INFORMATION SHEETS

PER COUNTRY

AUSTRIA
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The current law regulating the post is the 1993 version (Bundesgesetzblatt/BGBL nr 12) of the 'Postgestez 1957' (>Postal Law 1957'). The original >Postgesetz 1957' entered into force in 1958.

There are no laws or regulations specifically dealing with private operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated. 

2.1	NAME AND STATUS 

As a result of the amendment of the >Bundesministeriengesetz 1986= (>The Federal Ministries Law=) which entered into force on 1 May 1996 on the basis of the >Strukturanpassungsgesetz 1996' (>Structural Adjustment Law=) the regulatory competence in the field of post and telecommunications has been handed over to the >Bundesminister fhr Wissenschaft, Verkehr and Kunst= (>Federal Minister for Science, Traffic and the Arts=).

No independent and separate supervisory authority has been created. 

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The definition of the responsibilities of the regulatory authority has not yet been finalized.

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The operator in charge of the universal service is >Post und Telekom Austria Aktiengesellschaft= (PTA) which is a limited liability company (>Aktiengesellschaft=).

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

PTA has the following obligations:

-	Kinds of services: PTA is obliged to deliver mail (of all kinds) as long as they conform to delivery conditions and they can be delivered with the general means. 

- 	Published tariffs: The domestic tariffs are laid down by law. Tariffs for cross-border mail are laid down by a decree of the federal minister

-	Publication requirements of tariffs: Domestic and international tariffs are published in the gazette of the Federal Ministry . Domestic tariffs are published as law, international tariffs as a decree.

-	Perequation tarifaire (uniform tariff): Uniform tariffs are charged for the delivery of domestic mail items of the same nature.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: At the moment only preparatory work undertaken by customers may be remunerated .

- 	Delivery targets: J + 1 for domestic mail.

- 	Number of delivery days per week: 5 delivery days.

- 	Consultation with customers: Regulations are being prepared at the moment.

-	Dispute settlement: Dispute settlement is the responsibility of PTA.

- 	Reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: None at the moment

- 	Transfer of (part of) turnover/profit to the Government: No requirements for post.

- 	Financial targets/obligations: No requirements for post. 

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

The Postal Law entails the exclusive right of PTA to deliver postal items that contain individual written non-printed communications or other information. There are however  certain exceptions to this right. Broadly speaking PTA has a monopoly on letters up to 2 kilo=s.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

PTA is exempted from paying VAT as far as postal services are concerned.

3.5	SUBSIDIES

None

4. 	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

A draft of a new postal law is under preparation at the moment.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Bundesministerium fhr Wissenschaft, Verkehr und Kunst
Oberste Post-und FernmeldebehoVde
Dr Afred STRATIL
Kelsenstrasse 7
1030 Wien
Austria

Tel.: +431 79731/4100
Fax: +431 79731/4109

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Post und Telekom Austria Aktiengesellschaft
Postgasse 8
1010 Wien
Austria

Tel.: +431 515 510
Fax : +431 512 8414

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Post und Telekom Austria Aktiengesellschaft
Abteilung >Internationale Angelegenheiten; Recht=
Mrs. Margit R`ssl
Postgasse 8
1010 Wien
Austria

Tel.: +431 515 511111
Fax : +431 512 0929

(Date of entry: 23.05.96)

BELGIUM
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Legislation governing postal services:

-	law of 21 March 1991 on the reform of certain state enterprises, entered into force on 27 March and 20 July 1991;
-	Royal Decree of 14 September 1992 issuing the approval for the first management contract of the state-controlled Post Office and setting out the measures governing this corporation (commencement date: 1 October 1992 and 1 January 1995). 

There are no laws or regulations dealing specifically with private postal operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational functions have been separated and an independent authority has been established.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The regulatory authority is the Belgian Institute of Posts and Telecommunications (IBPT) in Brussels, a semi-governmental body which is represented and administered by the Minister responsible for the postal and telecommunications sector.  According to the law the Minister is responsible for administrative functions, delegating day-to-day managerial activities to a senior civil servant.  

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The IBPT is responsible for:

-	ensuring that relations between the Post Office and its customers are supported by guarantees of equality, accessibility, confidentiality and ensure the continuity of the public service;

-	monitoring performance with regard to improvements in quality of service and over-the-counter services, in accordance with the management contract and the proposed directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the development of Community postal services and enhanced quality of service; 

-	controlling the quality of newspaper distribution;
 
-	protecting the postal monopoly and enforcing the prohibition on forbidden items by carrying out inspections and reporting offences;

-	carrying out strategic and operational tasks:

!	issuing reasoned opinions on postal and financial services;

!	preparing preliminary drafts of legislation (Bills and Orders) to regulate postal services and postal financial services;

!	assisting the Minister in setting out the rules governing the Post Office by organising an accounting system with clearly separate accounts for public service activities and other activities;

!	conducting comparative studies on various Universal Postal Union postal Administrations;

!	granting approvals for the wide range of equipment used by the Post Office to achieve its mission;

!	giving reasoned opinions to the Minister on the Post Office's proposals for postal numbers, letter boxes and registered mail;

!	assisting the Consultative Committee for Postal Services and carrying out the responsibilities incumbent upon the Secretariat.

