BdKEP Welcomes the Adoption of the New Postal Law

The Federal Association of Courier, Express, and Postal Services (BdKEP) welcomes the adoption of the new Postal Law by the Bundestag. The amendment creates important framework conditions for the competitiveness of medium-sized courier, express, parcel, and postal companies (KEP). New comprehensive audit and reporting systems ensure compliance with regulations regarding working conditions, especially in the contractual relationship between clients and subcontractors.

The new reporting obligations should now be efficiently implemented through the use of AI, digital platforms, and standardized data exchange formats. Furthermore, the topics of sustainability and the application of international standards have been integrated into the Postal Law. Competition in the letter sector is strengthened. Therefore, BdKEP is advocating for the federal states to approve the law in the Bundesrat. This will strengthen up to 14,000 medium-sized KEP services in collaboration with globally operating platform providers. Decentralized, resilient, sustainable process landscapes will be reinforced, and value creation will continue to be realized by local medium-sized businesses.

The Amendment Modernizes the Postal Law After More Than 25 Years

The amendment comprehensively modernizes the Postal Law after more than 25 years and brings it up to date with current technology and market developments. With this amendment, Germany can also actively shape the upcoming revision of the European Postal Services Directive.

The new regulations promote fair contract awarding and set clear framework conditions against unfair practices. The increased responsibility of clients achieves a higher level of integrity in the market. Bad actors will be identified and excluded earlier and more reliably than before, or will not be allowed to enter the market at all.

For the first time, the Postal Law also includes regulations on sustainability, such as a climate dialogue and the recording of greenhouse gases. The consideration of European standards promotes competition and ensures a uniform approach to data collection and comparability in reporting.

Preventing the Financing Source of a Large Logistics Company

The amendment also strengthens competition in the letter market, for example, through enhanced powers of the Federal Network Agency and the further development of regulations for postage regulation and partial service access for goods shipments. The regulations promote quality and fair prices and help prevent the letter market from becoming a financing source for the expansion of a single large logistics company.

According to BdKEP, the additional reporting and notification system in the Postal Law reflects the significantly changed market conditions compared to 25 years ago. At that time, Deutsche Post still held the monopoly under CEO Klaus Zumwinkel, and the liberalization of the postal market was initiated with the Postal Law. Since then, the volume of shipments and the number of active companies in the market have developed significantly. The use of digital solutions, AI, and standardized data exchange formats should be enabled and promoted to implement an efficient reporting system by the authorities.

Appeal to the Federal States for Approval in the Bundesrat

Andreas Schumann, Chairman of BdKEP, regarding the vote in the Bundesrat: “BdKEP appeals to the federal states to approve this law in the Bundesrat. The prohibition of activities for KEP companies not registered in the provider directory, the extensive proof and audit obligations, as well as significant fines, are suitable for ensuring compliance with regulations, especially regarding working conditions. With the developments, for example, on the topics of sustainability, application of standards, strengthening competition, and the medium-sized sector, the law provides a solid foundation for the upcoming changes in the postal market.”

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