IREX

1.1. Balkanfila XXI Pernik 2026 is organized by the Union of Bulgarian Philatelists and Bulgarian Post

1.2. Balkanfila XXI Pernik 2026 will take place at the grounds of the Palace of Culture in Pernik Apr.29 to May 2 2026.

1.3. The exhibition is held under FEPA Recognition.

2.1. The exhibition is governed by the following regulations and guidelines:

• FIP and FEPA Regulations for exhibitions (GREX and FREGEX respectively)

• General Regulations of the FIP for the evaluation of competitive exhibits at FIP exhibitions (GREV)

• Special Regulations and Guidelines for the evaluation of competitive exhibits (SREV) – one SREV per class

• FEPA Guidelines for Narrow Theme Exhibits (1-2-3 frame exhibits)

• Balkanfila Working Group Exhibition Regulations

• These Individual Regulations (IREX)

3.1. Non-competitive exhibits are classified into the following Classes:

A1. Court of Honour - Exhibits of great philatelic importance

A2. Official Class - Exhibits of postal authorities, postal museums, postage stamp printers, designers, engravers etc.

A3. Jury Class - Exhibits of the Balkanfila XXI Pernik 2026 jurors

A4. Other exhibits

3.2. Competitive exhibits are classified into the following Classes:

B1 Balkanfila Grand Prix Class

C1 Traditional Philately

C2 Postal History

C3 Postal Stationery

C4 Aerophilately

C5 Astrophilately

C6 Revenues

C7 Thematic Philately

C8 Maximaphily

C9 Open Philately

C10 Picture Postcards

Classes Y Youth Philately (ages as of 1 January 2026)

Y1 Exhibitors aged 10–15 years

Y2 Exhibitors aged 16–18 years

Y3 Exhibitors aged 19–21 years

Classes L Philatelic Literature

L1 Books of a research nature and specialized catalogues

L2 Books of promotional and documentary character

L3 General catalogues

L4 Periodicals

L5 Articles (collections of)

L6 Websites or social media

L7 Software

L8 Other digital works

3.3. Exhibits in L1-L5 may be exhibited either in printed or digital format.

3.4. Narrow theme exhibits (1-2-3 frame exhibits) and Modern Philately exhibits are classified in their respective philatelic classes.

3.5. When applying to enter the exhibition the exhibitor is invited to nominate the most appropriate class for the exhibit. However, the Organizing Committee and the Jury reserve the right to transfer any exhibit from one class to another, always to the benefit of the exhibitor.

4.1. Participation in frames is open to:

(a) Exhibitors who are members of philatelic societies affiliated to the member countries of the Balkanfila Working Group (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey) as well as Cyprus and Israel. Their respective philatelic federations are invited to appoint a National Commissioner.

(b) Exhibitors from all over the world with exhibits of Balkan interest.

4.2. Participation in Philatelic Literature is open with no restriction whatsoever.

4.3. Exhibits in the competitive classes - except Youth Philately and Philatelic Literature - must have been awarded a minimum of 75 points at an exhibition of the national level. For new exhibits, the entry form must be accompanied by a written statement confirming the quality of the exhibit by either the National Commissioner or the Federation.

4.4. Exhibits awarded at least one Large Gold medal at a previous FIP/FEPA/FIAP/FIAF Patronage Exhibitions may only apply to participate in the Balkanfila Grand Prix Class (Class B1).

4.5. Exhibits awarded any Grand Prix at FIP, FEPA, FIAF or FIAP Patronage Exhibitions cannot be exhibited in any competitive class.

4.6. The exhibitor must be the owner of the exhibit displayed, which is listed under the exhibitor’s name, or a pseudonym, in the official programme. The exhibit must have been the property of the entrant for at least two years and, if purchased as a collection, extensively revised to qualify for the exhibition.

4.7. Exhibitors may display their exhibit under a pseudonym, provided their name and membership in any appropriate philatelic society are made known to the National Commissioner, the Organising Committee and the Jury.

5.1. Exhibitors shall submit their entry form directly to their National Commissioner. It must be accompanied by an introductory title page (mandatory) in one of the languages English, French, German or Spanish. A synopsis of up to two A4 pages may also be submitted (optional, but highly recommended). Those exhibitors living in countries where no National Commissioner has been appointed should apply directly to the Organising Committee through their National Federations.

