postal regulation

The postal sector is changing fast. As the traditional market enters a steep decline, e-commerce is driving rapid and unprecedented growth in parcel delivery - all of which has an impact on the way the sector is regulated.

At Cullen International, we provide independent and expert insight into the past, present and future of EU postal regulation. Subscribe to our intelligence services, and we’ll help you to stay informed as the sector evolves and to understand how that evolution affects you.

general topics covered

Universal service obligations

Use our Postal service to stay informed on the steps taken by regulators to maintain the sustainability of the universal service despite the decline in traditional postal volumes. Track and compare different national regimes, and anticipate new rules and reforms on an EU level. Topics covered include :

  • The Postal Services Directive
  • Universal service scope and changes
  • Price caps
  • Funding
E-commerce

E-commerce has led to rapid growth in the parcel sector, driving providers to innovate and diversify to rise to new challenges and meet changing consumer expectations. As national and EU-level regulation enters the picture, our intelligence services provide an essential independent resource on this transformative trend. Topics covered include:

  • Horizontal consumer protection rules
  • New postal sector rules on parcel delivery
  • Alternative means of delivery
  • VAT and customs

latest intelligence

Ofcom to investigate Royal Mail's quality of service performance
22 May 23 Michael van Maris van Dijk

Ofcom has opened an investigation into the quality of service performance of Royal Mail during the financial year of 2022/2023, following Royal Mail's report that it fell short of most of its regulated performance targets.

EU's top court rules that GDPR infringements only give rise to damages if they have caused harm
17 May 23 Michael van Maris van Dijk

The Court of Justice of the EU ruled that the right to compensation provided by the GDPR can only be exercised if a person has suffered material or non-material damage as a result of a GDPR infringement. Furthermore, member states cannot make the granting of compensation conditional on the harm reaching a minimum level of seriousness. Rules on calculating damages must be set at national level.

Royal Mail offers pay rise to end labour dispute
05 May 23 Michael van Maris van Dijk

Royal Mail reached an agreement with the Communication Workers Union on guarantees regarding pay and job security, as well as changes to working flexibility and sick pay. The agreement would allow Royal Mail to make long-mooted operational changes to move to being primarily a parcel operator.

ARCEP consults on a new price cap scheme for postal universal services for 2024–2025
03 May 23 Virginie Alloo

The French postal regulator ARCEP is consulting until 25 May 2023 on a new price cap scheme for postal universal services for the period 2024-2025. The regulator plans to adopt a decision setting the new price cap in June 2023.

Commission outlines next steps in study to review postal sector
26 April 23 Peter Dunn

The European Commission plans to deliver a study in 2Q 2024 on the future of the European postal sector, including possible future regulatory changes. The study will have three main objectives: defining possible future scenarios for the postal sector; identifying the impact of the identified scenarios on the sector and regulatory framework; and quantifying these impacts.

ARCEP sets minimum fee for delivery of new books sold online
25 April 23 Virginie Alloo

The French postal regulator ARCEP set a minimum fee for the delivery of new books sold online. In particular, every French online buyer will have to pay a minimum tariff of €3 for the delivery of books when the amount of the purchase is below €35. The ministries of economy and culture published on 4 April 2023 the decree implementing the regulator's decision, with the entry into force of the new rule expected within six months.

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