall be authorized to deliver to the addressee, under the conditions prescribed by its regulations, an uninsured parcel originating in a country which admits insurance and containing articles listed in article 18.6.1.2 and 18.6.1.3 of the Convention. If delivery is not permitted, the parcel shall be returned to sender. 4 The provisions in 3 shall be applicable to parcels the weight or the dimensions of which appreciably exceed the permitted limits. However, these parcels may, where appropriate, be delivered to the addressee if he first pays any charges which may be due. 5 If a wrongly admitted parcel or part of its contents is neither delivered to the addressee nor returned to sender, the designated operator of origin shall be notified without delay how the parcel has been dealt with. This notification shall clearly indicate the prohibition under which the parcel falls or the articles which gave rise to its seizure. 6 In the event of the seizure of a wrongly admitted parcel, the destination or transit designated operator shall so inform the designated operator of origin through the dispatch of a CN 13 form or, if agreed bilaterally, by using the appropriate standard UPU EDI item-level message (EME tracking event and corresponding retention code). Article RC 141 Conditions of redirecting a parcel 1 A parcel may be redirected within the country of destination at the request of the sender, at the request of the addressee, or automatically if the regulations of that country permit. 2 A parcel may be redirected out of the country of destination only at the request of the sender or of the addressee. In this case the parcel shall comply with the conditions required for the onward transmission. 3 A parcel may also be redirected by air at the request of the sender or the addressee. Payment of the air surcharge in respect of the onward transmission shall be guaranteed. 4 For the frst and any subsequent redirection of each parcel, the following may be collected: 4.1 the charges authorized by the internal regulations of the designated operator concerned for such redirection, in the case of redirection within the country of destination; 4.2 the rates and air surcharges entailed in the onward transmission, in the case of redirection out of the country of destination; 4.3 the charges and fees which the former designated operators of destination do not agree to cancel. 5 The charges, rates and fees mentioned in 4 shall be collected from the addressee. 6 If the charges, rates and fees mentioned in 4 are paid at the time of redirection the parcel shall be dealt with as if it had originated in the redirecting country and been addressed to the country of the new destination. 7 If an express parcel to be redirected has been the subject of an unsuccessful attempt at delivery to the place of address by special messenger, the redirecting office shall strike through the label or endorsement "Exprès" (Express) with two thick horizontal lines. Article RC 142 Periods of retention 1 When an addressee has been notified of the arrival of a parcel, it shall be held at his disposal for a fortnight or, at most, for a month from the day after that on which the advice is sent. Exceptionally, this period may be increased to two months if the regulations of the country of destination permit. 2 When it has not been possible to notify an addressee of the arrival of a parcel, the period of retention prescribed by the regulations of the country of destination shall apply. The same shall also apply to parcels addressed poste restante. This period shall start to run from the day after the day from which the parcel is held at the addressee's disposal. It shall not exceed two months. The parcel shall be returned within a shorter period if the sender has so requested in a language known in the country of destination. 3 The periods of retention prescribed in 1 and 2 shall be applicable, in the case of redirection, to parcels to be delivered by the new office of destination. 4 If, at the end of the customs inspection of a parcel, a period of more than three months has elapsed, the designated operator of destination shall request instructions concerning this parcel from the designated operator of origin. 5 If the designated operator of destination does not comply with provisions 1 to 4 above, it shall pay the rates and charges due for return to origin. Article RC 143 Parcels automatically retained 1 For every parcel automatically retained or pending because of theft or damage or for some other cause of the same kind, the designated operator of destination shall prepare a CP 78 verification note. However, this procedure shall not be compulsory in cases of force majeure or when the number of parcels automatically retained is such that the sending of an advice is physically impossible. 2 The CP 78 verification note shall be prepared by the intermediate designated operator concerned for every parcel automatically retained in course of transmission either by the postal service (accidental interruption of traffic) or by the Customs. The reservation made under 1 shall also apply in such cases. 3 The CP 78 verification note shall include all the particulars shown on the CP 74 and CP 73 labels and the date of posting of the parcel. The CP 78 verification note shall be sent by the quickest route to the designated operator of the sender's country of residence. 