General Regulations of the FIP for Exhibitions

Section IGeneral Stipulations

Article 1 Exhibition Objectives

1.1 The FIP sees in philatelic exhibitions a suitable opportunity to further its aims, as set out in Article 5 of its Statutes:

• to promote every aspect of philately world wide,
• to provide a forum where philatelists can meet in a friendly atmosphere
• to demonstrate the state of development of philately in all of its various fields
• to promote international exchange of the results of philatelic research, through literature competitions and philatelic seminars
• to awaken the interest of philatelists in international competitions, and
• to demonstrate to the general public, in particular to the youth, the cultural and the educational values of philately and its attractiveness as a hobby.

Article 2 Categories of Exhibitions

In accordance with Article 1 of these Regulations, the FIP promotes the following categories of philatelic exhibitions:

2.1 World Exhibitions

2.1.1 General World Exhibitions for all Exhibition Classes as set out in Article 5.2 and open to all Members.

2.1.2 Specialised World Exhibitions restricted to one or several Exhibition Classes and open to all Members.

2.1.2.1 Specialised World Stamp Championship Exhibition with World Stamp Championship class without the full FIP Competitive classes as stated in Article 5.2.

2.1.2.2 Specialised World Stamp Exhibition without World Stamp Championship restricted with up to 60% of the FIP Competitive classes stated in Article 5.2.

2.2 International Exhibitions

International Exhibitions that are recognised by the FIP Board.

Article 3 FIP Patronage and Recognition

3.1 By way of promotion, the FIP may grant the Members:

• Patronage for General World and Specialised World Exhibitions (in accordance with Article 2.1) (hereafter referred to as “World Exhibitions”).
• Recognition for international exhibitions (in accordance with Article 2.2, hereafter referred to as “Recognition Exhibitions “).

3.2 Should the FIP Member delegate to an independent organisation or to the Postal Administration of the country, the whole or a portion of the organisation of an exhibition, the Member still remains fully responsible to the FIP for ensuring that GREX and other regulations are followed.

3.3 FIP Patronage guarantees to the Exhibition Management the full support of FIP and the members.

It obliges the Exhibition Management to observe strictly the FIP Statutes and the General Regulations of the FIP for Exhibitions (GREX). The FIP Board shall nominate a Consultant to advise and assist the Exhibition Management, in accordance with Section III.

3.4 FIP Recognition may be granted by the FIP Board to the Member Federations organisers of other international exhibitions upon request for the further development of philately. Results of exhibitions having the status of FIP Recognition will not be entered into the FIP Awards list, and Large Gold medals received in Recognition Exhibitions will not be included in any totals towards Championship Class eligibility. However, exhibits attaining the level of Large Vermeil (85 points and more) will be allowed to apply for eight frames at any type of subsequent FIP exhibition. Such exhibits obtaining 85 points and above will be recorded on a separate FIP Awards List. The Exhibition Management shall send the award list of large vermeil and above and the Expert Group’s findings to the FIP Secretariat for recording in the FIP Awards database and the FIP Expert Group database respectively.

3.5 A Liaison Officer appointed by the FIP Board will oversee and have the final authority for any and all FIP related issues and functions for a Recognition Exhibition. The Liaison Officer would be attending the Recognition Exhibition and playing a role in the jury room whereby he would monitor and be satisfied with those exhibits attaining large vermeil and above. His position in the jury room can be designated as a senior consultant or simply just FIP Liaison Officer. The Liaison Officer can also be asked to assist in some judging in designated Classes at the request of the Jury Secretary and/or Jury President. The travel costs (e.g. air fare, accommodation etc) for the Liaison Officer will be reimbursed by the Exhibition Management.

3.6 Applications for Patronage of the FIP must be forwarded in writing to the FIP Secretariat in the form set forth in Article 47.2 of FIP Statutes.

3.7 The FIP Board may grant provisional Patronage to Exhibition Managements subject to approval at the next Congress.

3.8 The Exhibition Management undertakes not to apply for nor to accept any other philatelic patronage besides the Patronage of the FIP.

3.9 The FIP Board, represented by the FIP Consultant, will execute a Contract with the Member and the Exhibition Management for the conduct of a philatelic exhibition under the Patronage or Auspices of the FIP.

3.10 For the technical and organisational control of an exhibition under the Patronage of FIP, the Exhibition Management will draw up its own Individual Regulations (hereafter referred to as “IREX”), which must not conflict with GREX and must be approved by the FIP Consultant before publication. Subsequent modifications to the IREX by the Exhibition Management require the written approval of the FIP Consultant and must be advised immediately to all concerned.

3.11 Subsequent modifications to the GREX following signature of the Contract shall not be binding on the Exhibition Management but they shall attempt to observe them so far as may be practical.

3.12 Should the Exhibition Management not adhere to the obligations resulting from the granting of Patronage the FIP Board has the right at any time to withdraw its Patronage. In such an event Members will immediately be notified by the FIP Board. Awards of such an exhibition will not be recognised by the FIP.

Article 4 Contract and Agreement

For all exhibitions under Article 3 a contract or agreement shall be signed between the Member Federation, the Exhibition Management and FIP.

