15 December (Berne, Switzerland) – Since its introduction on 1 October 1907, the international reply coupon (IRC) has accompanied generations of correspondents, travellers and collectors across the world. Serving as a truly universal paper currency, it enables the holder to pay for postage of an unregistered international airmail letter between the UPU’s 192 member countries.
For almost 120 years and across 10 successive models, the IRC has embodied the values of universality, fairness and solidarity upon which the universal postal service is founded.On 17 September 2025, at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), the UPU member countries decided, with a view to adapting and simplifying the universal services, to discontinue the IRC as of 31 December 2026. This decision is a natural progression within the broader transformation of international postal services, in alignment with the digital practices and modern outlook of their customers.
The UPU International Bureau is proud to provide support in this transition and is currently working towards the IRC’s transformation into a part of the UPU’s heritage, in keeping with its history and unique role in global postal cooperation. IRCs will remain valid and available for sale by and exchange with the designated operators of UPU member countries until 31 December 2026.
Lastly, in celebration of the exceptional legacy of the IRC, a special commemorative product will be released. Tracing the history of the IRC and offering an unprecedented customer experience, this product will honour this iconic page in the history of philately and the UPU.
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For press inquiries, please contact:
Yana Brugier, BrugierY@upu.int
About the Universal Postal Union (UPU):
Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the postal sector. With its 192 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players, helping ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. In this way, the organization fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and provides technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel, and financial services volumes and improve quality of service for customers.