News
25 August 2004
New Issue of Postage Due Labels from Hongkong Post
Hongkong Post today announced that a set of newly designed Postage Due Labels will be issued on Thursday, 23 September 2004. This new set of labels has a distinctive identity, using vivid colours and artistic writing to depict both "Due" and the stylised Chinese character "欠". The full set comprises six denominations, i.e. 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $5 and $10.
The new labels are designed by local artist Mr. Grand So. Printing is done in the Netherlands by specialist printing company Joh. Enschedé B.V.
"The release of a complete new set of Postage Due Labels at this time updates the existing design in a way that is very much in keeping with the image of today's Hongkong Post, an organisation committed to quality and excellence," says Postmaster General, Mr. Allan CHIANG.
Postage Due Labels are used by the Post Office for the surcharging of postal articles for which postage is unpaid or underpaid. As Postage Due Labels are not postage stamps , they cannot be accepted for prepayment of postage. Hence, no hand-back datestamping service will be available on the first day of issue.
Philatelists who wish to receive a first day datestamp impression on their own covers may make use of the advance order service. Advance orders for servicing self-provided / official souvenir cover will be accepted at all post offices (except mobile post offices) from 26 August to 1 September 2004. The service charge is $19.30 for each self-provided cover comprising a full set of datestamped labels, and $20.30 for each official souvenir cover. Customers may collect the serviced covers on 23 September 2004 from the post office where they placed the order.
Information about philatelic products associated with this issue and sales restriction starting from 23 September 2004 at 39 philatelic offices follows:
| Products | Unit Selling Price | Sales Restriction Per Queuing Customer |
|---|---|---|
| Mint labels (6 denominations) | 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $5, $10 |
|
| Presentation Pack (with a set of 6 labels) | $25 | 5 packs |
| Serviced Souvenir Cover comprising a set of 6 labels datestamped with the double ring datestamp "GPO-20" (only available at 39 philatelic offices on 23 September 2004) | $20.30 | 5 covers |
Information about this issue and the sale of associated philatelic products can also be obtained from any post office or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline 2785 5711.
The enclosed photograph shows the Postage Due Labels to be issued on 23 September 2004, including Mint labels (top), Souvenir Cover (middle) and Presentation Pack (bottom).