UPU Congress agrees reform of terminal dues; USA to remain in UPU
07 October 19
Peter Dunn
On 25 September, the third Extraordinary Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) reached unanimous agreement on reforms to the international remuneration system, in particular allowing countries to set self-declared rates. On the same day, the US director of trade policy announced that the USA would remain a member of the UPU.
Polish government adopts draft Electronic Delivery Act
02 October 19
Monika Kačeriaková
Changes to Polish law will result in the digitisation of up to 20m registered letters each year. The Electronic Delivery Act will affect correspondence sent to/from public authorities and individuals and businesses. For digitally excluded consumers, a hybrid service will be available.
BIPT ratifies bpost's prices increased for 2020 but reiterates its concerns about the current price cap formula
01 October 19
Virginie Alloo
BIPT, the Belgian regulator, ratified bpost's increased retail tariffs for 2020, stating that the increase complies with the legal principles of tariff uniformity, non-discrimination and transparency. However, BIPT continues to criticise the price cap mechanism included in the postal law, believing that the increased tariffs are not truly cost-oriented and expressing concerns about possible further price increases.
ERGP proposals to focus on promoting competition generate strong response from operators
24 September 19
Virginie Alloo
The ERGP presented its draft medium term strategy (2020-2022) and its 2020 work programme. The medium term strategy focuses on competition issues, in particular to analyse whether the principles of telecoms regulation would be suitable to promote competition in postal markets. Operators responded strongly, arguing that more regulation was not required and that the focus should be on the universal service.
A Postal Services Directive is still needed, with more flexible and lighter universal service obligations
24 September 19
Virginie Alloo
There is still a requirement for a Postal Services Directive, according to a consultancy study for the European Commission on users needs in the postal sector. Other conclusions included that a postal universal service (US) is still relevant, perhaps with a reduced service level, and that postal regulators should be strengthened to monitor closely the postal markets and the needs of users.
UPU Extraordinary Congress meets to decide possible terminal dues reforms
24 September 19
Peter Dunn
The UPU's 192 member countries will meet in Geneva this week to discuss possible options for the reform of terminal dues rates applying to small packets. Countries will try to decide on one of three different options to increase the applicable rates payable to the designated operator delivering cross-border items. Countries may also submit and discuss amendments to the current options.