5.2. The entry form must be duly completed in English.

5.3. A separate entry form is required for each exhibit.

5.4. Completed entry forms must be received by the Organizing Committee no later than 31 January.

5.5. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to refuse to accept any application in whole or in part without assigning any reason for rejection.

5.6. Data provided by the applicants is used by BALKANFILA XXI to organize the exhibition and may be stored and transmitted electronically, as well as in paper. By submitting their applications, the exhibitors assent to this. Data handling will be performed in compliance with EU GDPR. No data will be passed to any third party for any purpose other than retention for exhibition records and may be used to provide the exhibitor with information about future exhibitions.

6.1. Notification of application acceptance or non-acceptance by the Organizing Committee, together with the number of frames allocated to each accepted exhibit, will be sent to the National Commissioners when frame allocations have been made. It is anticipated that such notification will be made by 20 February 2026.

6.2. The decision of the Organizing Committee on the acceptance of exhibits is final.

7.1. Immediately after the National Commissioner has received the list of accepted exhibits from the Organizing Committee, the National Commissioner will send a Notice of Confirmation of Acceptance to each exhibitor.

7.2. Entry fees should reach the Organizing Committee by 31 March 2026.

7.3. The exhibitor may revise the introductory title page after having the exhibit accepted, but the concept of the exhibit cannot be changed. A revised introductory title page and/or the synopsis should reach the Organising Committee by 31 March 2026.

8.1. The entry fee in Classes A4, B1 and C1–C10 is €25 per frame.

8.2. The entry fee in Classes L1-L8 is €15 per entry.

8.3. There is no entry fee for Classes A1–A3 and Y1–Y3.

8.4. Entry fees are not refundable.

9.1. There will be 500 frames 1.20 x 1.00 cm available in competition. A frame can hold 16 sheets in four rows of four (4 x 4) in transparent protectors, not exceeding 29.5 cm tall by 23 cm wide. The equivalent larger sizes 29.5 cm x 46 cm (2 sheets per row) or 29.5 cm x 30 cm (3 sheets per row) are also accepted.

9.2. If the exhibit pages do not fit within the frame size or the number of frames allocated, the exhibit or the portion outside the frames will not be exhibited or judged. In such cases, the Organizing Committee will not be responsible, and the frame fee will not be returned.

10.1. In Class B1 exhibits are allocated 8 frames uniformly.

10.2. In Classes C1–C10 exhibits are allocated the following number of frames: 1–3 frames: exhibits with a narrow theme, as per the exhibitor’s application. 5 frames: new exhibits or exhibits which have previously received less than 85 points at any exhibition. 5–8 frames: exhibits which have previously received at least 85 points at any exhibition, as per the exhibitor’s application.

10.3. In Classes Y1-Y3, each exhibit is allocated the following number of frames, as per the exhibitor’s application. Class Y1: 1 to 3 frames. Class Y2: 2 to 4 frames. Class Y3: 3 to 5 frames.

11.1. The write-up of any exhibit in frames must be in one of the languages: English, German, Spanish or French.

11.2. All exhibits must be mounted on white or light-colored pages and each sheet must be placed in a transparent protective cover. No exhibit mounted on black or dark-colored pages is accepted.

11.3. The sheets must be numbered consecutively to aid correct mounting of the exhibit.

11.4. Expert Certificates in original or copy must be placed at the disposal of the Jury either by inserting them in the protector behind the respective exhibit page or by depositing them with the National Commissioner.

11.5. The front of each page containing an item with Expert Certificate or Certificates should show ⓔ (the letter “e” in a circle) or similar - next to the item to denote that an Expert Certificate is available.

12.1. Exhibit envelopes are provided by the exhibitor (one envelope per frame). Each envelope must include the exhibitor’s name, exhibit title and frame number. No inventory form is necessary.

12.2. Exhibits can only be accepted if delivered by the National Commissioner to the Bin Room at a date and time to be agreed with the Organizing Committee. Exhibits will not be returned to National Commissioners until after the exhibition has closed. Where no National Commissioner has been appointed, individual arrangements must be made directly with the Organizing Committee.

