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 taking place at the EU level. Topics covered include :

  • 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 is now increasingly focusing on this area, our intelligence services provide an essential independent resource on this transformative trend. Topics covered include:

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

latest intelligence

Poland may compensate universal postal service provider before the European Commission approves state aid
04 March 24 Monika Kačeriaková

Polish MPs proposed amendments to the Postal Act to allow for more flexible financing of the universal service net cost of Poczta Polska. Upon adoption of the proposal, the postal operator’s net cost of the universal service provision may be compensated from the state budget before the European Commission’s approval of state aid.

The Czech government is preparing substantial changes to the Postal Act
26 February 24 Monika Kačeriaková

The Czech government proposed to substantially amend the Postal Act to reflect recent developments in the postal sector. Besides changes to the quality and financing of the universal service, the draft would enhance consumer protection and give further powers to the postal regulator.

Commission workshop explores impact of different scenarios on postal operations and regulation
16 February 24 Armen Ghalumyan

Postal stakeholders provided their views in response to the first stage of the European Commission’s study on the future of the postal sector. In an online workshop held on 13 February 2024, the study team discussed with participants the critical factors influencing the future development of the sector, as well as the five proposed scenarios for evolution by the year 2040. The final study will inform the Commission’s report to the Council on the postal services market, including any recommended revisions to the EU postal regulatory framework.

CNMC suggests modifying the regulatory cost accounting methodology while reviewing universal service prices for 2024
08 February 24 Carmen Mateas

The Spanish postal regulator, CNMC, carried out its annual review of Correos' universal postal service prices for 2024 and concluded that these prices are affordable, transparent and non-discriminatory, but that the discounts offered to some large clients are not cost-oriented. CNMC also suggested modifying the accounting methodology set by regulation to calculate the cost of the USP’s regulated services.

Ofcom removes the price cap on Royal Mail’s second class small parcels but retains that on second class letters until 2027
30 January 24 Armen Ghalumyan

Ofcom decided to remove the retail price cap on second class small parcels included in the universal service obligation (USO). At the same time, the regulator retained a price cap on second class USO letters until 2027. The regulator also created a single basket cap for second class standard and large letters, giving the universal service provider more flexibility in setting its retail prices.

Ofcom suggests modernising the USO to respond to a declining letters market
25 January 24 Armen Ghalumyan

Ofcom is inviting stakeholder views on its assessment of possible options to modernise the USO. The regulator’s assessment showed that the USO in its current form is becoming financially and operationally unsustainable for Royal Mail, the USP. Two major proposed courses of action are to reduce the delivery speed and frequency of delivery for letter mail.

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