The codes added to items help the machine understand where the item should be sent. If the item already contains all the necessary information and the machine vision is able to interpret it, the item can be delivered from the sender to the recipient without any additional labels.
However, an incomplete or incorrect address poses a problem. Furthermore, the machine is not always able to interpret the text on the card correctly. Handwritten addresses, for example, may sometimes get interpreted incorrectly. While our machines keep learning constantly, they still sometimes struggle interpreting addresses.
Even a small error in the address information can direct the letter to the address clarification unit, which can cause even several days of delay in the letter's delivery speed. This can be caused by a missing apartment or entrance number or an address that differs from Posti's address register.
Address labels or codes can be placed on the item to indicate details and delivery directions. Only a small share of the total volume of printed mail to be sorted needs such additional information.
Posti has a three-step process for verifying and correcting address information. If the address cannot be corrected by machine, the next step is to forward the item to a human who will find the right address and add the information manually with a glued label or other marking.
It is also important that the postage stamp, the recipient's details and the sender's details are in the correct places on the letter or card. You can read instructions on how to mail a letter on our website:
Instructions for sending letters - Posti - Private
Is the address information correct?
Many letters and cards end up getting forwarded to the address clarification unit because the address is incorrect or incomplete. For example, the apartment number may be missing from the address. In that case, the item is forwarded to address clarification and its delivery is delayed.
Therefore, we recommend using the recipient's official address in as complete a form as possible to ensure it will match the information in the address register.
For efficient mail delivery, it is important that the address information, including house numbers, is clearly marked on the mailboxes. The apartment number should also be clearly visible on the mail slot.
Making a new address or change of address notification is easy. Visit posti.fi/en/private/change-address or changeaddress.fi, for example. There, you can easily submit a notification to both Posti and the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) that maintains the Population Information System.
To whom is the address information communicated?
The change of address notification forwards your address information to various authorities and businesses. The list of companies can be found at the end of the page below: https://www.posti.fi/en/customer-support/own-information/change-of-address-private
However, there are a lot of companies and organizations not included in the list that do not receive this information. Please remember to share your new address with other mail senders as well.
On the basis of the change of address, Posti will forward any letters and cards sent to the old address to the new address, unless otherwise agreed with the sender. However, please note that this does not apply to parcel deliveries.
In addition, newspapers and magazines are not forwarded solely on the basis of a change of address. It is, therefore, very important to report your new address to the customer service of any publications you have subscribed to.
The change of address only applies to mail delivered by Posti. In Finland, magazines and letters are also delivered by dozens of other operators. A list of these companies and their delivery IDs that help identify the company can be found on Traficom's website.
Tip: As the Christmas card season approaches, we recommend checking that your address book is up to date and correct well in advance. All Christmas cards are delivered to the recipients, but an address clarification process will delay the delivery of the card.