Article 5 Exhibition Classes

The following classes are admissible in FIP Exhibitions:

5.1 Non-competitive classes (by invitation): A) The Court of Honour includes exhibits of exceptional significance or interest. B) The Official Class includes exhibits:

• from postal authorities
• from postal museums
• from postage stamp printers
• from postage stamp designers and engravers. C) The Jury Class includes exhibits from Jurors appointed for the exhibition. D) Other non-competitive classes include exhibits of special philatelic interest from philatelists and institutions. The Exhibition Management may exclude any or all of these classes.

5.2 Competitive Classes

• FIP Championship Class (only at General World Exhibitions, see Article 6.1 below)
• World Stamp Championship Class (only at Specialised World Stamp Championship Exhibition, see Article 6.2 below)
• Traditional Philately
• Postal History
• Postal Stationery
• Aerophilately
• Thematic Philately
• Maximaphily
• Philatelic Literature
• Youth Philately
• Revenue
• Astrophilately
• Open Philately
• Picture Postcards All competitive exhibiting disciplines except Literature include Modern Philately & One Frame exhibits. Any exhibit of special philatelic interest which cannot be properly assessed using the special regulations (SREV) of any given Class will be evaluated in accordance with the general principles of GREV Article 5 by a panel to be appointed by the Jury Presidium.

5.3 Competitive Promotional Classes

Any type of exhibit promoting philately and stamp collecting.

Article 6 Size of Exhibition

6.1 General World Exhibitions should have an overall frame space of at least 2,000 frames and a maximum of 4,500 frames at their disposal for the Competitive Classes. Exceptions must be approved by the FIP Board. The size of one frame is defined as space for 16 exhibit sheets (23 x 29,7 cm) of which 4 sheets are arranged in one row, a total of 4 rows. The equivalent larger sizes (46 x 29,7 cm / 2 sheets per row, or 31 x 29,7 cm / 3 sheets per row) are also recommended.

6.2 Specialised World Exhibitions should have a minimum of 1,000 frames for the Competitive Classes. Exceptions must be approved by the FIP Board.

6.3 Allotment of frames

A) Each exhibit in the FIP Championship Class shall be allotted 8 frames. FIP will charge an additional frame fee for Championship Class exhibits, as decided by the 63rd Congress in Seoul, to be paid directly to FIP. B) In all other Competitive Classes (except Youth or Literature class) 5 frames will be uniformly allotted to all accepted exhibits that have received up to 84 points (FIP Vermeil) including first time exhibits (see also Article 10.2) C) Eight frames will be uniformly allotted to all accepted exhibits that have received 85 points (FIP Large Vermeil) or higher. D) Exhibits that have received 85 or more points at a qualifying Recognition Exhibition (see Art. 3.4) shall receive 8 frames.

6.4 Exhibits which qualify for 8 frames at an exhibition have to show 8 frames in the immediate next exhibition. For valid reasons such as limited philatelic material available in the market etc, the exhibit concerned could not be expanded to 8 frames, it would then be allowed to show 5 to 7 frames for a maximum of 2 more times, within a span of 36 months from date of receiving the qualifying medal.

6.5 The Exhibition Management decides on the allocation of the available number of frames to the individual exhibition classes. The class for youth philately, if included, must be allocated at least 5% of the number of frames provided there are sufficient applications.

6.6 At every World Exhibition at least 20% of the exhibits should be in competition for the first time provided that there are sufficient applications.

6.7 For the literature class, a reading area must be provided so that visitors may examine the exhibits.

6.8 It is recommended that each Exhibition Class be shown as an entity in one part or area of the exhibition.

Article 7 Judging of Exhibits

Exhibits in the FIP Championship Class and the other Competitive Classes (Article 5.2) are to be judged according to uniform principles in all FIP exhibitions (Article 2). The principles are laid down in the GREVs and SREVs.

Article 8 Awards and Recognition

8.1 Non-competitive classes

Non-competitive exhibitors should receive suitable recognition (a souvenir medal or an objet d’art) for their exhibits from the Exhibition Management.

8.2 Grand Prix d’Honneur

The Grand Prix in the FIP Championship Class is the Grand Prix d’Honneur, a valuable objet d’art. Exhibits in the FIP Championship Class will receive an objet d’art and a Large Gold medal from the Exhibition Management.

8.3 “Grands Prix” (Grand Prizes)

• a) at General and Specialised World Exhibitions
• Grand Prix International
• Grand Prix National
• b) at Specialised World Exhibitions a Grand Prix d’Exposition for Exhibitions with only one Class or a multi-Class Exhibition without both the Traditional and Postal History Classes. Both a Grand Prix National and a Grand Prix International are awarded for multi-Class Exhibitions which must include both Traditional and Postal History Classes.
• The “Grands Prix” are valuable “objets d’art”.
• Any exhibit may only receive the same Grand Prix once.
• Grands Prix can only be awarded to 8-frame exhibits attaining Large Gold with at least 96 points (Gold in Youth Class). At a Specialised World Stamp Championship Exhibition, a World Stamp Championship (WSC) title will be awarded to the winner of the World Stamp Championship Class.

8.4 The following awards are available to the jury in the competitive classes

• Large Gold medals
• Gold medals
• Large Vermeil medals
• Vermeil medals
• Large Silver medals
• Silver medals
• Silver Bronze medals
• Bronze medals

For the Youth Class in age groups A and B medals may be awarded up to Large Vermeil level, in age group C up to Gold level.

