International Post tracking
How to track my International Post package?
Ordertracker provides a simple solution to track your International Post packages. To begin, you'll need a International Post tracking number provided by the sender or the retailer.
Enter your tracking number in the above field and hit "enter." Our tracker will then fetch the latest tracking details for your package.
You'll see a timeline showing your package's journey, including its current location, transit history, and expected delivery date. This keeps you informed about your International Post package in real time.
Where can I find my International Post tracking number?
Finding your International Post tracking number is usually simple. When you buy an item online or send a package, the tracking number is typically given by the online store or sender. If you're the recipient, the sender often provides it via email, text, or on the order confirmation page.
For online purchases, log in to your store account to find the tracking number in your order history or tracking section. You can also find it in shipping notifications sent to your email or phone.
Once you have the tracking number, you can easily use Ordertracker to monitor your package's progress. This tool shows your package's journey and estimated delivery date.
Why isn't my International Post package moving in the package tracking history?
Dealing with a International Post package that appears stuck in tracking can be frustrating. Yet, there are steps to tackle this. If you've been using Ordertracker and see no progress, start by being patient. Delays, like customs or logistical issues, can arise.
If the delay remains, contact International Post or the sender for specifics. They can offer insight or investigate. Keep your tracking number ready for a smoother process. Sometimes, misrouting or address errors cause delays. Confirm the details provided to you by the sender. Remember, International Post customer service or the sender can help resolve shipping delays.
When I track my International Post package, why does it show as "returned"?
If you're tracking your International Post package and it's marked as "returned", this usually means that the package has been sent back to the sender or the shipment origin location for a specific reason. There are a few common explanations for why a International Post package might be labeled as "returned":
An unclear or inaccurate address from sender or recipient might lead International Post to be unable to deliver, resulting in a return.
If multiple delivery attempts fail, International Post may return the package instead of holding it indefinitely.
If the recipient doesn't collect the package within a timeframe from a post office or delivery center, International Post might return it.
International packages can be return due to customs problems like missing or incorrect documents.
If your International Post package is "returned" in tracking, contact the sender or International Post customer service. This clarifies the return reason and lets you explore solutions like resending or refunding. Please note that return procedures can vary based on International Post policies and circumstances.
Why does the International Post parcel tracking timeline indicate that my order cannot be found?
When your International Post parcel tracking lacks information, it may indicate a "cannot be found" message. This happens for a few reasons:
Ensure your tracking number is accurate. Even a small mistake can prevent the system from recognizing your package.
Sometimes, tracking details might be slower to update in International Post system. Wait and check again later for potential updates.
If the package was recently sent, it might not be processed by International Post yet. Tracking should appear shortly.
About International Post
International Post, also known as the Universal Postal Union (UPU), is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates and regulates international postal services. It was established in 1874 and currently has 192 member countries. The UPU plays a crucial role in promoting and facilitating international mail and parcel services, setting standards for international postage rates, and fostering cooperation among postal operators worldwide. With its extensive network and collaborative efforts, International Post ensures efficient and reliable cross-border mail delivery, contributing to global communication and trade.
How to contact International Post?
If you are experiencing issues with the delivery process managed by International Post, please do not hesitate to contact their customer support.
Intergovernmental organization structuring global postal exchanges
The Universal Postal Union is the intergovernmental organization that structures international postal exchanges. It does not transport shipments or operate a distribution network. Its mission is to establish common rules, standards, and procedures so that designated postal operators in each country can accept, transport, clear, and deliver letters and parcels across borders with guaranteed interoperability.
Based in Bern, the institution brings together postal authorities around a body of legal acts, technical tools, and quality management mechanisms. Thanks to this framework, a shipment accepted by a national operator can be recognized, routed, and delivered by another operator in the destination country, while maintaining consistent traceability.
Role of the UPU in global logistics
The UPU acts as a standardizer and technical arbitrator. It defines the rules of exchange between designated operators, promotes common electronic message formats, oversees cooperation with customs, and encourages alignment with other transport chain actors such as airlines and ground operators. The UPU works on process design, service quality, and security, while daily execution is ensured by member posts and their transport partners.
UPU governance structure
Governance revolves around a periodic congress that sets directions and adopts acts, a council responsible for administration and regulatory oversight, and a council dedicated to postal operations. An international bureau provides permanent secretariat services, develops technical standards, and supports operators in their implementation. This architecture allows the common framework to be adjusted to market, technology, and national regulatory developments.
Legal framework and operator responsibilities
The UPU's legal framework includes a constitution, general regulations, and a postal convention with detailed regulations. Designated operators commit to applying these provisions for the collection, processing, exchange, and distribution of international shipments. Obligations cover service quality, security, data exchange, compliance with prohibited content, exception management, and cooperation for inquiries and claims.
Technical specifications for data exchange
To ensure interoperability, the UPU publishes specifications for computerized data exchanges used at each stage of the journey. They describe message content, sequencing, and validation rules.
- Alert and tracking messages based on standardized events that describe acceptance, movements in exchange centers, transfers of responsibility, customs operations, and delivery.