4 The CP 78 verification note shall be accompanied by a copy of the dispatch note. In the cases referred to in 1 and 2, the CP 78 shall be endorsed in bold letters "Colis retenu d'office" (Parcel automatically retained). If the parcel is pending owing to theft or damage, a CN 24 report shall be prepared. A copy of the report giving information on the extent of the damage shall accompany the CP 78. 5 Several parcels posted at the same time by the same sender and addressed to the same addressee may be the subject of one CP 78 verification note, even if these parcels were accompanied by several dispatch notes. In such a case, all these notes shall be attached to the CP 78. 6 As a general rule, a CP 78 shall be exchanged between the office of destination and the office of exchange of origin. However, any designated operator may request that the CP 78 concerning its service be sent to its central administration or to a specially appointed office. The name of that office shall be notified to designated operators through the International Bureau. The designated operator of the sender's country of residence shall be responsible for advising the sender. The exchange of CP 78 verification notes shall be expedited as much as possible by all the offices concerned. Article RC 144 Return to sender of undelivered parcels 1 If a parcel cannot be delivered or if it is held officially, it shall be dealt with in accordance with the instructions given by the sender within the limits set in article RC 127. 2 A parcel which it has not been possible to deliver shall be returned immediately if: 2.1 the sender has requested its immediate return; 2.2 the sender has made an unauthorized request; 2.3 the sender's instructions at the time of posting have not achieved the desired result. 3 A parcel which it has not been possible to deliver shall be returned immediately after the expiry: 3.1 of the period, if any, fxed by the sender; 3.2 of the periods of retention laid down in article RC 142, if the sender has not complied with article RC 127. In this case, however, the sender may be asked for instructions by any convenient means; 3.3 of a period corresponding to the period of retention applied in the domestic service if a COD parcel has not been paid for within that limit. 4 Every parcel shall be returned by the route normally used for dispatching the lowest priority mails. It shall not be returned by air unless the sender has guaranteed the payment of the air surcharges. However, when the designated operator returning the item no longer uses surface conveyance, it shall return undeliverable items by the most appropriate means in use. 5 An office which returns a parcel shall give the reason for non-delivery on the parcel and on the dispatch note. It shall use for this purpose a stamped impression or a CN 15 label. If there is no dispatch note, the reason for the return shall be entered on the parcel bill. The endorsement shall be made in French. Each designated operator has the option of adding a translation in its own language and any other appropriate particulars. 6 The office of destination shall strike out the address particulars with which it is concerned and write "Retour" (Return) on the front of the parcel and on the dispatch note. It shall also apply its date-stamp beside this indication. 7 Parcels shall be returned to sender in their original packing. They shall be accompanied by the dispatch note prepared by the sender. If a parcel has to be repacked or the original dispatch note replaced, the name of the office of origin of the parcel, the original serial number and, if possible, the date of posting shall appear on the new packing and on the dispatch note. 8 If an air parcel is returned to sender by surface, the "Par avion" (By airmail) label and any notes relating to transmission by air shall be automatically struck through. 9 A parcel returned to sender shall be subject to the rates entailed in the further transmission. It shall also be subject to the uncancelled charges and fees which are due to the designated operator of destination at the time of return to sender. That parcel shall be treated by the designated operator according to its own legislation. However, if the sender has abandoned a parcel which it has not been possible to deliver to the addressee, neither the sender nor other designated operators shall be required to cover any postal charges, customs duties or other fees which may be incurred in respect of such a parcel. 10 The allocation and recovery of rates, charges and fees paid on the parcel shall be made as mentioned in article RC 205. They shall be indicated in detail on a CP 77 statement of charges. This statement shall be affixed at one edge to the dispatch note. 11 The rates, charges and fees provided for under 9 shall be collected from the sender. Designated operators may however refrain from calculating the exact amount of these charges and instead fix standard rates for parcels to be returned to sender. 12 Parcels returned to the sender and undeliverable to him shall be dealt with by the designated operator concerned in accordance with its own legislation. Article RC 145 Return to sender of wrongly accepted parcels 1 Any parcel wrongly accepted and returned to sender shall be subject to the rates, charges and fees prescribed in article RC 144.9. 