For Exhibits with less than five frames except the youth class, awards are presented by points (60 to 100 points) and awarded by certificates and souvenir medallions only. All medals will be awarded together with an appropriate certificate of award.

8.5 The jury may, in addition to the medal awarded, express FIP Felicitations for those exhibits demonstrating outstanding philatelic research or originality. Felicitations may not be given to the same exhibit twice unless a totally new aspect of research has been introduced. The award of Felicitations will be noted on the certificate of award, but is not considered to be a Special Prize.

8.6 In addition to the Grands Prix (Article 8.3), the Exhibition Management may place Special Prizes at the disposal of the Jury. These are awarded at the total discretion of the Jury to exhibits having received at least 86 points (LV), 91 points (G) and 96 points for LG (except Youth with at least 76 points) in appreciation of outstanding philatelic merit or exceptional material. These prizes shall not constitute an intermediate medal level. These Special Prizes shall be placed at the disposal of the jury without the imposition of conditions.

Section IIConditions for Participation at Exhibitions

UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE FIP

Article 9 Eligibility for participation in the Championship Class

9.1 Participation in the FIP Championship Class is restricted to exhibits which have received 3 Large Gold medals in World Exhibitions in three separate years, starting January 1st of the year after receipt of the 3rd Large Gold Medal.

9.2 Credit however is given for only one Large Gold Medal per year.

9.3 A list of qualified exhibits eligible for competition in the FIP Championship Class is prepared at the end of each year by the FIP Board. A qualified exhibit can compete in the FIP Championship Class for any five calendar years of the exhibitor’s choice within a span of ten years once it becomes eligible.

9.4 Once an exhibit is eligible for the FIP Championship Class, should the exhibitor wish to continue to show the exhibit in the Competitive class, the exhibit would then be allowed to show in competitive class within a span of 36 months from the date of eligibility to participate in FIP Championship class. After which it may not be exhibited in any other Competitive Class at FIP Exhibitions. Once the exhibit is shown in the FIP Championship Class, it can no longer be eligible to compete in the Competitive class. Should the exhibitor wish to enter a substantially different exhibit, a small proportion of such material, but in no case more than 3 0 % of the individual philatelic items in the qualified exhibit, may be included within five years after conclusion of eligibility in this class. Abuse of this privilege will result in the exhibit being placed out of competition by the Jury.

9.5 On receiving the Grand Prix d’Honneur in the FIP Championship Class, or having completed eligibility under Article 9.3, an exhibit may only be shown out of competition by the same owner.

Article 10 Qualification for Participation in the Competitive Classes

10.1 Participation in World Exhibitions is set out in Article 48 of the Statutes.

10.2 The exhibit must have received a minimum of 75 points or a Vermeil medal at a national level exhibition within the five years prior to the first application for entry to a World Exhibition.

10.3 For Exhibits in the literature class no previous award is required. Books must have been published within the previous five years and all other entries in the literature class within the previous two years. The qualifying date being the 1st of January in the year in which the Exhibition is being held.

10.4 For Exhibits in the Youth Class the qualification for Age Group A (10 to 15 years) is a national 70 points or a Large Silver medal and for the Age Groups B (16 to 18 years) and C (19 to 21 years) a

national 75 points or a Vermeil medal. A youth exhibit having obtained a FIP Large Vermeil or higher award with an entry of five frames in Age Group C shall then qualify to exhibit in the senior class. Collective or Group exhibits can be included in Age Group “A” and “B”.

10.5 If the qualification is attained in an Exhibition other than at the National Exhibition of his Member country, then the exhibitor must submit a certificate of recognition from his Member Federation.

10.6 Those Members who have not organised a national exhibition in the previous five years, may certify the qualification of the exhibit. Such Certificate must be signed by the President or Secretary General of the Member.

10.7 Exhibits previously not shown in National Exhibitions or which have not acquired the qualification as per Articles 10.2 to 10.6, may not participate in a FIP Exhibition.

10.8 It is recommended that the same levels of medals be adopted by all Members as stipulated in Article 8.4.

10.9 A qualifying Recognition Exhibition shall be defined as one where all team leaders and a minimum of 60% of all jurors are FIP accredited. Every competitive class in the Recognition Exhibition must have at least one FIP accredited juror for that class.

Article 11 Applications

11.1 Application for participation at a World Exhibition must be submitted through the Commissioner of the country where the applicant resides. Applications can also be submitted by residents of non- members through the Commissioner of a Member to which they are associated.

11.2 On application the exhibitor must sign a declaration of ownership of the exhibit and agree to accept all FIP regulations. When submitting the final acceptance the exhibitor must provide a photocopy of the introductory page in one of the FIP languages, showing the concept of the exhibit. A revised up- to-date introductory form may be submitted later if he wishes to do so. For the literature class the exhibitor must submit the title and technical details in one of the FIP languages.

11.3 An exhibitor may change the country from where he exhibits by simply informing the original country and the FIP Secretary General in writing by Registered Mail of his decision and stating the new country from which he will be exhibiting in the future. A copy of this letter must be sent to the original country Federation. The new country Federation must also agree to the change in writing to the FIP Secretary General. This change is fixed and exclusive for at least five years, starting from the day FIP records the change. The exhibitor must also indicate in writing to all parties concerned some personal or Society affiliation to the new exhibiting country Federation as indicated in FIP Statute Article 48.1.