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The operator responsible for the universal service is La Poste, which is a public corporation (independent public enterprise).

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

La Poste has to fulfill the following obligations:

-	Kinds of services:  

LETTER POST

!	the collection, transport and distribution throughout the Kingdom of addressed closed and open letters, postcards and advertisements, circulars, leaflets and all kinds of notices;

!	mail with writing on the outside which is contrary to accepted moral standards and public order is not transported by La Poste.

!  	delivery:

-	of addressed or unaddressed electoral forms at an administered tariff ;

-	of letter post items under the postage free regime.

!	the provision of at least one letter box in all districts or sub-districts of the Kingdom for the posting of mail.

!	For each administrative sub-division there should be at least one collection, dispatch and delivery of mail a day, except on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

FINANCIAL POSTAL SERVICES

Open to competition:

!	postal financial services, including Postcheque current accounts and bills of exchange and receipt services;
!	deposits and payments on behalf of other financial institutions;
!	other public service missions such as the provision of services to the Government, state accountants, the Treasury:
!	funds invested by third parties are put at the disposal of the Treasury;
!	services are provided to State accountants and a daily cash flow statement is drawn up;

Monopoly services:

!	the issue and payment of money orders;
!	delivery to the home of old age pension and allowance payments;
!	the issue of postage stamps and postage values.
 
- 	Published Tariffs:  Independent public enterprises set the tariffs and pricing structures for public service activities, within the pricing framework laid down in their management contract. Price ceilings or the formulas used to calculate them, which are not determined by the management contract, are subject to the approval of the relevant minister (art. 9 of the law of 21 March 1991);

All postal tariffs for the public service are set at a minimum level in line with the cost price of the service provided by La Poste, or in line with overall profitablility for the management of current accounts (art. 3 of the management contract).

-	Publication requirements of tariffs:  Tariffs are published in the Moniteur Belge (official journal).  La Poste is also required to make available useful information for users on the services provided, particularly prices, which are displayed in post offices.  Any changes in the conditions of the product and service offering has to be brought to the attention of users before they enter into force.

-	Uniform tariff:  La Poste applies a uniform tariff for basic mail services.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services:  La Poste may accord preferential or contractual tariffs, below the level of basic tariffs, in particular according to the number of identical items posted or to preparatory work carried out by users to reduce handling costs.

- 	Number of post offices:  All districts have at least one post office.

- 	Number of collection points: All districts or sub-districts in the Kingdom have at least one box for posting mail.

- 	Number of delivery points: Delivery should cover all homes in the Kingdom on condition that they are equipped with an accessible letter box placed at the edge of the public highway in conformance with the regulation proposed by the Institute and set forth by the Minister.

- 	Delivery targets: La Poste endeavours to deliver as much "urgent" mail as possible on the first working day (other than a Saturday) after posting, for items posted before the last useful collection from the post box, posted in the post office or collected from the home.  It intends to implement a new postal collection procedure with a set time limit for posting within which La Poste will guarantee delivery in "D+1".

The current targets set by La Poste are  80% in D+1 and 95% in D+2.
 
-	Number of delivery days per week: La Poste is required to deliver mail once a day, except on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. However, it is also required to deliver certain types of mail on Saturdays (postogram).

-	Consultation with customers:  There is no specific customer consultation procedure at La Poste. Meetings may be arranged with business customers, but they are not formalised.

A Consultative Committee for Postal Services has been created within the IBPT.  This committee is composed of representatives of La Poste, other postal service providers, users and persons chosen for their competence in postal affairs.  At its own instigation, or at the request of the Minister, it issues opinions on all issues relating to postal services.  The committee publishes an annual report on the evolution of postal services and on its own activities.

-	Dispute settlement:  An arbitration department has been set up within the independent public corporation to deal with disputes arising with users.

The tasks entrusted to this department are:

!	to examine all complaints filed by users on the activities of the public corporation;
!	to act as a mediator to facilitate the conclusion of an amical arrangement on disputes between the public enterprise and users;
!	to issue an opinion to the public corporation if a compromise cannot be reached; a copy of this opinion is sent to the plaintiff;
!	to arbitrate on all disputes submitted to arbitration by agreement between the public enterprise and the user.

