Question & AnswerQ&A (PSC CIRCULAR NO. 92-52)
The International Express Mail Service between the Philippines and the USA started on September 21, 1992.
IEMS items should be properly packed with strong wrapping materials. Fragile items must have cushioning, liquids must be enclosed in leak-proof containers placed within a protective box surrounded by absorbent materials to soak up any leaks.
An IEMS item must not exceed 1.5 meters in any one dimension, nor 2 meters in the sum of length plus greatest circumference, and must not weigh more than 20 kilograms. Different countries may have different weight limits.
Every EMS packet or parcel should be attached with Customs Declaration Form (C1, C2/CP3, CP5). Contents should be clearly described, specifying if they are business papers, gifts, samples, or merchandise with their net value and weight.
Yes. The Universal Postal Union (UPU) Convention's prohibitions and the List of Prohibited Articles by the International Bureau of the UPU apply to EMS items.
The acceptance office must fill up the self-carbonated receipt completely and clearly, give the duplicate copy to the sender, paste/staple the original copy to the item, and retain the triplicate copy for their records.
Incoming IEMS items should be immediately delivered to the addressee's premises unless the items are merchandise subject to Customs examination. Undeliverable items must be returned promptly to the Special Services Center with proper notation.
Every acceptance office must submit a Monthly Report on the volume of IEMS items accepted per country of destination and the postage revenue collected, no later than the 5th day of the following month.
A special EMS envelope is provided free of charge to customers sending important business papers and documents requiring added protection, such as brochures, tickets, passports, photographs, and manuscripts, among others.
Clerks must be knowledgeable about countries with EMS service, including reciprocal agreements and applicable rates, and ensure proper handling and documentation of IEMS items. The EMS acceptance window should also display EMS signs and logos.