11.4 If the exhibitor is also a FIP Accredited Juror, the new exhibiting country Federation has the option of requesting him as a FIP Juror affiliated with the new Federation by writing to the FIP Secretary General to ask for the approval of the FIP Board.

Article 12 Decision on Applications

12.1 The Exhibition Management decides whether an application is to be accepted or rejected. No reason needs to be given for the rejection of an application. However, all applications for qualified exhibits received for entry in the FIP Championship Class have to be accepted.

12.2 The Exhibition Management will strictly follow the allotment of frames as provided under Article 6.3.

12.3 The Exhibition Management will not consider applications from any exhibitor who has threatened or instituted legal proceedings before, during or after a FIP exhibition, to influence, amend or change an Award or Grand Prix made by the Jury, or for some other reasons.

Article 13 Confirmation of Acceptance

13.1 The Decision on Acceptance or Rejection of Applications will be sent to the Exhibitor via the Commissioner.

13.2 On acceptance the exhibitor shall pay the exhibition fees within the time set by the Exhibition

Management.

Article 14 Obligations of the Exhibitor

14.1 Every exhibitor is required to abide by the GREX, GREV, SREVs, Supplementary Rules for the Exhibition Classes, if any, and the IREX.

14.2 Any exhibitor who refuses a medal awarded by the Jury will be excluded from all World Exhibitions for five years.

Article 15 Limitation on Entries

15.1 Each exhibitor may submit a maximum of two entries to an exhibition. Entries in the FIP Championship Class and the literature class are not subject to this limitation.

15.2 Jury members, senior consultants to the Jury, members of the Expert Group and apprentice Jury members who are serving at that exhibition, their blood relations and relations by marriage are not eligible to participate in any Competitive Class.

15.3 An exhibit which has been sold, transferred, or gifted by an exhibitor to one of his family members will be treated as a new exhibit and will have to meet all requirements again, particularly Articles 10 and 17.1.

15.4 For Youth exhibits a fee equivalent to the cost of one frame in the senior classes may be charged on each entry at World Exhibitions.

Article 16 Pseudonyms

An exhibitor may enter his exhibit under a pseudonym. The Exhibition Management and the Jury Presidium must be notified of the true identity of the exhibitor.

Article 17 Basic Requirements for Application to Exhibit

17.1 With the exception of the literature class, every exhibitor must have owned his exhibit for a minimum of two years before being eligible to exhibit at a FIP Exhibition.

17.2 Every exhibitor will abstain from exhibiting material which does not conform to FIP regulations or to the laws of the host country. Legal restrictions on the display of material shall be defined in IREX.

17.3 An exhibitor may direct attention to special items in the exhibit and to literature written by him relevant to the exhibit. However, no statements of value are permitted. The title of the exhibit shall clearly state the content in a form understandable to visitors to the exhibition.

17.4 The Jury must be provided with originals, or copies certified by the National Federation, of any certificates relating to material in the exhibit. These should be placed in the back of the protective covers. Copies may also be given to the National Commissioner as advised in general guidelines. Near the item a mark of “C” should be placed to indicate a certificate is attached.

17.5 Each exhibit sheet must be exhibited in a protective cover. These must be capable of being opened by the Expert Group. Individual items should not be in sealed enclosures.

Article 18 Privileges of the Exhibitor

The exhibitor is entitled to the following free of charge:

• two permanent admission tickets for the entire period of the exhibition.
• an exhibition catalogue
• a copy of the Palmarès

Article 19 Measures in the Event of Breach of Exhibitors’ Obligations

19.1 In the case of a breach of the provisions of Articles 11.2 and 14, an exhibitor may be disqualified from the exhibition.

19.2 In the event of an exhibitor

• failing to exhibit, without acceptable excuses, the FIP Board will bar the exhibitor from exhibiting in FIP exhibitions for two calendar years;
• having given false information in his application or
• exhibiting other than his registered exhibit, or in the case of the FIP Championship class the authorised exhibit, the FIP Consultant will, after careful examination of the facts, recommend measures to the FIP Board that may include temporary or permanent disqualification from further FIP Exhibitions.

19.3 An exhibitor who, once the jury is in session, attempts to influence the judging of any exhibit, either directly or through a Commissioner or other person, will be immediately disqualified and may be banned from exhibiting at future FIP exhibitions.

Section IIIFIP Exhibition Consultants

Article 20 Responsibilities

20.1 The FIP Board shall nominate a Consultant for each World Exhibition. Such a consultant shall be responsible directly to the FIP Board.

20.2 The Consultant is responsible for negotiating and signing the Contract between the FIP Board on the one part and the FIP Member and the Exhibition Management on the other (Article 3.9).

20.3 The Consultant will act in an advisory and co-ordinating role during the preparation for the exhibition and ensure that the GREX and all other FIP regulations are adhered to.

20.4 The Consultant is in particular responsible for ensuring that

• suitable exhibition rooms and frames are available,
• the necessary security measures are taken for the exhibits,
• preparations have been made for customs formalities for the clearance of exhibits and trade participants,
• the Commissioners perform their duties with a sense of responsibility and in observance of the applicable regulations,
• the work of the jury at the exhibition is well prepared with regard to technical and organisational aspects.

