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

Portugal requires CTT to compensate users if it fails to achieve quality targets
20 February 25 Pedro Miranda

Under a new regulation, if Correios de Portugal (CTT) does not meet quality of service targets, the ministry may mandate it to compensate users through investments in the postal network or retail price reductions. The compensation may be at most 3% of CTT’s annual earnings from services that are part of the universal postal service.

European Commission to withdraw draft e-Privacy Regulation and AI Liability Directive
16 February 25 Marianna Mattera

The European Commission’s 2025 work programme prioritises simplifying EU regulations (e.g. cybersecurity rules) to reduce administrative burdens.

Commission approves state aid for Czech Post’s digital mailbox service
12 February 25 Monika Kačeriaková

The European Commission approved state aid to Czech Post totalling €156m for the provision of the official digital mailbox during the period 2023–2027.

Czech government sends draft postal act amendments to parliament
06 February 25 Monika Kačeriaková

The most significant amendments to the Czech postal law since 2012 would allow for changes to the universal service, amend the reimbursement of the USO net cost and introduce new consumer protection rules. The government passed the amendments after one year of consultation. If passed by the two-chamber parliament, the act will come into effect from 2026.

Ofcom proposes changes to the universal service obligation, including reduced frequency of delivery and relaxed quality of service
05 February 25 Armen Ghalumyan

Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, is proposing changes to the postal universal service obligation (USO), including reduced delivery frequency for second class mail and relaxed quality of service targets for USO letters. Ofcom’s view is that the proposed modifications to the USO will still continue to meet the reasonable needs of postal consumers.

Ofcom imposes a £10.5m fine on Royal Mail for failure to meet delivery targets in 2023/24
30 January 25 Armen Ghalumyan

Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, imposed a £10.5m fine on Royal Mail for failure to meet its delivery targets for first class and second class mail in 2023/24. This is the second consecutive financial year in which Royal Mail was fined by the regulator for poor delivery performance as part of the universal service obligation.

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