NEWS

The plenary session of the European Parliament supported on Tuesday, March 13, measures aimed at increasing transparency in package delivery services between different EU countries.

High package delivery prices between EU countries constitute one of the main obstacles to electronic commerce. Rates for packages sent from one EU country to another can be up to five times higher than national prices, according to the latest study by the European Parliament.

Impact of lack of transparency

The lack of transparency in the sector can encourage postal operators to charge unreasonably high prices. Consumers have a hard time making informed decisions, as well as accessing a wider range of products, especially if they are located in peripheral areas.

Companies that focus their activity on electronic commerce, especially smaller ones, are also directly affected since high prices may cause them to stop doing business with other EU countries.

The role of the European Parliament

The plenary session of the European Parliament supported on March 13 the parliamentary report on a regulation that seeks to make the cross-border market for package delivery in the EU more transparent and competitive. The objective is to reduce barriers to electronic commerce and to favor electronic consumers and retailers.

These new rules are added to the measures taken to end the so-called “geographical blockade” for certain products, also aimed at facilitating electronic commerce in the EU.

Next steps

Once the new rules come into force, the European Commission will evaluate the progress made and decide if additional measures are needed.

What will change the new regulations?

• Electronic consumers and retailers will have the possibility to consult the price list and look for the best offers.
• Courier services should provide customers with clear information about prices and delivery conditions.
• National postal authorities will collect data from operators to monitor the market and evaluate unreasonably high tariffs.