2 These rates, charges and fees shall be payable by the sender, if the parcel has been wrongly admitted in consequence of an error of the sender or if it falls within one of the prohibitions laid down in article 18 of the Convention. 3 They shall be payable by the designated operator responsible for the error, if the parcel has been wrongly admitted in consequence of an error attributable to the postal service. In this case the sender shall be entitled to a refund of the charges paid. 4 If the rates which have been allocated to the designated operator returning the parcel are insufficient to cover the rates, charges and fees mentioned in 1, the outstanding charges shall be recovered from the designated operator of the sender's country of residence. 5 If there is a surplus, the designated operator which sends back the parcel shall return the balance of the rates to the designated operator of the sender's country of residence for refund to the sender. Article RC 146 Return to sender due to suspension of services 1 The return of a parcel to the sender due to the suspension of services shall be free of charge. The unallocated rates collected for the outward journey shall be credited to the designated operator of the sender's country of residence for refund to the sender. Article RC 147 Non-compliance by a designated operator with given instructions 1 When the designated operator of destination or an intermediate designated operator has not complied with the instructions given at the time of posting or subsequently, it shall bear the conveyance charges (outward and return) and any other uncancelled charges or fees. Nevertheless, the charges paid for the outward journey shall remain the responsibility of the sender if he declared, at the time of posting or subsequently, that in the event of non-delivery he would abandon the parcel. 2 The designated operator of the sender's country of residence shall be authorized automatically to bill the charges referred to in 1 to the designated operator which has not complied with the instructions given and which, althoughduly informed, has allowed three months without finally settling the matter. The period shall run from the date on which that designated operator was informed of the case. 3 The provision in 2 shall also apply if the designated operator of the sender's country of residence has not been informed that the non-compliance appeared to be due to force majeure or that the parcel had been detained, seized or confiscated in accordance with the internal regulations of the country of destination. Article RC 148 Parcels containing items whose early deterioration or decay is to be feared 1 Articles contained in a parcel whose early deterioration or decay is to be feared shall be separated from other parcels in order to avoid deterioration to other parcels. If separation is impossible, the spoilt or decayed articles shall be destroyed. This provision shall apply in accordance with the national legislation of the member country. 2 When a parcel has been destroyed in accordance with 1, a formal report of the destruction shall be drawn up. A copy of the report accompanied by the dispatch note shall be sent to the office of origin. Article RC 149 Treatment of requests for withdrawal of parcels from the post or for alteration or correction of address 1 The sender of a parcel may ask for it to be returned or for its address to be altered. He must guarantee payment of the amounts due for any onward transmission. 2 However, designated operators shall have the option of not accepting the requests referred to in 1 when they do not accept them in their internal service. 3 Preparation of request 3.1 Every request for withdrawal of items from the post or for alteration or correction of address shall entail completion by the sender of a CN 17 form. One form may be used for several items posted at the same time, at the same office, by the same sender to the same addressee. 3.2 In handing in the request at the post office the sender shall prove his identity and produce the certificate of posting, if any. The designated operator of the country of origin shall assume responsibility for the proof of identity. 3.3 A request for simple correction of address (without alteration of the name or status of the addressee) may be made direct to the office of destination by the sender. The charge prescribed in 4 shall not be collected in such a case. 3.4 Through notification of the International Bureau, any designated operator may make provision for CN 17 requests concerning it to be exchanged through its central administration or through a specially appointed office. This notification shall include the name of this office. 3.5 Designated operators which exercise the option provided for under 3.4 shall bear any charges which may result from the transmission in their internal service by post or by telecommunication of the communications to be exchanged with the office of destination. Recourse to telecommunication or other similar service shall be compulsory when the sender has himself used such means and the office of destination cannot be advised in time by post. 3.6 If the item is still in the country of origin, the request shall be dealt with according to the legislation of that country. 