Clause 4-A: Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU)

The Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) was founded in 1961. Initially, the headquarters was in Manila, Philippines. Later, the headquarters was moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where it is currently located.

Purpose: The purpose of the union is to extend, facilitate and improve the postal relations between the member-countries in the Asian Pacific region and promote co-operation among them in the field of postal services. India joined the APPU in 1973. Currently, 32 countries are members of the APPU (Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu).

Tariffs & Regulations: The convention of the APPU is binding on all member-countries. It provides that a member-country may apply for surface letter post items addressed to other member-countries, reduced charges which are not more than 85% of their international surface rates. For airmail to APPU countries, international rates apply (international surface mail rate plus appropriate air surcharge). Exchange of items other than letter post items is governed by the relevant Agreements of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

Asian-Pacific Postal College (APPC): APPU also runs the Asian-Pacific Postal College (APPC) founded in 1970, supporting the training and development of member states' postal staff.