-	Reporting to the Government/regulatory authority:  The corporate plan setting out the objectives and the strategy of La Poste over five years is established by the Board of Directors of La Poste. The components of this plan concerning the accomplishment of public service missions are submitted to the relevant Minister for approval at the latest on 1 July of the year preceding each financial year in question, to ensure that they conform with the provisions of the management contract. The other components of the plan are sent to the relevant minister for information.

-	Financial targets/obligations:  Without prejudice to the application of the provisions of article 10 of the management contract, which defines the subsidies granted by the state to cover the charges incurred by La Poste in the fulfillment of its public service missions, all postal tariffs for the public service are set at a minimum level in line with the cost price of the service provided by La Poste or in line with the overall profitablility of the account for management of current accounts.

La Poste puts the funds collected from third parties at the disposal of the Treasury on  a daily basis, with the exception of its own equity.

La Poste assists the Treasury in the execution of its financial operations.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

The exclusive rights enjoyed by the Belgian Post Office are set out in article 141 of Title IV, chapter V of the law of 21 March 1991 on the reform of certain public corporations.

As concerns letter post, according to article 141 letter A. La Poste has the monopoly on and "is responsible for collecting, transporting and delivering all addressed open or closed letters, postcards, advertisements, circulars, leaflets and all types of notices.  According to article 141 letter B. "La Poste may be made responsible by or through a legal provision on exclusive obligatory services for missions other than letter post". 

The following are exempt from the postal monopoly:

1/	letters or mail transported by other public administrations, under conditions laid down by the King;

2/	individuals' mail dispatched, collected or posted at the post office by persons in their service;

3/	mail delivered by an individual for his own service;

4/	unsealed consignment notes and bills which only contain information on the delivery they accompany;

5/	documents concerning the railway or any other public transport enterprise which are circulated by the enterprise's facilities;

6/	express mail according to the conditions laid down by Royal Decree delivered in the Council of Ministers. 

3.4 SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

La Poste has the same status as the State as regards the application of legislation relating to taxes, rights, and fees payable to the State, the provinces and the districts.

3.5	SUBSIDIES

Article 10 of the management contract states that subsidies are granted by the state to cover the charges incurred by La Poste in the fulfillment of public service missions such as:

For letter post:

The loss resulting from the application of tariffs below cost price in the public interest.  These include:

!	the exemption from postal charges for mail:

*	originating or sent to the King, the Royal Family and the Courts;

*	originating from the Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, Questeurs, Secretaries and staff of the Legislative Government Chambers, the Council of the French Community, the Regional Council of Wallonia, the Flemish Council, the Council of the German-speaking Community, the Council of the region of Brussels-capital and its three Community commissions: the French community commission, the Flemish community commission and the joint community commission;

*	addressed to the public services by the members of the legislative chambers, the Council of the French community, the Regional Council of Wallonia, the Flemish Council, the Council of the German-speaking Community, the Council of the region of Brussels-capital and its three community commissions;

*	posted in accordance with electoral laws;

*	reduced tariffs imposed for printed electoral forms;

*	tariffs applied to newspapers and written periodicals below cost price.

For financial post:

-	putting at the disposal of the Treasury the funds collected from third parties on a daily basis; 

-	assisting the Treasury in financial operations.

Subsidies for 1995 amounted to 5 450 million Belgian francs for letter post, and 10 000 million Belgian francs, with a possible supplement from interest-bearing third parties' funds, for financial postal services.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

La Poste is considering bringing "Business Units" into service. 

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Institut belge des services postaux et des tJlJcommunications (IBPT)
Tour Astro
Avenue de l'Astronomie 14 Bte 21
1210 Brussels
Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 226 88 88
Fax: +32 2 226 88 77

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

La Poste
Centre Monnaie
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 226 21 11
Fax: +32 2 218 49 62

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Mr Jean-Luc Dutordoit
Administrateur
Institut belge des services postaux et des tJlJcommunications (IBPT)
Tour Astro
Avenue de l'Astronomie 14 Bte 21
1210 Brussels
Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 226 88 96
Fax: +32 2 226 88 77

Mr Etienne Defrance
Conseiller
Institut belge des services postaux et des tJlJcommunications (IBPT)
Tour Astro
Avenue de l'Astronomie 14 Bte 21
1210 Brussels
Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 226 87 31
Fax: +32 2 226 88 77

Domiciliation sur Internet : @ EDA @ innet.be

(Date of entry: March 1996)
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (Rep. of)
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The following laws and regulations relating to post are in force at the moment (date of entry into force between brackets) :

-	The Law on the postal, telegraph and telephone services (11/4/92). The Law was taken over from the former Yugoslavia on 11 April 1992 and has been applicable as the Republic regulation ever since.

