ERGP proposes equal rights for parcels recipients to improve delivery rights for online shoppers
08 July 20
Virginie Alloo
In the context of the review of the postal regulatory framework, the European Regulators Group for Postal Services (ERGP) is consulting until 27 September on how to improve the rights of online shoppers in relation to delivery. The ERGP report analyses in particular whether to give NRAs new competences or to impose new legal obligations on postal operators so that consumers are adequately protected in relation to delivery. A fundamental question in this analysis is whether recipients of postal items should in future have the same level of rights as senders under postal regulations.
Italian regulator finds Amazon to be dominant in market for e-commerce deliveries
07 July 20
Peter Dunn
AGCOM, the Italian regulator, found Amazon to have a dominant position in the national market for e-commerce deliveries because of its purchasing power and vertical integration. AGCOM will now carry out further investigations into the persistent nature of the dominant position identified and whether remedies are required.
Royal Mail urges review of universal service, announces higher prices because of US terminal dues
03 July 20
Michael van Maris van Dijk
Royal Mail annual report sets out significant cost-reduction and business transformational measures to respond to COVID-19 and structural market changes. The operator will also work with stakeholders, the regulator Ofcom and the government to review the future of the universal service obligation. Royal Mail also announced increased prices for parcels to the USA.
European Commission examines state aid granted to Czech Post
26 June 20
Peter Dunn
The European Commission will investigate compensation of CZK 7.5bn paid to Czech Post for the provision of universal postal services for the period 2018-2020. The Commission is concerned about over-compensation, focussing in particular on the correct calculation of the net avoided costs for carrying out the universal service obligation
Flexibility, subsidiarity and innovation needed in post-COVID postal market
23 June 20
Virginie Alloo
Postal operators called for the European Commission to place a strong emphasis on flexibility and subsidiarity when reviewing the Postal Services Directive, particularly given the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers of postal and delivery services also highlighted innovative services introduced to keep delivery traffic moving during the pandemic, and welcomed the Commission's proposal to postpone the implementation of the Directive on VAT for cross-border e-commerce by six months. The Post and Parcel Live seminar took place online on 17-18 June 2020.
ComReg proposes to cancel USP designation review, An Post to remain USO until 2023
22 June 20
Celine Senay
The Irish regulator, ComReg, is consulting until 17 July on its proposal to cancel the ongoing universal service provider (USP) designation review, as a result of market uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ComReg is concerned about the short- and long-term impacts of the current pandemic on the universal service (US), which would make it challenging for both the regulator and possible USP applicants to undertake the USP designation process.
Therefore, ComReg proposes to maintain An Post as the sole USP until 2023, the original term of the designation under section 17(2) of the 2011 Postal Services Act (the 2011 Act).
ComReg would restart the USP assessment and designation process in late 2021/early 2022.
ComReg also published the quality of service results for An Post's 2019 performance.