4 Charges 4.1 The sender shall pay, for each request, a special charge the guideline maximum amount of which shall be 1.31 SDR. 4.2 The request shall be forwarded by post or by telecommunication at the sender's expense. The forwarding conditions and the provisions relating to the use of telecommunications are set out in 6 below. 4.3 The charges prescribed under 4.1 and 4.2 shall be levied only once for each request for withdrawal from the post or alteration or correction of address involving several items posted at the same time, at the same office, by the same sender to the same addressee. 5 Transmission of request by post 5.1 If the request is to be sent by post, the CN 17 form, accompanied if possible by a perfect facsimile of the envelope or of the address of the item, shall be sent direct to the office of destination under registered cover by the quickest route (air or surface). 5.2 If requests are exchanged through the central administrations, a copy of the request may, in an emergency, be sent direct by the office of origin to the office of destination. Requests sent direct shall be acted on. The items concerned shall be withheld from delivery until the arrival of the request from the central administration. 5.3 On receipt of the CN 17 form, the office of destination shall search for the item in question and take the necessary action. 5.4 The action taken by the office of destination on every request for withdrawal from the post or alteration or correction of address shall be communicated immediately to the office of origin by the quickest route (air or surface), using a copy of the CN 17 form with the "Reply of the office of destination" part duly completed. The office of origin shall inform the applicant. The same shall apply in the following circumstances: 5.4.1 fruitless searches; 5.4.2 items already delivered to the addressee; 5.4.3 item confiscated, destroyed or seized. 5.5 A non-priority or surface item shall be returned to origin by priority or by air following a request for withdrawal from the post when the sender undertakes to pay the corresponding difference in postage. When an item is redirected by priority or by air following a request for alteration or correction of address, the difference in postage corresponding to the new route shall be collected from the addressee and retained by the delivering designated operator. 6 Transmission of request by telecommunications 6.1 If the request is to be made by telecommunications, the CN 17 form shall be handed over to the corresponding service for transmission of the details to the post office of destination. The sender shall pay the corresponding charge for that service. 6.2 On receipt of the message received by telecommunications, the office of destination shall search for the item in question and take necessary action. 6.3 Any request for alteration or correction of address concerning an insured item made by telecommunications shall be confirmed by post, by the first mail, as prescribed under 5.1. The CN 17 form shall then bear at the head, in bold letters, the note "Confrmation de la demande transmise par voie des télécommunications du ..." (Confirmation of request made by telecommunications dated ...); pending such confirmation, the office of destination shall merely retain the item. However, the designated operator of destination may, on its own responsibility, act on the request made by telecommunications without waiting for confirmation by post. 6.4 If the sender of a request sent by telecommunications has asked to be notified by similar means, the reply shall be sent by this means to the office of origin. It shall inform the applicant as quickly as possible. The same shall apply if a request by telecommunications is not sufficiently explicit to identify the item with certainty. Article RC 150 Inquiries 1 Separate inquiries shall be made for uninsured and insured parcels. 2 Principles 2.1 Within the period of time prescribed in article 19 of the Convention, inquiries shall be accepted as soon as the problem is reported by the sender or the addressee. However, where a sender's inquiry concerns an undelivered parcel and the anticipated transmission time has not expired, the sender should be informed of this transmission time. 3 As a complete replacement for the sending of the CN 08 form for inquiries, designated operators shall use the common Internet-based Inquiry System, in cases involving items bearing barcoded UPU standard S10 item identifiers. The following standards shall be used: 3.1 Investigation request: an initial request from the sending designated operator to the destination designated operator asking for information from the tracking system. This shall be returned within 12 working hours where the common Internet-based Inquiry System or e-mail communication is in place. 