Letters and parcels - Federal Council in favor of postal law reform - sending letters takes longer
The reform of the outdated Postlaw is a done deal. After the Bundestag signaled its approval in June, the Bundesrat also agreed to the first comprehensive amendment to the law since 1997. Back then, letters were much more important than they are in today's digital age, where people rely on emails and chats for everyday communication.
The law adapts to the changed demand for letters. It provides that the German Post will have significantly less time pressure for the transportation of letters in the future. Currently, 80 percent of today's incoming mail must be delivered to the recipient by the next working day, but this requirement will be abolished. Instead, a mandatory delivery value applies from the third working day after dispatch, and 95 percent must have arrived by the fourth working day.
For consumers, this means they will on average wait longer for a standard letter starting in 2025. The Bonn conglomerate can save costs through these new regulations. It has already discontinued its decades-long night flights for letter transportation.
Automats are also permitted instead of post offices. However, strict limits are set - the installation of automats can only be credited towards the still valid branch network obligation where the Post cannot find a retailer who sets up a post counter in their store. This could be the case in some villages where the last supermarket or kiosk has closed. Municipal representatives will be involved in the automat issue, and the Federal Network Agency has the final say. A labeling requirement for packages over 10 kg has also been introduced, so that couriers do not strain themselves and do not have to lift heavy packages.
The originally demanded ban on subcontractors in the parcel industry by the Bundesrat has been dropped, but strict control mechanisms should apply for their use. For the trade union Verdi and some politicians, subcontractors are a red flag due to the poor working conditions they assess. The customs authorities have discovered cases of black market activities and other legal violations during raids. The law will come into force in its essential parts in January 2025.
- With the approval from both the Bundestag and Bundesrat, the outdated Postlaw in Germany is set for a significant overhaul, including changes to the Postal Act.
- The Postal Act reform will allow Deutsche Post AG to have less time pressure in transporting letters, aligning with the changed demand in the digital age, where emails and chats are prevalent.
- In line with the Postal Act amendments, postal services in Germany will no longer be required to deliver 80% of mail by the next working day, instead, a mandatory delivery value of 95% within four working days will be introduced.
- The reform will permit the use of automatic machines instead of post offices, but strict limitations are set, with municipal representatives and the Federal Network Agency having a say in their installation.
- The Postal Act also introduces a labeling requirement for packages over 10 kg, aiming to prevent couriers from straining themselves or handling heavy packages.
