Hongkong Post

Corporate brand

Hongkong Post is Hong Kong’s government-operated postal service and a trading-fund department providing mail, parcel, express, philatelic, logistics and electronic-certification services.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

Hongkong Post is the postal service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It is a government department rather than a separately incorporated commercial company, but it operates commercially through the Post Office Trading Fund. Its activities cover the collection, processing and delivery of domestic and international mail; parcel and courier services; express delivery; direct-mail and fulfilment solutions; philatelic products; payment and remittance services; and electronic authentication services under the Hongkong Post e-Cert brand. Hongkong Post is institutionally separate from China Post, although it cooperates with Mainland and overseas postal administrations. The organisation traces its origins to the creation of Hong Kong’s Postal Department on 28 August 1841, shortly after the establishment of the British settlement. The first post office opened on 12 November 1841 near the present site of St John’s Cathedral. Postal operations initially involved the Royal Mail, with responsibility transferred to the Postmaster General in 1860. Hong Kong issued its first postage stamps on 8 December 1862, establishing a philatelic tradition that remains one of the service’s most visible public-facing activities. Hongkong Post became a sub-member of the Universal Postal Union in 1877. During the colonial period, stamps and post boxes reflected British administration. Following the 1997 transfer of sovereignty, the service continued under the Hongkong Post name and stamps adopted the designation “Hong Kong, China.” The organisation’s modern identity combines continuity in universal postal service with adaptation to electronic communications, online commerce and international parcel flows. A major structural change occurred on 1 August 1995, when the Post Office Trading Fund was established under Hong Kong’s Trading Funds Ordinance. The trading-fund model gave Hongkong Post greater commercial and operational flexibility while retaining its public-service mandate. In the following decades, it introduced automated mail sorting, digital tracking, online shipping tools, e-commerce fulfilment services and electronic-certification products. Hongkong Post became a recognised certification authority in early 2000 and issues e-Cert digital certificates for individuals, organisations, servers, banks and government-related applications. The organisation’s core physical network remains extensive. It operates post offices, mobile post offices, street posting boxes, mail processing facilities and delivery infrastructure throughout Hong Kong. It also manages retail and online channels for postage, stamps, commemorative products, shipping labels and related services. iPostal Kiosks, introduced in 2021, provide round-the-clock self-service functions such as posting mail, purchasing postage labels and making postage enquiries. Hongkong Post serves households, government departments, financial institutions, retailers, internet merchants, exporters, collectors and other businesses. Speedpost and e-Express+ support time-sensitive and cross-border e-commerce shipments, while ordinary letter, packet and parcel services provide lower-cost alternatives. The service also supports direct mail, periodicals, franking machines, postal remittances, bill payment and fulfilment operations. Philately is a distinctive part of the brand. Hongkong Post Stamps designs and issues definitive and commemorative stamps, operates advance-order and fulfilment services, and markets stamp products to local and overseas collectors. Stamp themes have covered Hong Kong’s history, natural environment, public institutions, cultural heritage, sport, popular characters and major anniversaries. The brand therefore functions not only as a logistics utility but also as a public cultural institution that documents Hong Kong through postal artefacts. In the 2020s, Hongkong Post has faced declining traditional mail volumes, disruption to international transport routes, changing customs and import requirements, and competition in parcel delivery. Its stated response has been to broaden e-commerce logistics, improve digital access, expand cross-border cooperation and preserve dependable universal postal service. As of the latest available official material, it remains an active government postal operator headquartered in Hong Kong, with Leonia Tai serving as Postmaster General.

History

Hong Kong’s postal history began in the early nineteenth century, when merchants operating around Victoria Harbour required a more reliable means of communicating with commercial partners, government offices and overseas markets. The Postal Department was established on 28 August 1841. Its first post office opened on 12 November 1841 near St John’s Cathedral, making postal service one of the earliest formal public institutions of the new settlement. At the beginning, postal operations were connected with the Royal Mail. Responsibility for the service was transferred to the Postmaster General on 1 May 1860, creating a more directly administered local postal system. The first Hong Kong postage stamps were issued on 8 December 1862. Earlier mail had generally been postmarked rather than franked with locally issued stamps. The first issue featured Queen Victoria and began a long tradition of Hong Kong stamp production that later became an important collecting and cultural activity. Hong Kong’s postal system expanded with the territory’s population, trade and physical development. During the colonial era, stamps bore the name Hong Kong and used portraits or royal symbols associated with the British monarch. The territory also adopted British-style post boxes, many of which carried royal cyphers. Hong Kong became a sub-member of the Universal Postal Union in 1877, connecting its postal service to the international framework for postal exchanges. The postal department evolved from a small letter office into a territory-wide network. It developed ordinary letter and parcel delivery, overseas mail, remittance, philatelic sales, direct mail, courier operations and services for government and commercial customers. The Hongkong Post Stamps division was established in 1974 to organise stamp design, production, advance ordering, fulfilment and philatelic marketing. This formalised the role of stamps as both postage instruments and collectible representations of Hong Kong’s history, culture and public life. Technological modernisation became increasingly important in the late twentieth century. Hongkong Post introduced automated mail sorting in 1989, helping the organisation process rising volumes more efficiently. In 1995, the Post Office Trading Fund was established under the Trading Funds Ordinance. The fund allowed the postal service to operate with greater financial and managerial flexibility while continuing to function as a government department and maintain its public-service responsibilities. The 1997 transfer of sovereignty changed the visual and institutional context of postal operations. The service continued under the name Hongkong Post, and stamps issued after the handover carried the designation “Hong Kong, China.” British Hong Kong stamps ceased to be valid for postage prepayment. Post boxes were progressively presented in green with the Hongkong Post logo rather than the pre-1997 red livery and royal cyphers, although some historic colonial boxes remained in service and later became the focus of heritage and political controversy. Hongkong Post also entered the digital-authentication field. In early 2000, its certification authority became a recognised certification authority under Hong Kong’s Electronic Transactions Ordinance. Through e-Cert, Hongkong Post began issuing digital certificates for individuals, organisations, servers, banks and government-related uses. The service extended the organisation’s role from moving physical items to supporting trusted electronic transactions. During the 2000s and 2010s, Hongkong Post increasingly aligned itself with e-commerce and business logistics. It developed online posting and tracking functions, direct-mail and fulfilment solutions, Speedpost express delivery, e-Express services and electronic business tools. Its public communications described a strategy of using postal infrastructure to support internet traders and other companies while maintaining affordable everyday services for the community. The organisation continued to modernise its customer interface in the 2020s. In 2021 it introduced iPostal Kiosks, providing automated posting and postage-label functions outside normal counter hours. It also expanded online shipping, account management, tracking and e-commerce tools. The COVID-19 period increased demand for parcel delivery while also creating opportunities for fraudsters to impersonate Hongkong Post in phishing messages. The organisation consequently remained both a logistics provider and a widely recognised public-service brand whose name could be exploited by criminals. Hongkong Post’s recent operating environment has been shaped by the decline of traditional letter volumes, international transport disruptions, changing customs rules and stronger competition in cross-border parcel delivery. Official statements have emphasised service resumption when routes become available, digital solutions for local merchants, e-Express+ door-to-door collection and closer cooperation with Mainland China and Macao. Its 2025 participation in the Mainland-Hong Kong-Macao Postal Summit reflected a strategy focused on regional integration, customs efficiency, mail security, Greater Bay Area connectivity and the continued development of philatelic culture. Today, Hongkong Post remains a government postal department operated through the Post Office Trading Fund. Its identity rests on the combination of universal postal service, dependable local delivery, international connectivity, express and e-commerce logistics, philately and electronic certification. It is therefore both a historical civic institution and an adapting service platform for Hong Kong’s physical and digital commerce.