12.3. If an exhibit is delivered late or fails to be delivered, or in the event the page size does not comply with the provisions of Article 9.1, the exhibit will not be judged, and the participation fee will not be refunded.

12.4. The Organizing Committee will provide Customs Clearance documentation and transport facilities for National Commissioners arriving at stipulated entry points. National Commissioners using different points of entry into Bulgaria will be responsible for making their own arrangements for clearance through Customs. They should also make their own arrangements to deliver their exhibits to the venue on a date to be agreed in advance with the Organizing Committee.

12.5. Any National Commissioner arranging transport by air freight must make their own arrangements for Customs clearance and delivery to the exhibition.

12.6. The Organizing Committee will make all reasonable efforts to devise a simplified procedure in conjunction with Customs for exhibits entering Bulgaria. Details of the entry procedure and requirements will be notified to all exhibitors and National Commissioners.

12.7. This procedure may not apply if a National Commissioner arranges delivery by air freight or by entry to Bulgaria, other than the designated entry point.

13.1. Exhibit mounting and dismounting will be performed by or under the supervision of the Organizing Committee and the National Commissioners.

13.2. Exhibitors will neither be able to hand in their exhibits directly to the Bin Room nor to mount or dismount their exhibits personally without prior arrangement.

14.1. Exhibitors in Classes L1-L8 must send two copies of each title or volume, which will not be returned unless the exhibitor wishes otherwise. In such a case, the exhibitor will be charged with the mailing fees. The literature will first be placed at the disposal of the Jury and will later be on display in a philatelic reading area throughout the duration of the Exhibition.

14.2. The Organizing Committee requires Philatelic Literature exhibits to be received no later than 15 April.

14.3. The address to which Philatelic Literature exhibits must be sent will be advised well in advance.

15.1. Exhibitors are responsible for securing appropriate insurance for their exhibits for the entire time that the exhibits are out of their hands. The Organizing Committee is not responsible for such insurance, and all expenses in securing insurance are the responsibility of the exhibitor. The Organizing Committee will not be liable for any loss of or damage to any exhibit, in whole or in part, whatever the cause.

16.1. Exhibits in the Competitive Classes will be judged and awarded prizes by the Jury in accordance with the principles in the GREV and SREVs.

16.2. The Jury will allocate medals in accordance with Article 8 of the GREX.

16.3. Grand Prizes in the Competitive Classes are:

(a) Grand Prix Balkanfila for the best exhibit in Class B1, assuming the participating exhibits are at least three.

(b) Grand Prix National for the best exhibit related to the host country in Classes C1–C10 and L1-L8, assuming it has received at least 95 points.

(c) Grand Prix International for the best exhibit not related to the host country C1–C10 and L1-L8, assuming it has received at least 95 points.

16.4. All exhibits will receive the Exhibition Medal and an Award Certificate.

16.5. Special prizes offered to the Organizing Committee will be placed at the disposal of the Jury.

17.1. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to amend these Regulations at any time.

17.2. Except for Jury decisions, the decision of the Organizing Committee shall be final on all matters arising in connection with the exhibition.

18.1. The Organizing Committee, the National Federations, their National Commissioners, the Jury, the voluntary personnel, and employees accept no liability for any loss or injury suffered by exhibitors or members of the public arising directly or indirectly from any cause whatsoever related to the exhibition. Insurance cover against such loss or injury will be provided by the Organizing Committee in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the host country.

18.2. The laws of Bulgaria shall govern the interpretation of these regulations, and any legal cases arising shall be settled within the jurisdiction of the courts of Pernik.

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

19.1. The submission of an entry form by an exhibitor shall be deemed as a sign of acceptance of the regulations defined in Article 2.1.

POBox 798, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

20.1. Balkanfila XXI Pernik 2026 Organizing Committee Email: balkanfilaxxi@gmail.com, Website: balkanfilaxxi.eu

20.2. BALKANFILA XXI Commissioner General Boncho Bonev Email: bnb11@abv.bg, phone +359 887 978 967

20.3. BALKANFILA WORKING GROUP and FEPA Consultant : Igor PIRC