3.2 Special search: if the investigation request is unsuccessful, the sending designated operator can ask for a check to be made, by the destination designated operator, of the distribution centres and offices that the item should have passed through en route to its destination. This shall be returned within 24 working hours where the common Internet-based Inquiry System or e-mail communication is in place 3.3 Full investigation: if the special search fails to locate the item, then a further search shall be completed within 160 working hours, after which the sending designated operator may indemnify the rightful claimant on behalf of the intermediate or destination designated operator. An appropriate authorization code should be provided electronically by the liable designated operator. If the intermediate or destination designated operator fails to return the authorization code within the prescribed time or if the information received cannot be considered as a final reply within the meaning of article RC 157.1, the sending designated operator shall indemnify the rightful claimant automatically on behalf of the intermediate or destination designated operator. 4 Designated operators are encouraged to observe the 95% target for on-time response to inquiries based on the standards specified in paragraph 3 of this article, using the common Internet-based Inquiry System with partner designated operators. 5 Preparation of request 5.1 If the intermediate or destination designated operator is not an Internet-based Inquiry System user, inquiries shall involve the preparation of a CN 08 form. 5.2 The CN 08 form shall be accompanied, whenever possible, by a facsimile of the address of the item. The inquiry form shall be completed with all the details called for, including the mandatory information on charges paid, and very legibly, preferably in roman capital letters and arabic figures, or even better, in printed characters. 5.3 If the inquiry concerns a cash-on-delivery item, it shall also be accompanied by a duplicate of the form provided for in article RC 130.3.3.1. 5.4 One form may be used for several items posted at the same time at the same office by the same sender and sent by the same route to the same addressee. 5.5 Any designated operator may, by notifying the International Bureau, ask for CN 08 inquiries concerning its service to be forwarded to the central administration or to one or more specially appointed offices. 5.6 The first designated operator to receive the CN 08 form and accompanying documents from a customer shall invariably complete its investigations within ten days and forward the CN 08 form and accompanying documents to the corresponding designated operator. The form and documents shall be returned to the designated operator which originated the inquiry as soon as possible and at the latest within two months from the date of the original inquiry or within 30 days from the date of the original inquiry if the case was reported by fax or any other electronic means. If the sender so requires, they shall be accompanied by the addressee's declaration made out on a CN 18 form and certifying the non-receipt of the item under inquiry. After the corresponding period has elapsed, a reply shall be sent by fax, e-mail or any other means of telecommunication to the designated operator of origin, at the expense of the designated operator of destination. 5.7 Replies to inquiries sent by fax or e-mail must, wherever possible, be sent by the same means. 5.8 If the sender asserts that, despite the designated operator of destination's attestation of delivery, the addressee claims not to have received the item under inquiry, the following procedure shall be followed. At the express request of the designated operator of origin, the designated operator of destination shall be obliged to provide the sender as soon as possible and, at the latest, within a period of 30 days from the date of sending of such a request, through the designated operator of origin, confirmation of the delivery by letter, CN 07 advice of delivery or some other means, signed in conformity with article RC 132.4.1, or a copy of a signature of acceptance or some other form of evidence of receipt from the recipient, in conformity with article RC 116.2 or RC 129.7. 6 Inquiries about ordinary and insured parcels if the intermediate or destination designated operator is not an Internet-based Inquiry System user. 6.1 Where an inquiry concerns ordinary parcels exchanged under the system of bulk advice, the number and date of dispatch of the mail shall be entered on the CN 08 inquiry form. The form shall, where possible, be sent by fax or e-mail, without additional cost to the customer; otherwise the inquiry shall be sent by registered post. In the latter case, the form shall be sent automatically, without a covering letter and always by the quickest route (air or surface). 6.2 If the designated operator of origin or the designated operator of destination so requests, the inquiry shall be forwarded direct from the office of origin to the office of destination. 6.3 If, upon receipt of the inquiry, the central administration of the country of destination or the specially appointed office concerned is able to say what finally happened to the item, it shall complete the "Particulars to be supplied by the service of destination" part of the CN 08 form. In cases of delayed delivery, retention or return to origin the reason shall be shown briefly on the CN 08 form. 6.4 A designated operator which is unable to establish either delivery to the addressee or correct transmission to another designated operator shall immediately order the necessary inquiry. It shall record in the "Final reply" part of the CN 08 form its decision on liability. 