20.5 The Consultant may require the Exhibition Management to make alternative arrangements relative to the provisions of Article 20.4.

20.6 Any necessary travel and accommodation expenses as well as other expenses incurred by the Consultant, before, during and after the exhibition, must be borne in full by the Exhibition Management.

20.7 The Consultant must receive an invitation from the Exhibition Management for the entire period of the exhibition. He must arrive two days before the exhibition opens and leave one day after it closes.

20.8 The name and address of the Consultant must be mentioned in all publicity bulletins and in the exhibition catalogue, so that he may be reached at all times for questions arising in connection with the exhibition.

20.9 All correspondence between Exhibition Management, FIP Board and FIP Commissions shall be routed through the FIP Consultant.

Section IVCommissioners

Article 21 Appointment

21.1 National Commissioners (hereafter referred to as “Commissioners”) will be appointed for the purpose of supporting all World Exhibitions in accordance with the Guidelines for the conduct of National Commissioners. The Exhibition Management will request Members to appoint a Commissioner in good time prior to the publication of the first publicity bulletin for the exhibition. The Exhibition Management may suggest an individual as Commissioner. The appointment, however, is solely the affair of the Member. The FIP Board may reject the nomination of a Commissioner. The Consultant must have the list for approval prior to any publication thereof. A Member may, subject to the consent of the Consultant and Exhibition Management, request the

appointment of an Assistant Commissioner, but without any obligation to the Exhibition Management.

21.2 A Member whose Commissioner is hand carrying more than 150 frames of competitive exhibits, not including literature and non-competitive classes, has the right to nominate a second Commissioner who would receive the same privileges as the principal Commissioner.

21.3 Every Member has the right to entrust the Commissioner’s duties, for its own country, to the Commissioner of another country, subject to the approval of and in co-ordination with the Member of that country.

21.4 If the Member declines to appoint any Commissioner, exhibitors are entitled to exhibit via another Federation Commissioner with the agreement of that Commissioner’s own Federation. Nevertheless, any such transport will not affect the listing of the original country Federation of the exhibitor on entry forms, catalogues and Palmarès.

Article 22 Publication of the List of Commissioners

The list of Commissioners shall be published in all exhibition bulletins and in the exhibition catalogue.

Article 23 Relations with the Exhibition Management

23.1 The Commissioner is solely responsible for maintaining contact with the Exhibition Management on behalf of the exhibitors in the competitive classes. All correspondence between the exhibitors of a country and the Exhibition Management, and vice versa, must be routed through the Commissioner.

23.2 With regard to the non-competitive classes, the Commissioner must be informed about all invitations from the Exhibition Management to exhibitors of his own country.

23.3 The Commissioner must inform the Exhibition Management promptly if an exhibit is withdrawn.

Article 24 Responsibilities of Commissioners

24.1 The Commissioners are obliged:

• to publicise the exhibition among philatelists of their countries; to accept applications for participation, to review the details contained therein, to confirm that a draft introductory sheet is attached and to forward them to the Exhibition Management; they shall sign the application form confirming that the details are correct.
• to accept applications only from exhibitors who are within their jurisdiction in accordance with Article 10.1, 11.3 and 21.3.

24.2 When a Commissioner is in attendance at an exhibition and receives the privileges provided under Article 28, he is further obliged:

• to accept full responsibility for the display of the exhibits and to check that they have been mounted correctly;
• to attend all Commissioners meetings and to meet with the Expert Group if requested.
• to be available at the exhibition during the duration of the judging to answer questions, should the need arise;
• to be present at official activities (mounting, opening ceremony, judging, dismounting etc.) occurring during his stay.
• to collect from the Exhibition Management, at such time as is determined by them, any awards, special prizes, catalogues, palmarès which are intended for their exhibitors.

24.3 Commissioners who fail to carry out the duties under Section IV shall be warned in writing with a copy to their Federation.

Article 25 Mounting, Dismounting and Transportation of Exhibits

25.1 The Exhibition Management must allow the Commissioner to be present during the mounting and dismounting of the exhibits in his care. The Exhibition Management is to render to him any necessary assistance.

25.2 Commissioners who transport their exhibits personally to the exhibition must be met at the nearest international airport or railway station. Assistance must also be rendered with customs formalities and

in accompanying the Commissioners to the security area of the exhibition for receipt of exhibits. The same assistance is to be rendered when they personally return the exhibits to their home countries after they have been dismounted.

Article 26 Number of Exhibits

26.1 The Commissioner must obtain a minimum number of accepted exhibits to be entitled to the privileges set out in Article 27.1. This qualifying number of exhibits will be published annually by the FIP Board and will apply to all exhibitions in the stated calendar year.

26.2 The FIP Board will determine the qualifying number of exhibits for each Member. The minimum will not be less than three, of which not more than one third may be in the youth class. Exhibits in the literature class are not counted for this purpose. The criteria to be applied are shown in the Guidelines for the Conduct of Commissioners.

Article 27 Privileges of Commissioners

27.1 The Exhibition Management undertakes to provide the following in recognition of the work of the Commissioners who are qualified under Article 26.1.

