UPU*Clearing - Celebrating 20 years of success

UPU*Clearing is the UPU's efficient, low-cost solution for settling international accounts between Posts.

Members simply consolidate their invoices using the system's centralized online platform and pay their debts with one easy payment per month in euros (EUR) and/or United States dollars (USD). More than 430 million SDR processed in 2022

The interface also allows comment on, change, accept or refuse electronic bills via a discussion platform.

Our members not only use the system to handle bills related to terminal dues, but also for Quality of Service Fund (QSF) payments, the UPU's Postal Technology Centre (PTC), and more, allowing them to reap benefits such as:

  • Reduced costs
  • Security
  • Dependable repayment
  • Flexibility

According to a 2022 survey, members awarded UPU*Clearing a 100% satisfaction rate. All respondents agreed that the system was efficient, easy to use, ensured debts were paid to them in a timely manner and helped manage any discrepancies or disputes.

Some also noted significant savings:

  • 89% of UPU*Clearing members find the annuel contribution paid reasonable for the service provided
  • 92% of members realized significant reductions in payment-related banking fees
  • 86% of members have significantly reduced their cash collection fees since using the system

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

UPU*Clearing is an efficient and low-cost means of settling international postal accounts.
The system is accessible online via an Internet portal. It is a receivables-driven system, meaning that the creditor bills the debtor. UPU*Clearing consolidates transactions and calculates settlements. Payments are centralized, with just one monthly payment for each debtor.

The yearly membership fee is based on the contribution classes used for the UPU's regular budget.

UPU*Clearing contribution class Regular UPU budget contribution units Annual Contribution in CHF
1 0.1–1 1,125
2 1.1–9.9 5,625
3 ≥10 11,250
Training and continuous support is provided by the UPU*Clearing Secretariat.
As payments are centralized, there are fewer movements of funds and, consequently, less banking fees. Additionally, collection is guaranteed, meaning that there are no related collection fees, and as most of the work is done by the Secretariat, there is a reduction in administrative work for the local finance team.
The system is accessible via an Internet portal using a username and a password managed by the UPU*Clearing Secretariat. Only transactions related to the operator are visible.
The benefits of UPU*Clearing can already be enjoyed as soon as the operator starts using it, even if the number of partner members is low. Benefits then increase when more operators join the system.
Payments are closely monitored by the Secretariat. Since the launch of the system in 2003, there have been no cases of non-payment. Only operators who can give their 100 per cent commitment to make the payment in accordance with the payment terms are accepted into the UPU*Clearing User Group. In some cases, a deposit may be required and used for payment as necessary.
UPU*Clearing is a system for the settlement of international postal accounts. There is a monthly compensation. PPS*Clearing is used to settle postal payment services. There is a weekly settlement.

The UPU*Clearing User Group is a body established under the UPU Postal Operations Council (POC) and is regulated by its own rules of procedure. The clearing system itself is also governed by specific clearing rules. The group is composed by the General Assembly and the Steering Committee.

The General Assembly meets once a year and is responsible for the election of the Steering Committee, taking strategic decisions concerning the activities of the UPU*Clearing User Group, and approving the UPU*Clearing User Group accounts and budget.

The Steering Committee is composed of five persons elected ad personam from among ordinary members of the UPU*Clearing User Group. One of its functions is to report annually to the General Assembly and the POC. The Steering Committee also submits the budget and accounts to the General Assembly and prepares the agenda for each meeting of the UPU*Clearing User Group in consultation with the Secretariat.

The process for joining is very quick and practical. The Secretariat can provide the membership forms. Once these are completed, an invoice is issued. When payment is received, the Secretariat provides training using the test system. Activation of new members can be done straight away, though it is preferable to activate new members at the start of a monthly clearing cycle.

Testimonials on UPU*Clearing

Brazil

"The payment processing time has been reduced from an average of six months to a maximum of 55 days, as all payments are processed by the 25th day of the month following the one in which the transaction took place. The system has enabled the Brazilian Post to produce an administrable cash flow, which had never been possible in its international accounts. Brazilian legislation, and probably that of other countries, requires 25 per cent of funds sent abroad to be withheld as income tax."

Brazil Post

Denmark

"From the start, we all experienced UPU*Clearing as an efficient tool for notifications and control of notifications. The daily routines have become much simpler – accepted invoices can be put into the UPU*Clearing system and your counterpart can see its payables immediately and react instantly."

PostNord Danmark

United Arab Emirates

"As a user from the start of the UPU*Clearing system, I would like to express my satisfaction with the technique and technology of the system and the vast support received from the managing team. By providing comfortable procedures together with recent technological support, UPU*Clearing greatly reduces our efforts with the clearance of accounts."

Emirates Post

Switzerland

"In comparison with the direct payments used so far with other operators for the settlement of international accounts, our practical experience with UPU*Clearing shows the following major advantages for all partner operators:

  • Every single transaction can be individually included, excluded or accepted in the monthly clearing runs, which ensures an effective and thorough control of transactions
  • Centralized banking functions increase security and greatly reduce the number of payments, which of course equally reduces banking fees
  • More direct and, consequently, effective contact with the persons in charge in the different partner countries by means of a messaging facility included in the system
  • Less paperwork thanks to the documents automatically generated by the system
  • Easily accessible for all postal operators, provided a good Internet connection is available
  • Much quicker settlement of outstanding balances
  • User-friendly system
  • Effective and helpful assistance by the UPU* Clearing Secretariat
  • An increasing number of worldwide partner member countries
  • We are delighted with the result for our own operator and thus have come to believe that UPU*Clearing could also be of interest to you, we therefore hope to get you interested in this system."

Swiss Post

Key documents

Members