6.5 The CN 08 form, duly completed as prescribed under 6.3 and 6.4, shall, where possible, be returned by fax or e-mail or by the quickest route (air or surface) to the address of the office which prepared it. 6.6 The designated operator of origin shall send inquiries about parcels sent in transit à découvert at the same time to both the intermediate designated operator and the designated operator of destination. Inquiries about items contained in closed mails which have transited through one or more intermediate designated operators shall in principle be handled directly between the country of origin and the country of final destination. Nevertheless, the designated operator of origin may, in order to speed up the process of investigation, ask any intermediate designated operator to provide appropriate dispatch information. 6.6.1 Inquiries sent to intermediate designated operators that so indicate in the Parcel Post Compendium shall be accompanied by a CN 37, CN 38 or CN 41, as appropriate. The copies may be either electronic or physical, according to the principles stated under 5.6. 6.6.2 Any intermediate designated operator consulted shall forward the CN 08 form to the next designated operator, and the corresponding CN 21 form to the designated operator of origin, as soon as possible, but within a period not exceeding 10 days. 7 Inquiries about the non-return to sender of an advice of delivery 7.1 In the case provided for in article RC 132.4.3 and if an item has been delivered, the designated operator of the destination country shall obtain on the CN 07 advice of delivery form bearing the word "Duplicate" the signature of the person who has received the item. Subject to the legislative provisions of the country of the designated operator dispatching an advice of delivery, instead of obtaining a signature on the duplicate of the advice of delivery, it shall also be authorized to attach to the CN 07 form a copy of a document used in the domestic service with the signature of the person who has received the item or a copy of the electronic signature affixed upon delivery of the item. The CN 07 form shall remain attached to the CN 08 inquiry form for subsequent delivery to the claimant. 8 If the inquiry concerns a parcel posted in another country, the CN 08 form shall be forwarded to the designated operator or the specially appointed office of the designated operator of origin of the item. It shall reach it within the period prescribed for the retention of documents. The certificate of posting must be produced but shall not be attached to the CN 08 form. The latter shall be endorsed "Vu récépissé de dépôt No … le … par le bureau de …". (Seen, certificate of posting No. … issued on … by the office of …). 9 No reservations concerning the periods for the handling and settlement of inquiries may be made to this article, other than within the framework of a bilateral agreement. Chapter 5 Customs matters Article RC 151 Customs declarations and customs clearance of parcels 1 Designated operators shall accept no liability for the customs declarations. Completion of customs declarations shall be the responsibility of the sender alone. However, designated operators shall take all the necessary steps to inform their customers on how to comply with customs formalities, and specifically to ensure that CN 23 customs declarations are completed in full in order to facilitate rapid clearance of items. 2 Designated operators shall take all steps to speed up customs clearance of air parcels as much as possible. Article RC 152 Presentation-to-Customs charge 1 The guideline maximum amount of the presentation-to-Customs charge referred to in article 20.2 of the Convention which may be levied on parcels submitted to customs control in the country of origin shall be 0.65 SDR per parcel. 2 Parcels submitted to customs control in the country of destination may be subjected to a guideline maximum charge of 3.27 SDR per parcel in accordance with article 20.2 of the Convention. 3 In the absence of special agreement, the charge shall be collected at the time of delivery of the parcel to the addressee. However, in the case of parcels for delivery free of charges and fees, the presentation-to-Customs charge shall be collected by the designated operator of origin on behalf of the designated operator of destination. Article RC 153 Cancellation of customs duty and other fees 1 Designated operators shall undertake to seek from the competent authorities in their countries cancellation of the fees (including customs duty) in the case of a parcel: 1.1 returned to sender; 1.2 redirected to a third country; 1.3 abandoned by the sender; 1.4 lost in their service or destroyed because of total damage of the contents; 1.5 rifled or damaged in their service. 2 In cases of rifled or damaged parcels, cancellation of fees shall be requested only to the value of the missing contents or the depreciation suffered by the contents. Chapter 6 Liability of member countries or designated operators Article RC 154 Application of the liability of member countries or designated operators 1 Principles 1.1 Designated operators' liability shall be as binding for parcels conveyed à découvert as for those forwarded in closed mails or those returned with no reason for non-delivery given on the parcel. 