2025
Mainland-Hong Kong-Macao postal cooperation deepened
[6]Hongkong Post participation in the Mainland-Hong Kong-Macao Postal Summitinfo.gov.hk
Hongkong Post joined regional postal administrations in discussions on customs clearance, logistics connectivity, mail security and philatelic cooperation.
2023
Hongkong Post headquarters stamp issue
[5]Hongkong Post Headquarters special stamp issuestamps.hongkongpost.hk
A special stamp issue documented the organisation’s successive headquarters and marked the use of the Hongkong Post Building in Kowloon Bay.
2021
iPostal Kiosk introduced
[1]Hongkong Posten.wikipedia.org
Hongkong Post launched automated kiosks offering posting, postage-label and enquiry services beyond ordinary counter hours.
2011
170th anniversary activities
[2]Hongkong Post Corporate Overviewhongkongpost.hk
Hongkong Post marked 170 years of postal service with public and staff activities and a commemorative stamp sheetlet.
2007
Stanley Post Office restoration project begins
[10]Stanley Post Office restorationhongkongpost.hk
Hongkong Post began a major restoration of Stanley Post Office to preserve its historic features and postal heritage.
2000
Hongkong Post becomes a recognised certification authority
[4]Hongkong Post e-Cert Servicehongkongpost.hk
Hongkong Post’s certification authority became recognised under Hong Kong’s electronic-transactions framework and began issuing e-Cert digital certificates.
1997
Postal identity changes after the transfer of sovereignty
[1]Hongkong Posten.wikipedia.org
Following the transfer of sovereignty, stamps adopted the designation “Hong Kong, China,” and the service operated under the Hongkong Post identity.
1995
Post Office Trading Fund established
[3]Post Office Trading Fund Annual Report 2019/20hongkongpost.hk
The Post Office Trading Fund was established on 1 August 1995 under the Trading Funds Ordinance, giving Hongkong Post a more commercially flexible operating structure.
1989
Automated mail sorting introduced
[1]Hongkong Posten.wikipedia.org
Hongkong Post introduced automated mail-sorting equipment, initially installing machines at the General Post Office.
1974
Hongkong Post Stamps division established
[1]Hongkong Posten.wikipedia.org
A dedicated philatelic division was established to manage stamp design, production, ordering, fulfilment and marketing.
1877
Hong Kong becomes a UPU sub-member
[1]Hongkong Posten.wikipedia.org
Hong Kong joined the international postal system as a sub-member of the Universal Postal Union.
1862
First Hong Kong postage stamps issued
[13]First Hong Kong postage stamps issuedstamps.hongkongpost.hk
Hong Kong issued its first set of seven postage stamps on 8 December 1862.
1860
Postal responsibility transferred to the Postmaster General
[1]Hongkong Posten.wikipedia.org
Responsibility for postal operations moved from the Royal Mail arrangement to the Postmaster General on 1 May 1860.
1841
Postal Department established
[1]Hongkong Posten.wikipedia.org
Hong Kong’s Postal Department was established on 28 August 1841, creating the institutional foundation of the modern postal service.
1841
First post office opens
[1]Hongkong Posten.wikipedia.org
The first post office opened on 12 November 1841 near the present site of St John’s Cathedral.

Products and positioning

A trusted public postal and logistics utility combining universal-service obligations, international mail connectivity, e-commerce fulfilment, philately and digital authentication.

