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

CNMC mandates Correos to stop classifying administrative notifications as a USP product
13 September 24 Carmen Mateas

The Spanish postal regulator, CNMC, mandated Correos, the universal service provider, to modify its regulated cost accounts for the financial year of 2022. The regulator ordered Correos to classify administrative notifications as falling outside the scope of the universal service.

Ofcom will assess Royal Mail’s proposed reforms to the postal universal service
10 September 24 Armen Ghalumyan

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, announced that it will assess proposed reforms to the postal universal service obligation, including a possible shift to alternate weekday delivery for Royal Mail’s second class letters and access products. Following its assessment, Ofcom plans to consult on the USO changes in early 2025, with a decision expected during summer 2025.

Czech Post will continue as the universal postal service provider until 2029
02 September 24 Monika Kačeriaková

ČTÚ, the Czech postal regulator, designated Czech Post as the universal postal service provider for 2025–2029. Most of Czech Post’s obligations will remain unchanged under the new designation.

Dutch court maintains restrictions on heavy, frequent lifting by parcel sorting centre workers
14 August 24 Martin Schraa

PostNL, the Dutch universal service provider, must ensure that workers in parcel sorting centres do not singlehandedly lift parcels heavier than 23 kg too often.

Correos to continue as the designated USP and receive larger USO compensation under new strategic framework for 2024-2028
05 August 24 Carmen Mateas

The Spanish state will increase the level of financial compensation for the provision of the postal universal service to Correos, the universal service provider, under a new strategic framework agreement covering the years 2024–2028. Correos will continue as the universal service provider after 2026. The framework also foresees the provision of new services by the provider, an operational transformation programme and new conditions for postal workers.

Austrian parcels market continued to expand in 2023
31 July 24 Michael van Maris van Dijk

The Austrian parcels market grew in 2023, with total parcel volumes increasing by 1.7% to reach 388.8m, more than double the volumes in 2016. Revenues in the Austrian parcels market reached €1.540bn, a 6.9% year-on-year increase. These were some of the findings presented in the 2023 edition of the monitoring report published annually by RTR, the Austrian postal regulator.

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