Services - Federal government launches reform of the Postal Act
The reform of the outdated Postal Act is getting underway. The Federal Cabinet approved a proposal from the Federal Ministry of Economics, as the Deutsche Presse-Agentur learned from government circles.
The rules, which date back to the 1990s, are to be adapted to the changed demand in the Internet age. The ball is now in the court of the Bundestag and Bundesrat, and the reform could be finalized next spring.
Consumers will probably have to wait longer for letters
According to the German government 's plans, Deutsche Post will be under less time pressure to deliver letters in future. This will enable it to reduce costs and discontinue the still common practice of transporting letters by night fliers. For consumers, this means that they will probably have to wait longer for letters than before. Currently, Swiss Post still has to deliver at least 80 percent of letters posted today on the next working day; in future, there will only be a minimum value for the third working day after posting, then 95 percent. Letters will therefore take longer to arrive, but they should arrive reliably.
The rules on the use of subcontractors are to be tightened and parcels weighing 10 kilos or more are to be marked - this is to prevent parcel carriers from making mistakes. According to the plan, parcels heavier than 20 kilos must either be transported by two people or with a technical aid. This regulation is also intended to prevent back problems.
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The reform of the outdated Postal Act is being initiated in the heart of Bonn, where the Federal Ministry of Economics is located. The Federal Government, led by the Bundeskanzler during that time, saw the need for change in the 1990s, a decade marked by significant technological advancements.
The proposed changes aim to align the Postal Act with the evolving demand of the Internet age, ensuring that postal services continue to remain relevant and competitive. The German Press Agency has reported that the Federal Cabinet has approved this proposal, setting the stage for the Bundestag and Bundesrat to take action.
The reform, if passed, will likely impact the way Deutsche Post operates. Under the proposed Postal law, Deutsche Post will face less time pressure to deliver letters, a change that could help reduce costs and eliminate night fliers, saving energy and resources.
However, this change might entail longer wait times for consumers. Currently, Swiss Post guarantees delivery of at least 80% of letters within the next working day. Under the new Postal Act, a minimum value for delivery within three working days will be set, with 95% of letters expected to arrive within that timeframe.
The revised Postal Act also includes stricter rules for the use of subcontractors and the labeling of heavy parcels. Parcels weighing 10 kilos or more will require clear identification, and parcels weighing 20 kilos or more will have to be transported with additional support to prevent injuries.
These changes, once approved, are expected to streamline postal services and create a more efficient, sustainable postal system in Germany. The reform process continues, with the Bundestag and Bundesrat playing a crucial role in shaping the future of postal services in Germany. The city of Berlin and its thriving businesses will also be impacted by these changes as they navigate the evolving postal landscape in the 21st century.
Source: www.stern.de