- Dispatch and loading pre-advice allowing the announcement of bags, cages, and loading units, as well as planned routes. These messages align physical content and data.
- Transport interfaces to notify handover and receipt with air or ground carriers, with loading unit references and reliable timestamps.
- Advance electronic data related to commercial shipments, including goods description, origin, declared value, and seller and buyer information, for risk analysis and customs procedures.
Numbering and tracking system for shipments
The UPU standardizes a tracking identifier composed of two letters, nine digits, and two letters indicating the country of origin. Alphanumeric prefixes indicate service categories, and the suffix uses the alpha-2 country code. This identifier is printed on the shipping label, encoded as a barcode, and conveyed in electronic messages to ensure consistency between scans, transfers, and tracking updates.
This coding allows the destination country's operator to recognize the item, integrate it into their own systems, and produce harmonized tracking events. The presence of a check digit enhances reading integrity and limits errors during sorting operations.
Standardized operational process
The journey of an international shipment follows a sequence of operational milestones based on UPU standards. This sequence may vary depending on object categories and transport links, but it follows a common logic.
- Admission at the counter, partner agency, or by pickup. The item is accepted, labeled, and associated with an S10 number.
- Domestic consolidation in national processing centers, then transfer to a departure exchange center.
- Dispatch constitution where items are grouped by destination in identified bags or loading units. Announcement messages are sent to the destination partner and carriers.
- International transport by air, road, rail, or sea depending on the chosen routes.
- Arrival in the destination country with receipt of dispatches at an arrival exchange center, integrity check, and routing to customs circuits.
- Customs processing including risk analysis, document verification, and any recipient formalities.
- Delivery by the designated operator of the destination country, with home delivery, delivery against signature, availability at a postal contact point, or automatic locker according to local service.
Customs cooperation and advance data
Cooperation with customs administrations relies on the exchange of structured advance electronic data. Sender and recipient information, goods description, quantity, and commercial references enable risk assessment and channeling to the appropriate path. Postal systems transmit this data in advance, then enrich the file with arrival and presentation events to authorities.
Declarative forms affixed to the shipment and electronic messages must describe the goods in sufficient detail for the application of import rules. Designated operators then coordinate the collection of any additional documents and the collection of duties and taxes when required by the destination country's regulations.
Service quality monitoring
Service quality is measured using common indicators on timeliness, flow integrity, data completeness, and claim satisfaction. Measurement programs and audit frameworks allow performance tracking, bottleneck identification, and the dissemination of best practices among operators. The availability of reliable and correctly sequenced tracking events is a central lever for continuous improvement.
Security and risk management
The security system relies on the prevention of prohibited shipments, control of dangerous goods, and detection of illicit content. Systematic data exchange, traceability of responsibility transfers, and actor authentication contribute to risk management. Operators apply secure sorting, controlled routing, and incident management procedures, with recovery scenarios in case of major disruptions.
Interoperability with carriers
Postal dispatches are frequently handled by third-party carriers. The UPU specifies messages to notify handover, acceptance, cargo, and return of units, to align physical reality with data. The goal is to avoid information breaks, improve predictability, and offer the final recipient continuous visibility despite the multiplicity of actors.
Programs and collaborations within the UPU
Beyond the legal framework, the UPU hosts operational programs that promote process harmonization, team training, and tool sharing. Technical communities develop implementation guides, message manuals, and testing procedures to support operators in compliance and performance optimization.
Exception and claim management
Exception handling must be documented and traceable. Operators exchange inquiry messages to locate an item, verify a transfer of responsibility, clarify a customs status, or organize a reshipment. Responses rely on event history, handling scans, and loading unit records. Response times and modalities are governed by common rules to ensure effective and fair resolution.
Proof of delivery and shipment tracking
Some services require proof of delivery. In this case, the origin and destination operators apply additional milestones related to signature, chain of custody security, and recipient or agent identity verification. Tracking events include attempt, notice, re-presentation, pending, and actual delivery, to provide complete traceability.
Standardized labeling and optical reading
Shipping labels are designed to withstand the physical constraints of transport while ensuring reliable reading by sorting systems. The barcode associated with the S10 number is the indexing key. Standardized information areas indicate the origin operator, internal references, and handling instructions. Clear printing, sufficient contrast, and consistent positioning are required to limit non-readings and sorting errors.
Digital transformation of the postal sector
The growth of online commerce has reinforced the UPU's role in standardizing data exchanges. Sending complete information in advance, validating message quality, aligning with customs requirements, and disseminating events in near real-time are priorities. The goal is to make postal transport more predictable and transparent, especially for merchant items.
Tracking terminology and logistics events
The tracking statuses observed by recipients reflect standardized events. They describe admission, movements between facilities, handover to a carrier, arrival in the destination country, presentation to authorities, delivery, and closure. Exception events document unsuccessful attempts, information requests, redirections, returns, and declared losses. This harmonized terminology allows operators to provide clear and comparable information, regardless of the country.