• a hotel room and breakfast, for the period of the exhibition as well as an agreed time for mounting and dismounting exhibits.
• a suitable daily allowance for the length of actual stay at the exhibition. Per diems should be paid at the first meeting of the Commissioners. A Commissioner may not receive a second per diem while also serving as a juror.

27.2 All Commissioners are entitled to the following free of charge:

• up to two admission tickets for the entire length of the exhibition.
• an exhibition catalogue;
• a copy of the Palmarès; and
• up to two invitations to the Palmarès Banquet and to all official exhibition events, one for a family member. The Commissioners who had submitted the minimum required number of qualified exhibits shall also be entitled to the privileges, except the per diem, even though the Exhibition Management had accepted submitted exhibits less than the minimum number of qualified exhibits to be entitled to the privileges

27.3 All Commissioners shall stay in the hotel provided by the Exhibition Management so that contact may be maintained. No reimbursement is provided if the Commissioner stays elsewhere.

Article 28 Commissioners’ meeting room

The Exhibition Management shall provide a meeting room at the disposal of the Commissioners during the exhibition. The room shall be large enough for the formal meetings of the Commissioners to take place.

Article 29 Measures in Event of a Breach of Commissioners’ Responsibilities

29.1 Should a Commissioner fail to discharge the responsibilities he has undertaken, he may be excluded from such a function at future exhibitions. This decision will be made by the FIP Board, after the Commissioner in question and his Member have been given opportunity to present their position with respect to the breach of responsibility.

29.2 Should a Commissioner be prevented for personal reasons from carrying out his duties, his FIP Member must make proper alternative arrangements so that all his country’s exhibits can be present at the exhibition concerned. If a new Commissioner is appointed, he shall have all the rights and obligations of a Commissioner as provided in Section IV.

Section Vthe Jury

Article 30 Composition of the Jury

30.1 For World Exhibitions the Jury must be appointed from the FIP list of jurors accredited in

accordance with the provisions set out in Guidelines for the Duties and Accreditation of Jurors in World Exhibitions. The list will be placed at the disposal of the FIP Consultant.

30.2 The number of jury members for an exhibition is subject to agreement between the FIP Consultant and the Exhibition Management.

30.3 The term Jury Member shall include Senior Consultants, Apprentice Jurors and Expert Group Members. Apprentice Jurors as well as Expert Group Members who are not judging have no voting rights.

30.4 The Exhibition Management nominates up to 25% of the jury members from the accredited Jurors of its own National Federation, in accordance with Article 30.1. In the situation whereby the Exhibition Management is unable to utilise this 25%, the Exhibition Management can nominate the balance from the list of accredited jurors preferably from its Continent, from the list of accredited jurors submitted by Members to the Exhibition Management.

30.5 The FIP Board appoints up to 25% of the members of the jury from the list of accredited jurors. They shall be shown as FIP appointees in exhibition publications. Such appointees are normally team leaders or other senior members of the Jury.

30.6 The Exhibition Management shall nominate the balance of the jury members from the list of accredited jurors submitted by Members. Each Member shall have the right to nominate up to three jurors in different disciplines on the request of the Exhibition Management. If possible, the selected jury members should come from those countries which are represented by the greatest number of exhibits. A maximum of two jury members (senior consultants and FIP quota jurors not included) with different specialised knowledge may be appointed from each Member.

30.7 The Exhibition Management may nominate up to three senior consultants to the jury from the list of accredited jurors.

Article 31 Procedure for Appointment of Jury Members

31.1 The President of the FIP automatically serves on each jury as Honorary President. The President participates in the jury with the same rights and obligations as the other jury members, and in particular ensures that the relevant FIP regulations are properly observed. Should the President of the FIP be unable to participate or not be a FIP accredited juror, another member of the FIP Board shall serve as Honorary President.

31.2 The FIP Board, in consultation with the Exhibition Management and FIP Consultant shall appoint the Secretary to the Jury.

31.3 The procedure for appointment of Jury members will be as follows:

• the Exhibition Management will ask for nominations of a short list of accredited jurors in accordance with Article 30.6; FIP Board Members should not be nominated, they will if chosen, always be nominees for the FIP quota.
• the Exhibition Management will then prepare out of the above lists a tentative composition of the jury;
• the FIP Consultant, in consultation with the Exhibition Management shall ensure that there are sufficient qualified team leaders on the jury and also that at least 10% of the jurors are recently qualified. He will also indicate which jurors should be selected as FIP nominees.

31.4 Nomination of Jury members by the Exhibition Management should be submitted to the FIP Board through the FIP Consultant at least 12 months before the exhibition. The approved list of jury members shall be agreed and invitations sent out at least 6 months before the exhibition, but not before approval by the FIP Board. A copy of the letter of invitation must be sent to the FIP Members concerned.

31.5 Each Jury may only include a maximum 3 FIP Board of Directors (either as Jurors, Consultants or Expert Group members) and no more. This number includes the FIP Consultant (if he also acts as Juror).

31.6 All appointments of jury members to a FIP exhibition must be confirmed by the FIP Board.

Article 32 Appointment of Jury Apprentices

The FIP Board will select apprentices out of the nominations sent to them by Members in consultation with the FIP Consultant and the Exhibition Management. One Jury apprentice may be attached to each judging class.

