Just thought I would post the updates I have gotten from DHL because it would also apply to Auspost international packages and mail.
DHL is the German post office, so they, like Auspost, have reciprocal deals with the local post offices of other countries. This means that these delays and mail halts would also apply to Auspost.
March 6
"Current longer than expected transit times:
China, Macau and Northern Italy
Please note we are still processing shipments to the above destinations, however due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), delays should be expected for final mile delivery.
UK
Due to heavy rain and snow Royal Mail advised that delivery has been suspended in areas with postcodes starting with prefixes DE, HR, SY, TF, WR, WV, DG, DH, HU, LA, NE and YO.
Israel
Significant delays to final mile deliveries should be expected due to the security situation in Israel."
March 13
"Current Impact of COVID-19
South Korea Service Suspension
Our flights to South Korea have been suspended up until 31 March 2020, please note we cannot process any South Korea shipments, effective immediately.
China and Italy
We are still processing shipments to the above destinations, however delays should be expected for final mile delivery.
The Italian Post Office, Poste Italiane, is continuing operations in compliance with strict ad hoc measures in line with government directives.
Service Updates
Finland: Finnish Post (Posti) has introduced a handling fee of EUR2.90 for any shipments exceeding EUR22.00 in value, arriving from outside the European Union. This fee will be charged directly to the receiver, effective 31 Jan, 2020.
Moldova has reduced the customs duty exemption limit on imported goods. The new de minimis is EUR200.00.
RWANDA: Rwanda Post can issue SMS alerts to customers regarding the arrival of their parcels. To avail of this service please provide a valid mobile phone number for the receiver whenever possible.
New Zealand: please be reminded that all shipments with a declared value of NZD1,000 or more will incur Custom Broker Fees, Duty and Tax."
March 17
"We are addressing you to provide an important update on the outbreak of COVID-19 and the impact on our operations.
Current Impact of COVID-19 on DHL eCommerce Solutions Australia
Our flights to Spain and South Korea have been temporarily suspended, effective immediately, we cannot process any shipments for these destinations. US Parcel Direct transit times are currently delayed by two days. Effective 19 March two airlines will suspend their SYD-LAX service, this will impact US Transit Times for all services.
We are expecting further service disruptions to all major lanes in the immediate future. Airfreight is reliant on passenger flights, the reduction in passenger flights around the world will cause severe capacity issues for airfreight. DHL eCommerce Solutions is working on different routing and solutions to adapt to these unprecedented challenges, however please expect delays of up to seven business days or more on current transit times. As per our General Terms and Conditions, clause 11("Force Majeure"), DHL is not liable to pay compensation for loss or damage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a globally operating company, epidemic and pandemic risk scenarios are an integral part of the Group's continuous risk planning. Accordingly, DPDHL business operations are continually adapted to mitigate potential impacts. In order to closely monitor and manage the current COVID-19 outbreak, a Deutsche Post DHL Group coronavirus task force has been established, led by our Group CEO Dr. Frank Appel.
The safety of our employees and customers is paramount and the situation is changing rapidly, therefore constant monitoring is required. Each of our divisions manages its operations to guarantee, to the extent possible, an undisrupted service to our customers. Hence, all our divisions are mobilizing their respective Business Continuity Plans, including pandemic operating plans, and implementing preventive actions as appropriate. These include daily updates to reduce exposure to and transmission of the coronavirus, self-quarantine precautionary measures in line with official authorities’ guidance, flexible working schedules, and a travel ban to high-risk regions.
We understand the rising concern regarding the risk of contagion. As a global service company with over 500,000 employees we thoroughly ensure our organizations in all countries operate following the protocols of official authorities, both international organizations and local country health authority advisories, whichever sets the strictest rules.
We thank you for your understanding, support and trust in our service."
