Information. Opinions. Requests for explanation and amendment of the Acts. Inquiries. Role in the settlement of accounts

1 The International Bureau shall be at all times at the disposal of the Council of Administration, the Postal Operations Council, the Consultative Committee and member countries and their designated operators for the purpose of supplying them with any necessary information on questions relating to the service.

2 In particular it shall collect, collate, publish and distribute all kinds of information of interest to the postal service; give an opinion or provide dispute settlement services (in the latter case on a paid basis and in accordance with the relevant procedures adopted by the Council of Administration), at the request of the parties involved, on questions in dispute; act on requests for explanation and amendment of the Acts of the Union; and, in general, carry out such studies and editorial or documentary work as are assigned to it by those Acts or as may be referred to it in the interest of the Union.

3 It shall also conduct inquiries requested by member countries and their designated operators to obtain the views of other member countries, designated operators, members of the Consultative Committee and the public, as appropriate, on particular questions. The result of such inquiries shall not have the status of a vote and shall not be formally binding.

4 It may act as a clearing house in the settlement of accounts of all kinds relating to the postal service.

5 The International Bureau shall ensure the confidentiality and security of commercial data provided by member countries, their designated operators and/or members of the Consultative Committee for the performance of its duties arising from the Acts or decisions of the Union.