Article 33 Organisation of Jury Work

33.1 To facilitate the work of the jury and the Expert Group, the Exhibition Management will provide access to the exhibition outside the normal opening times as may be required.

33.2 The Exhibition Management shall place the following at the disposal of the jury for the performance of its duties:

• a separate room not accessible to the general public,
• an adjoining room for the jury secretariat,
• the necessary office equipment including computing and photocopying equipment.

33.3 A separate room and equipment shall be provided to facilitate the work of the Expert Group. The minimum equipment to be provided shall be determined by the Consultant.

Article 34 Privileges of Jury Members

The Exhibition Management shall provide each jury member with the following at no charge:

• up to two admission tickets for the entire period of the exhibition, one of them for a family member;
• prior to the beginning of jury work, at least two exhibition catalogues;
• two copies of the Palmarès, and
• up to two invitations to the Palmarès Banquet and to all official exhibition events, one of them for a family member.

Article 35 Reimbursement of expenses

35.1 Jury members are entitled to be paid a travel allowance to be determined by the Exhibition Management. An apprentice juror is not entitled to such an allowance.

35.2 The Exhibition Management shall provide each jury member with a hotel room and breakfast, from one day prior to the opening of the exhibition until the end of the exhibition. Special provisions shall be made for the literature jurors if they are required to arrive early.

35.3 The Exhibition Management shall pay an appropriate sum for daily expenses for the period of actual number of days present; such payment should be made at the first formal session of the jury. An apprentice juror is not entitled to such reimbursement. A Jury member may not receive a second per diem while also serving as a Commissioner.

35.4 Jury members shall stay in the hotel provided for them by the Exhibition Management. If they wish to stay elsewhere, they will not be entitled to reimbursement of the cost of accommodation.

35.5 The jury shall be provided with working lunches while they are in session.

Article 36 Confidentiality of Jury Discussions

36.1 The jury shall meet in closed sessions. Its decisions are final.

36.2 The work of the jury is confidential and all members of the jury are required to respect this during and subsequent to the judging. The results of the judging are to be kept secret until they are announced by the Exhibition Management.

36.3 In the event of a breach of Article 36.2, the FIP Board may immediately suspend the offender from office and/or decide to bar him from the jury of future FIP Exhibitions.

Article 37 Election of the Jury President and Jury Presidium

37.1 The President of the Jury shall be proposed by the Exhibition Management in consultation with the FIP Consultant. The Jury President must not hold a key post in the general management of the exhibition. However, the Jury President must be accredited and possess the appropriate jury experience.

37.2 At the onset of their work, the jury members confirm the nomination of the President of the jury, up to three vice-presidents, and the Secretary of the jury. These elected members, together with the

Honorary President form the Jury Presidium.

Article 38 Jury Teams

The Secretary of the Jury in consultation with the FIP Consultant shall allocate the task of judging to teams chosen to reflect their specialised knowledge. The FIP Consultant will nominate the team leaders in consultation with the FIP Board and will determine the number of exhibits to be judged by each team. This also applies to the distribution of jury apprentices to teams.

Article 39 Judging of Exhibits

39.1 In the event of the death of an exhibitor, his exhibit will be judged unless it is withdrawn by the exhibitor’s representative.

39.2 The jury has the authority to transfer an exhibit from one class to another if it considers it is justified and in order to give the exhibit the highest possible award.

Article 40

40.1 The jury is not obliged to make an award of the same level that an exhibit received in an earlier exhibition.

40.2 The jury is not permitted to combine various exhibits from one exhibitor for the purpose of judging. Each exhibit accepted by the Exhibition Management must be separately judged. This does not apply to exhibits in the literature class.

Article 41 Award of Medals

41.1 Each jury team makes the final decision on the award of medals up to and including 89 points provided other members of the jury raise no objection.

41.2 Proposals of the jury teams for all Gold and Large Gold Medals, as well as objections according to Article 41.1, shall be submitted to the full jury for deliberation.

41.3 Decisions of the full jury are carried by highest number of votes. In the event of a tie, the vote of the Jury President is decisive.

41.4 Apprentice jurors and members of the Expert Group who are not judging have no voting rights.

Article 42 Award of the Grand Prix d’Honneur

42.1 The jury presidium shall select those exhibits which may be considered for the award of the Grand Prix d’Honneur of the FIP Championship Class. All jury members have the right to propose additional candidates.

42.2 The award of the Grand Prix d’Honneur of the FIP Championship Class shall be carried out by secret ballot of the full jury. In the event of tie, the vote of the President of the Jury is decisive.

42.3 The candidates for the Grand Prix d’Honneur and the other Grands Prix shall be announced immediately on completion of jury work.

Article 43 Award of “Grands Prix”

For the award of Grands Prix for other Competitive Classes, the jury teams shall propose 8-frame exhibits that received at least 96 points. The award of a Grand Prix shall be carried out by secret ballot of the full jury. In the event of a tie, the vote of the President of the Jury is decisive.

Article 44 Exhibition Certificates

The exhibition certificates shall be signed by the President of the Jury and the President of the Exhibition Management

Article 45 Work of the Expert Group

45.1 A panel of experts approved by the FIP Consultant shall examine at least 1% of exhibits and all

exhibits in the Championship Class for fakes, forgeries and other contravention. They shall also inspect such other exhibits as are reported by the jury teams to contain possible faked or forged material. They shall submit their report to the Jury Presidium.