1.2 Designated operators which undertake to cover risks arising from a case of force majeure shall be liable towards senders of parcels posted in their country for any loss, theft or damage due to a case of force majeure occurring at any time during transmission of the parcels. This undertaking shall also cover any redirection or return to sender. 1.3 The designated operator in whose service the loss, theft, damage or unexplained return occurred shall decide, according to the laws of its country, whether the loss, theft, damage or unexplained return damage was due to circumstances amounting to force majeure. These circumstances shall be communicated to the designated operator of the country of origin if the latter designated operator so requests. 1.4 Designated operators participating in the exchange of COD parcels shall be liable, up to the COD amount, for the delivery of COD parcels without collection of funds or against collection of a sum lower than the COD amount. Designated operators shall assume no liability for delays which may occur in the collection and dispatch of funds. 2 Conditions for payment of indemnities 2.1 Payment of indemnities resulting from the liability of the intermediate or destination designated operator shall be subject to the following conditions: 2.1.1 Subject to article RC 167.1.5, the parcel must be identified by a barcoded unique item identifier conforming to standard S10, as published in the UPU Technical Standards. 2.1.2 The inquiry must be entered in the common Internet-based Inquiry System by the designated operator of origin if both designated operators are using the system. 2.1.3 If the liable designated operator is not an Internet-based Inquiry System user, the claim shall be made in accordance with article RC 150.3. 3 Indemnities 3.1 The indemnity referred to in article 23.3.1 of the Convention shall not exceed the amounts calculated by combining the rate of 40 SDR per ordinary parcel and the rate of 4.50 SDR per kilogramme. Charges and fees paid for posting the item shall be added. 3.2 Designated operators may agree to apply, in their reciprocal relations, the amount of 130 SDR per parcel regardless of the weight. 3.3 The amount of the indemnity referred to in article 23.3.2 of the Convention for an ordinary parcel that is partially rifled or partially damaged shall not exceed the corresponding amounts mentioned in paragraph 3.1 or in paragraph 3.2 respectively for parcels that are lost, totally rifled or totally damaged. 3.4 The indemnity for the unexplained return of a postal parcel shall be commensurate with the charges paid by the sender for posting the parcel in the country of origin and the charges incurred for returning the parcel from the country of destination. Article RC 155 Delivery of a rifled or damaged parcel 1 The office making delivery of a rifled or damaged parcel shall prepare a CN 24 report on the joint inspection and have it countersigned, whenever possible, by the addressee. One copy shall be handed to the addressee or, if the parcel is refused or redirected, attached to it. One copy shall be sent under registered cover or by email or by other electronic means to the appropriate office, as listed in the Parcel Post Compendium Online, of the country to which the dispatching office of exchange belongs. 2 The designated operator of the country of origin that has received a copy of the CN 24 report in accordance with paragraph 1 or article RC 189.2 shall notify the sender that the parcel has been rifled or damaged. 3 When internal regulations so require, a parcel treated in accordance with 1 shall be returned to the sender if the addressee refuses to countersign the CN 24 report. 4 If the parcel is delivered, the copy of the CN 24 report prepared by the office of exchange in accordance with article RC 189.2 shall be dealt with in accordance with the regulations of the country of destination. If the parcel is refused, the said copy shall remain attached to the parcel. 5 If the liability assumed according to article 24.1 of the Convention has to be shared with another designated operator the request to this effect shall be sent to it by letter accompanied by a copy or a translation of the CN 24 report. Where appropriate, a copy of the CP 78 verification note mentioned in article RC 186.4 shall be attached to the letter. Article RC 156 Establishment of sender's liability 1 A designated operator which finds damage that is due to the fault of the sender shall inform the designated operator of origin, whose responsibility it is to take action against the sender where appropriate. Article RC 157 Payment of indemnity 1 The designated operator of origin or destination, as the case may be, shall be authorized to indemnify the rightful claimant on behalf of the designated operator which, having participated in the conveyance and having been duly informed, has allowed two months and, if the case was reported by fax or any other electronic means by which the receipt of inquiry can be confirmed, 30 days to pass without finally settling the matter, or without having reported: 1.1 that the damage appeared to be due to a case of force majeure; 1.2 that the item had been detained, confiscated or destroyed by the competent authority because of its contents or seized under the legislation of the country of destination. 