Use of standardized tracking
When the origin operator records a scan, the information is shared with the destination partner and feeds the consultation interfaces. Upon arrival, exchange facilities confirm receipt of dispatches and then publish events at the item level. Customs authorities can trigger dedicated milestones related to presentation, examination, release, or a request for documents. Events associated with delivery provide confirmation of passage, pending, or delivery, with useful details for the recipient.
Alignment and continuous improvement
Standardization is not enough if not accompanied by audits, feedback, and action plans. Operators use status analysis to identify areas of variability, measure scan completeness, reduce latency between events, and ensure reliable transfers of responsibility. The dissemination of guides and best practices helps standardize journeys and raise the service level in countries where infrastructures are rapidly evolving.
Tracking status table
The labels below reflect the standardized terminology used by postal operators within the UPU framework. The formulations are in French, simple, and user-oriented. Each description clearly specifies what the status reflects in the logistics journey.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Item handed over by sender | The shipment has been entrusted to the origin operator and is awaiting acceptance |
| Accepted by the origin office | The origin post office has validated admission and created the tracking number |
| Preparation in the origin network | The shipment is being processed in a domestic center for export |
| Arrived at the departure exchange center | The shipment has reached the international facility from which dispatches depart |
| Sorting completed at the departure exchange center | International sorting has been completed and the item is ready for dispatch constitution |
| Dispatch constituted | The item has been placed in a dispatch or identified loading unit for the destination |
| Departure from the departure exchange center | The dispatch has left the origin facility and is heading to the transit point or destination |
| Handed over to the carrier | The operator has handed the dispatch to the carrier responsible for the international segment |
| In international transit | The shipment is moving between countries by air, road, rail, or sea |
| Arrived in the destination country | The dispatch has reached the territory of the recipient country and is awaiting arrival processing |
| Arrived at the arrival exchange center | The shipment is received by the international facility of the destination country |
| Integrity check completed | The dispatch content has been checked and the item is identified without anomaly |
| Presented to customs authorities | The shipment file has been submitted for customs evaluation |
| Electronic data received by customs | Advance information has been accepted by the competent administration |
| Customs clearance in progress | Authorities are examining content compliance and applicable regulations |
| Additional documents required | Additional information is needed to finalize the check |
| Customs clearance completed | Formalities are completed and the shipment can continue its journey |
| Shipment subject to duties and taxes | Amounts are to be collected from the recipient according to local regulations |
| Transferred to the distribution operator | The shipment is handed over to the distribution network of the destination country |
| Arrived at the distribution agency | The item is located in the facility serving the recipient's area |
| In transit to the recipient | The parcel is entrusted to a delivery agent for the round |
| Delivery attempt made | A presentation took place but delivery could not be completed |
| Notice of passage left | A notice informs the recipient of the new presentation or pickup arrangements |
| Pending at the postal point | The shipment is available for pickup at a postal facility |
| New presentation scheduled | A second delivery is planned according to local procedures |
| Delivered | The shipment has been handed over to the recipient and tracking is closed |
| Delivered to an authorized representative | Delivery was made to a person authorized to receive the shipment |
| Delivered to a post office box | The item was placed in the recipient's post office box |
| Not delivered recipient absent | Delivery failed because no one could receive the shipment |
| Not delivered insufficient address | The provided address does not allow distribution and an instruction is required |
| Not delivered refused by recipient | The recipient refused to take charge of the shipment |
| Held for security check | An additional check is necessary before continuing the journey |
| Held by customs | The customs administration has detained the shipment for further examination |
| Redirected to another facility | The shipment has been redirected to a site better suited for its processing |
| Sorting error corrected | A routing anomaly was detected and resolved |
| Delivery delayed exceptional conditions | Distribution is delayed due to an event impacting the network |
| Delivery delayed weather conditions | Weather disruptions temporarily delay distribution |
| Delivery delayed network saturation | A volume exceeding local capacity extends processing time |
| Address corrected by operator | The operator adjusted the delivery information to allow handover |
| Return to sender initiated | A return process has been initiated according to current rules |
| Return in progress | The shipment is moving to the country of origin as part of the return |
| Returned to sender | The item has been handed over to the sender and the case is closed |
| Shipment seized by authorities | A competent authority has permanently detained the shipment |
| Shipment abandoned | The shipment was abandoned according to local regulations after lack of instructions |
| Shipment awaiting instructions | A client decision is required to continue processing |
| Shipment placed in temporary storage | The item is kept in a secure area awaiting further action |
| Missing parcel investigation opened | No recent scan has been recorded and a search is underway |
| Damaged in transit | Damage was detected and an examination is underway |
| Shipment canceled by sender | The sender requested the process to stop before distribution |
| Address not located | The address does not match any known distribution point in the served area |
| Recipient not found | No corresponding person or entity was identified at the indicated address |
| Security measure applied | Specific protocols require special handling before proceeding |
| Ready for pickup at the counter | The shipment can be picked up by the recipient with an ID |
| Pickup completed at the counter | The recipient picked up the shipment and acknowledged receipt |
| Recipient instruction recorded | A new instruction has been received and integrated into shipment processing |
| Proof of delivery archived | The proof of distribution has been retained by the destination operator |
| Shipment declared lost | After investigation, the item is considered lost and the case is closed |