Editing International reply coupon (section)

== Description ==
[[File:US Postal Service International Reply Coupon 1978.png|thumb|US Postal Service International Reply Coupon 1978]]

International reply coupons<ref>section 380 Supplemental Services, subsection 381 International Reply Coupons.{{cite web|title=Summary of Changes, Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual, Issued July 7, 2014|url=http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/imm/full/imm.pdf}}</ref> (in French, ''Coupons-Réponse Internationaux'') are printed in blue ink on paper that has the letters "UPU" in large characters in the watermark. The front of each coupon is printed in French. The reverse side of the coupon, which has text relating to its use, is printed in German, English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian. Under Universal Postal Union regulations, participating member countries are not required to place a control stamp or postmark on the international reply coupons that they sell. Therefore, some foreign issue reply coupons that are tendered for redemption may bear the name of the issuing country (generally in French) rather than the optional control stamp or postmark.

The Nairobi Model was an international reply coupon printed by the Universal Postal Union which is approximately 3.75 inches by 6 inches and had an expiration date of 31 December 2013. This model was designed by Rob Van Goor, a graphic artist from the Luxembourg Post. It was selected from among 10 designs presented by Universal Postal Union member countries. Van Goor interpreted the theme of the contest – "The Postage Stamp: A Vehicle for Exchange" – by depicting the world being cradled by a hand and the perforated outline of a postage stamp.

The Doha Model is named for the 25th UPU congress held in Doha, Qatar, in 2012. The Doha model, designed by Czech artist and graphic designer Michal Sindelar, shows cupped hands catching a stream of water, to celebrate the theme of Water for Life. It expires after 31 December 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.upu.int/nc/en/activities/international-reply-coupons/about-irc.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140130224502/http://www.upu.int/nc/en/activities/international-reply-coupons/about-irc.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 January 2014 |title=Universal Postal Union: About international reply coupons |website=Upu.int |access-date=30 January 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-12-12|title=Czech out new coupon design|url=https://www.upu.int/en/News/2012/12/Czech-out-new-coupon-design|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206142316/https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/Activities/Philately-IRCs/International-Reply-Coupons-(IRCs)|archive-date=2021-12-06|access-date=2021-12-20|website=www.upu.int|language=en-GB}}</ref>

The Istanbul Model was designed by graphic artist Nguyen Du (Vietnam) and features a pair of hands and a dove against an Arctic backdrop representing sustainable development in the postal sector. Ten countries participated in the competition which was held 7 October 2016, during the UPU congress in Istanbul, Turkey. It expires after 31 December 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.upu.int/en/activities/international-reply-coupons/new-illustration-for-2017-2021.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316145802/http://www.upu.int/en/activities/international-reply-coupons/new-illustration-for-2017-2021.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 March 2017 |title=Universal Postal Union: New illustration for 2017–2021 |website=Upu.int |access-date=5 December 2018 }}</ref>

The Abidjan Model, named for the 27th Congress held in Abidjan, [[Ivory Coast]] from 9 to 27 August 2021, was designed by graphic artist Valeryia Tsimakhavets (Belarus) and features a Tree with New Leaves and Birds which represent the Eco-System and Climate Protection. This model was originally set to expire after 31 December 2025, but the expiration date was later extended to 31 December 2026.<ref name="upu-irc-2024-11-27">{{cite web|url=https://www.upu.int/en/universal-postal-union/activities/philately-ircs/international-reply-coupons-ircs#news-|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112055132/https://www.upu.int/en/universal-postal-union/activities/philately-ircs/international-reply-coupons-ircs#news-|archive-date=12 November 2024|title=International Reply Coupons (IRCs)|access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref>