ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumTrump 45 · R Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum

Modernizing the Monetary Reimbursement Model for the Delivery of Goods Through the International Postal System and Enhancing the Security and Safety of International Mail

This memorandum directs U.S. officials to push for reforms at the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to end below-cost terminal dues for foreign-origin packages, ensure fair competition between postal and private carriers, and require advance electronic customs data. It threatens unilateral U.S. action—including self-declared rates—if the September 2018 UPU Extraordinary Congress fails to achieve these reforms, and requires a progress report by November 1, 2018.

Federal Register Open PDF 83 FR 47791

Impact dates

  1. 90% advance electronic customs data target for international mail goods (from March 2018 opioid initiative)

  2. Secretary report to President on implementation and recommendations

  3. UPU Second Extraordinary Congress in Ethiopia (negotiations)

Key directives

  • Secretary of State to notify UPU Director General of U.S. policies
  • Secretary or designee to seek agreement on UPU Convention texts at September 2018 Extraordinary Congress
  • Secretary to submit report to President by November 1, 2018, with recommendations including possible self-declared rates if insufficient progress
  • U.S. to consider 'any appropriate actions' including self-declared rates if UPU negotiations fail

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Secretary of State to notify UPU Director General of U.S. policies and intentions

Near term (90d)

  • UPU Second Extraordinary Congress in Ethiopia (September 2018)
  • Secretary to seek agreement on Convention texts at UPU meetings
  • Secretary report due November 1, 2018 on implementation steps and possible self-declared rates

Long term

  • Potential U.S. adoption of self-declared rates if reforms fail
  • 3-year target for 90% advance electronic customs data on international mail goods (per March 2018 opioid initiative)

Risks & tensions

  • Threat of U.S. withdrawal or unilateral rate-setting could destabilize 144-year-old UPU system
  • Self-declared rates risk retaliatory measures from other countries against USPS and U.S. exporters
  • Distinguishing documents from goods may increase administrative burden on postal operators
  • Advance electronic data requirements may disadvantage developing countries' postal systems
  • Vague 'any appropriate actions' in Section 3(b) leaves escalation path uncertain
Presidential Memorandum: Modernizing the Monetary Reimbursement Model for the Delivery of Goods Through the International Postal System and Enhancing the Security and Safety of International Mail · Executive Orders