Postal services · 1841
Ordinary Mail
Hongkong Post’s traditional letter-post service covers local and international letters, packets and related mail products. It remains the foundation of the organisation’s universal-service role, supporting personal correspondence, official notices, commercial documents and other low-weight communications. Customers can use post offices, street posting boxes, online preparation tools and tracking or registration options where available.
Postal logistics
Parcels and Packets
The parcels and packets portfolio provides domestic and international delivery for goods and merchandise, including items prepared through online shipping tools such as EC-Ship. Local parcel services are designed for delivery across Hong Kong, while international options vary by destination, routing, customs requirements and transport availability.
Express delivery
Speedpost
Speedpost is Hongkong Post’s express delivery offering for time-sensitive documents, merchandise and cross-border shipments. It provides account services, delivery-status functions and, for eligible commercial customers, collection arrangements. Speedpost is positioned for businesses and individuals requiring faster or more managed delivery than ordinary post.
Cross-border e-commerce logistics
e-Express+
e-Express+ is a cross-border delivery solution oriented toward online merchants and e-commerce shipments. Hongkong Post has promoted scheduled door-to-door pickup for customers meeting specified delivery volumes, combining postal reach with a more business-oriented collection and fulfilment model.
Philately · 1974
Hongkong Post Stamps
Hongkong Post Stamps manages definitive and commemorative stamp design, production, advance ordering, fulfilment and philatelic marketing. Its products include mint stamps, stamp sheetlets, first-day covers, presentation packs, postcards, annual packs and customised or themed issues. The portfolio serves local collectors, overseas philatelists and customers seeking commemorative gifts.
Electronic certification · 2000
Hongkong Post e-Cert
e-Cert is Hongkong Post’s digital-certificate and electronic-authentication service. It issues recognised certificates for individuals, organisations, servers, banks and government-related applications. The service is built on public-key infrastructure and is intended to authenticate online identities, support digital signatures and facilitate secure electronic transactions.
Self-service postal technology · 2021
iPostal Kiosk
iPostal Kiosk is an automated postal-service platform launched in 2021. Depending on location and configuration, it enables customers to post mail, purchase postage labels and make postage enquiries without relying on a staffed counter. The kiosks extend access beyond normal post-office operating hours.
Courier delivery
Local CourierPost
Local CourierPost provides courier delivery within Hong Kong for customers seeking a local delivery option distinct from ordinary letter post. It forms part of Hongkong Post’s broader set of courier, parcel and business-delivery services.
Business services
Direct Mail and Fulfilment
Hongkong Post provides direct-mail, periodical, circular and fulfilment services for organisations using physical communications or online retail. The offering can include preparation, distribution, order fulfilment and related logistics support, allowing businesses to use Hongkong Post’s delivery network as part of marketing and e-commerce operations.

Controversies

2021
Phishing scams impersonating Hongkong Post
Criminals used fraudulent text messages and emails imitating Hongkong Post delivery notices to obtain money from members of the public. Reports cited more than 100 affected people and approximately HK$2.2 million in losses.
Source
2019
Controversy over altered stamp artwork
Hongkong Post changed a planned stamp design that originally depicted black-clad children. The organisation described the modification as aesthetic, while commentators suggested that it reflected the political sensitivity of black clothing during the 2019 Hong Kong protests.
Source
2015
Covering royal cyphers on historic post boxes
Hongkong Post’s plan to cover royal insignia on most surviving colonial-era post boxes generated heritage and political criticism. Opponents argued that the change was motivated by an attempt to de-colonise public symbols rather than by operational necessity.
Source
2007
Mail bags misplaced and letters lost
Three bags of mail were misplaced inside Hongkong Post management premises. Although one bag was eventually found, approximately 400 letters were reported lost, raising questions about internal mail-handling controls.
Source
2005
Pinhole cameras at Cheung Sha Wan Post Office
The discovery of pinhole cameras at Cheung Sha Wan Post Office triggered concerns about customer and staff privacy. Hongkong Post stated that the cameras were installed to assist police investigations into suspected theft cases.
Source