2 The periods of two months and thirty days stipulated under 1 begin to run from the date on which the CN 08 form was duly completed by the designated operator of origin, including the necessary information concerning the transmission of dispatches. 3 This clause shall be valid only if the designated operator sent the CN 08 form to the correct address of the recipient designated operator as listed in the Parcel Post Compendium or updated by an International Bureau circular. 4 The designated operator of origin shall be authorized to indemnify the rightful claimant on behalf of the designated operator of destination which, having been duly informed about the request of the designated operator of origin to provide confirmation of delivery of the item under inquiry, mentioned in article RC 150.5.8, has allowed 30 days to pass, from the date of sending of such a request by the designated operator of origin, without replying to a second inquiry concerning inappropriate execution of service. 5 The designated operator of origin or destination, as the case may be, shall be authorized to postpone indemnifying the rightful claimant in cases where the inquiry form is not properly completed or incorrect and has to be returned foradditional information or correction, thereby causing the time limit set in 1 to be exceeded. The indemnity may be paid by the end of an additional period of two months from the date of completion or correction of the CN 08 form. Without this additional information or correction, the designated operator concerned shall be authorized not to indemnify the rightful claimant. 6 In case of an inquiry concerning a COD item, the designated operator of origin shall be authorized to indemnify the rightful claimant up to the COD amount on behalf of the designated operator of destination which, having been duly informed, has allowed two months to pass without finally settling the matter. 7 No reservations concerning the periods for the handling and settlement of inquiries and the period and conditions for the payment of indemnity and the reimbursement of paying designated operators may be made to this article, other than within the framework of a bilateral agreement. Article RC 158 Period for payment of indemnity 1 The payment of the indemnity shall be made as soon as possible and, at the latest, within a period of three months from the day following the day of inquiry. 2 No reservations concerning the period for the payment of indemnity may be made to this article, other than within the framework of a bilateral agreement. Article RC 159 Automatic payment of indemnity 1 The return of a CN 08 form in which the "Particulars to be supplied by the intermediate services or by the service of destination", "Particulars to be supplied by the service of destination" and "Final reply" sections have not been completed shall not be considered as a final reply within the meaning of article RC 157.1. Article RC 160 Determination of liability between designated operators 1 Until the contrary is proved, liability shall rest with the designated operator which having received the item without reporting a discrepancy by means of a CN 43 verification note and/or a CP 78 verification note, or a CN 37, CN 38 or CN 41 delivery bill, at the time of receipt of the mail in which the item was dispatched, and being furnished with all the prescribed means of inquiry, cannot prove either delivery to the addressee or, where appropriate, correct transfer to another designated operator. 2 If the loss, theft or damage occurs in course of conveyance without it being possible to establish in which country's territory or service it happened, the designated operators concerned shall bear the loss equally. However, in the case of an uninsured parcel, when the amount of indemnity does not exceed the amount calculated in article 23.3.1 of the Convention for a parcel of one kilogramme, this sum shall be borne equally by the designated operator of origin and the designated operator of destination, intermediate designated operators being excluded. 3 As regards insured items, the liability of a designated operator towards other designated operators shall in no case exceed the maximum insured value that it has adopted. 4 Designated operators not providing the insured items service shall assume, in respect of such items conveyed in closed mails, the liability laid down for registered items and/or for uninsured parcels. This provision shall also apply when designated operators do not accept liability for insured items carried on board the ships or aircraft used by them. 5 If the loss, theft or damage of an insured item occurs in the territory or service of an intermediate designated operator which does not provide the insured items service, the designated operator of origin shall bear the loss not covered by the intermediate designated operator. The same rule shall apply if the amount of the damage is higher than the maximum insured value adopted by the intermediate designated operator. 6 Customs duty and other duties of which it has not been possible to secure cancellation shall be borne by the designated operator liable for the loss, theft or damag