A multilateral data sharing framework for the postal sector

A multilateral data sharing framework for the postal sector

Data is the fuel driving #postal activities. For that reason, the Universal Postal Union and its 192 #memberstates have developed and implemented a #multilateral data sharing framework to facilitate the mandatory #exchange of #data which has become the lifeblood of #global #postaldelivery.

The framework has been designed to:

· broadly replicate the substance of privately established instruments, ensuring the seamless and smooth transition towards the new, multilateral #datasharingframework and avoiding #disruption to #International postal operations;
· be managed and regularly updated under the auspices of the #UPU for the #postaloperations of the designated #postaloperators as well as the #postalsector as a whole; and
· progressively cater to region-specific #dataprotection requirements where they may apply to international postal operations regulated by the Acts of the Union and the #postal sector.

Establishing the terms and conditions for the exchange of data which international cross-border postal #services need to operate ensures that UPU member countries will observe the relevant international legal #obligations.

The multilateral framework covers the:

· processing and storing of postal data, including personal data associated with any postal item; and
· data driven processes in cross-border postal services, #customs and security formalities, and related freight and transport #informationservices.
Clearly defining the scope of the multilateral agreement ensures that the parties only use #data for the purposes specified in the multilateral data sharing framework, apart from operational purposes intrinsically associated with the exchange of international postal items, such as #law enforcement, #nationalsecurity, routeing, or as required by a party’s national #legislation.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆

By providing contractual certainty for its parties and a legally sound #framework for multilateral data sharing, the #agreement is a means of fulfilling important #missions of public interest as well as the #performance of contractual obligations with customers of international postal services as defined and regulated by the UPU and the postal sector.

The mandatory #obligation to #exchange data in advance on any postal item containing goods was introduced on 1 January 2021. As a result, a multilateral framework to facilitate and enable #global #dataflows, one which upholds high #privacy and #securitystandards, is critical for the free flow of data in the postal sector.