45.2 At the request of the Expert Group, the Exhibition Management must remove exhibits or parts thereof from the frames so that they may be subjected to close expert investigation. The Commissioners responsible for the exhibits shall be invited to be present when the frames are opened, if they are attending the exhibition.

45.3 Should an exhibit be determined to contain faked, forged, repaired or wrongly identified items which are not clearly marked as such, the exhibit shall be downgraded as determined by the Presidium and approved by the jury. If an exhibit contains many faked, forged or repaired items which are not marked as such, the exhibit may be put out of competition. In all cases where the exhibit has been downgraded, the exhibitor, National Commissioner and the national Federation shall be duly informed by the Expert Group teamleader of the exhibition concerned.

45.4 Exhibitors whose frames have been opened to inspect material and who have been required to provide certificates before material is shown again shall likewise be advised.

Section VIExhibition Management

Article 46 General Responsibilities of the Exhibition Management

The Exhibition Management of a FIP exhibition is obliged to strictly observe the FIP Statutes, GREX and all other regulations.

Article 47 Information from the Exhibition Management

The Exhibition Management of World Exhibitions are obliged to provide the FIP Board, the FIP Consultant, the Commissioners, the Jury Members and the exhibitors with prompt and comprehensive information on all important matters concerning the exhibition.

Article 48 Content of Publicity Brochures and the Catalogue

The first publicity bulletin of a World Exhibition must contain:

• GREX,
• IREX,
• a list of Commissioners with their addresses (incl. Tel. and e-mail),
• the name and address of the FIP Consultant, (incl. Tel. and e-mail),
• details of fees charged for each display frame,
• details on the size of the display frames,
• insurance conditions for the exhibition,
• customs and currency regulations applicable for the exhibition,
• regulations for entering and leaving the country.

Article 49 Security and third party insurance

49.1 The Exhibition Management is responsible for all aspects of security.

49.2 The Exhibition Management shall take out adequate third party insurance, which would include the FIP Consultant, the jurors and commissioners.

49.3 The insurance and transport costs of all invited exhibits are not the responsibility of the Exhibition Management.

Article 50 Transport of Exhibits

50.1 The exhibitors will bear the charges for sending and returning the exhibits to the host country, but any transport charges of exhibits within the host country are to be borne by the Exhibition Management.

50.2 Exhibitors are required to insure their exhibits from despatch from their possession to return to them. The Member Federation must ensure that this has been effected.

Article 51 Fees for Patronage and Recognition

51.1 The fee for Patronage is set by the FIP Congress (Article 47.4 of Statutes) and agreed in the Contract with the FIP Board (Article 20.2 of GREX). The fee for Recognition is set by FIP Congress.

51.2 The fee for Patronage will be paid as specified in the Contract, and the fee for Recognition as provided in the letter of agreement.

51.3 If for any reason whatsoever no exhibition is held, the initial and any other payments made are forfeited.

Article 52 Information to the FIP Board

At the end of the exhibition, the Exhibition Management shall submit without charge two copies of all exhibition publications to the FIP Secretariat, including bulletins, exhibition catalogues, and the Palmarès.

Article 53 Board meetings

The Exhibition Management of a FIP Patronage Exhibition where no FIP Congress is held will be requested to organise meetings of the FIP Board. In this case, the Exhibition Management shall provide appropriate meeting rooms and is responsible for the travel, accommodation and meal expenses (2 meals and 2 coffee breaks) (equivalent to those provided under Article 34 and 35 of GREX) of all FIP Board members, including the Secretary General. The hotel room shall be limited to five nights for Board members and for the Secretary General.

Section VIIProvisions for the Preparation and Holding of

FIP CONGRESSES

Article 54 Congress

54.1 The Secretary General of FIP shall act as Consultant for preparation of the bi-annual FIP Congress. The Secretary General may delegate some of the duties to the FIP Consultant where Congress is being held in conjunction with a World Exhibition.

54.2 The organisers of a FIP Congress are responsible for the technical and organisational preparations and holding of the Congress. They are obliged to:

• provide suitable climatised rooms for the Congress, for meetings of the FIP Board and for meetings of the FIP Philatelic Commissions;
• provide lunch and 2 coffee breaks for the Congress participants
• provide the sound equipment of the Congress and organise the audio recording of the plenary session of Congress;

54.3 The organisers of a FIP Congress are responsible for the travel and accommodation expenses (equivalent to those provided under Article 34 and 35 of GREX) of:

• the FIP Board;
• the Secretary General; and
• Consultants (appointed under Article 39 of Statutes).

54.4 Upon conclusion of the Congress, the proceedings of the Congress shall be published by the FIP Board.

Section VIIIFinal Provisions

Article 55 Language

In the event of any discrepancies in the text arising from translation, the English text shall prevail.

Article 56 Exceptions

56.1 Matters not covered by the GREX will be determined by the FIP Board and if necessary ratified by the next Congress.

56.2 Exceptions to the provisions of the GREX may only be made by the FIP Board.

Article 57 Approval of the General Regulations for Exhibitions

The last amendments were approved at the 78th FIP Congress on 1 July 2026 in Macao. They take effect immediately following approval by the Congress.

Zurich, July 2026