2025Mainland-Hong Kong-Macao postal cooperation
Hong Kong · Mainland China · Macao
Hongkong Post participated in a regional cooperation initiative addressing customs clearance, Greater Bay Area delivery connectivity, mail security, logistics integration and philatelic culture.
Outcome. The initiative established cooperation priorities among the three postal administrations and positioned Hongkong Post as a connector between Hong Kong, the Mainland and international markets.
Source
2024Support Hong Kong, China Team at Paris 2024
Hong Kong
Hongkong Post issued a set of stamps celebrating Hong Kong athletes and sports in connection with the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Outcome. The issue combined philatelic sales with public recognition of Hong Kong’s sporting representation and formed part of the organisation’s announced second-half 2024 stamp programme.
Source
2021iPostal Kiosk rollout
Hong Kong
Hongkong Post introduced iPostal Kiosks as a self-service and digital-access initiative, enabling customers to complete selected postal tasks outside ordinary counter hours.
Outcome. The rollout extended automated access to posting and postage-related services and supported Hongkong Post’s broader digitalisation programme.
Source
2011170th Anniversary of Postal Service in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hongkong Post organised anniversary activities for customers, the public and staff to mark 170 years of postal service in Hong Kong. A commemorative stamp sheetlet formed part of the programme.
Outcome. The anniversary reinforced Hongkong Post’s identity as a long-standing public institution while highlighting its transition from a single early post office to a territory-wide postal and logistics network.
Source
2002How to Handle A Mail Item Which is Not For You?
Hong Kong
Hongkong Post ran a public-information campaign explaining how recipients should handle mail delivered to the wrong person or address. The campaign encouraged clear reasons for returning mail and stressed the importance of complete and accurate addressing.
Outcome. The campaign used posters, leaflets and cooperation with housing and property-management organisations to improve public handling of misdelivered mail and reduce delivery friction.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Deepen Mainland-Hong Kong-Macao postal cooperationStrategy
Background
Cross-border e-commerce, customs requirements and Greater Bay Area integration increased the value of coordinated postal infrastructure.
Action taken
Hongkong Post committed to stronger cooperation with Mainland and Macao postal administrations on customs clearance, delivery connectivity, mail security, talent and philatelic culture.
Aftermath
The strategy positioned regional integration and international logistics connectivity as important responses to changing postal volumes and market conditions.
Source
2024
Resume selected international services as transport capacity returnsOther
Background
International postal routes were affected by reduced air-freight capacity, routing constraints and reliance on transit postal administrations.
Action taken
Hongkong Post progressively resumed Speedpost, e-Express+, air-mail and surface-mail services to selected destinations when transport and transit arrangements became available.
Aftermath
Service availability improved, but Hongkong Post continued to warn customers about extended transit times and possible backlogs.
Source
2021
Launch iPostal KiosksProduct launch
Background
Customers increasingly expected self-service access and digital interfaces, while postal operators needed to make routine transactions more efficient.
Action taken
Hongkong Post introduced iPostal Kiosks offering automated posting, postage-label purchase and postage-enquiry functions.
Aftermath
The kiosks extended service availability beyond staffed counter hours and supported the organisation’s broader digitalisation and customer-convenience strategy.
Source
2015
Cover royal cyphers on selected historic post boxesOther
Background
Hongkong Post said the variety of royal cyphers on surviving colonial post boxes could cause confusion and was not desirable in the post-1997 environment.
Action taken
The organisation moved to install metal plates covering royal cyphers on most of the remaining historic boxes, while retaining a small number without covers.
Aftermath
Heritage groups and political activists criticised the decision, turning a maintenance and presentation issue into a wider debate about Hong Kong’s colonial history and public symbols.
Source
2000
Enter electronic certificationStrategy
Background
The growth of online transactions created demand for trusted electronic identity, authentication and digital-signature infrastructure.
Action taken
Hongkong Post established a public-key infrastructure and became a recognised certification authority, issuing e-Cert digital certificates.
Aftermath
The move expanded Hongkong Post beyond physical delivery into electronic authentication for commercial, financial, educational and government transactions.
Source
1995
Operate through the Post Office Trading FundStrategy
Background
Hong Kong sought to give selected government services greater commercial and operational flexibility while retaining public ownership and accountability.
Action taken
The Post Office Trading Fund was established on 1 August 1995 under the Trading Funds Ordinance, and Hongkong Post began operating through the fund.
Aftermath
The structure enabled Hongkong Post to manage postal, ancillary and later electronic-authentication services with a trading-fund model while continuing to function as a government department.
Source

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