-	The law on PTT network (14/4/90)

There are no laws or regulations specifically dealing with private postal operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The regulatory authority is the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Communications of the Government of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

No independent and separate supervisory authority has been created.

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The regulator=s responsibilities are:

-	to create and develop (national and international) postal policy;
-	to cooperate with the international organisations dealing with postal policy;
-	to inspect and supervise the postal sector;
-	to standardise postal equipment and to control the attesting;
-	to prepare the postal laws/regulations and to supervise the implementation of the current postal legislation.

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS

The operator in charge of the universal service is Public Enterprise PTT of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is a public enterprise owned by the State.
3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

Public Enterprise PTT of Bosnia and Herzegovina has the following obligations:

-	Kinds of services: Letters up to 2kg, postcards, printed papers, small packets up to 5kg, all within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The following international services were resumed at the end of the 1995: letters up to 20gms, postcards, official items of all kinds addressed to PTT Bosnia and Herzegovina.

-	Published tariffs: The price system is determined and controlled by the Government.  The price system applies a weighing factor for each service within both the domestic and international postal network.

-	Publication requirement of tariffs: Current tariffs must be published in the AOfficial Gazette of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzergovina@ and AHerald PTT@, issued by PTT Bosnia and Herzegovina.

-	Uniform tariffs: Yes, tariffs are the same throughout the country.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: Permitted for large users, based on criteria such as number and category of the items.

-	Number of post offices: Determined by criteria, among others related to population density.

-	Number of collection points: Determined by criteria, among others related to population density and distance.

-	Number of delivery points: There is a requirement to deliver mail to anybody, anywhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

-	Delivery targets: Due to the war situation in the country, current targets are D+3 for inland letters, and D+7 for international letters.  This is a temporary decision, and regular service will resume as soon as possible.

-	Number of delivery days per week: 6 days per week (daily delivery, except Sundays and public holidays).

-	Consultation with customers: Not available.

-	Dispute settlement: Carried out by PTT Bosnia and Herzegovina.

-	Reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: PTT Bosnia and Herzegovina is obliged to submit the report to the Government on the situation in the field of postal operations, as well as the annual operational report.

-	Transfer of (part of) turnover/profit to the Government: No.

-	Other obligations: The confidentiality of the post is guaranteed.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

PTT Bosnia and Herzegovina has the exclusive right to convey all kinds of postal items, to install letter boxes all over the country, and to issue and sell postal and philatelic stamps.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

Customs legislation allows PTT Bosnia and Herzegovina to apply certain facilitated procedures related to clearance of incoming international mail which comes under its universal service obligation.

3.5	SUBSIDIES

PTT Bosnia and Herzegovina does not receive any subsidies.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

In the near future, post and telecommunications will be split into two separate companies.  In endeavouring to create a new efficient postal system and to establish a reliable postal network, the development plan will be designed in compliance with the proposals of the Acts of the UPU, and the latest achievements in the postal sector.  The following changes are expected:

-	the introduction of postal services in compliance with the convention of the UPU;
-	the conclusion of the agreements on the exchange of direct dispatches, with the other postal administrations;
-	the introduction of money order services on the basis of the agreements with other administrations;
-	the increasing of the exchange of dispatches according to the general transport 	schedules.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Ministry of Foreign Trade
and International Communications
of the Government of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Musala 2 Sarajevo
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tel: 387 71 471 630
Fax: 387 71 65 50 60

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Public Enterprise PTT of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Directorate for Postal Operations
Ferhadija 17
71 000 Sarajevo
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tel: 387 71 447 325
Fax: 387 71 447 410

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Mr Kemal Karkin
Assistant Minister
Ministry of Trade and International Communications
Musala 2 Sarajevo
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tel: 387 71 445 750
Fax: 387 71 65 50 60

(Date of entry: May 1996)

BULGARIA
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The current act related to post is the Communications Law, which entered into force in 19751. 

There are no laws or regulations specifically dealing with private postal operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The regulatory authority is the Committee of Posts and Telecommunications, a Government Department2.

No independent supervisory authority has been created.

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsability of the regulatory authority is to define the regulatory framework and to identify development trends in the postal area.

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS

The operator in charge of the universal service is Bulgarian Postal Company, which is a limited company3.

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

Bulgarian Postal Company  has the followings obligations :

-	Kinds of services: Letters, parcels, money orders, money order telegraphs, distribution of newspapers and magazines.

-	Published tariffs: For ordinary letters up to 20g, increasing in weight steps;  for ordinary parcels up to 1 kg, with rates for two zones, increasing in weight steps.

Tariffs are set by the Bulgarian Postal Company and approved by the Committee.  The Government can enforce a price limit for certain services.

-	Publication requirement of tariffs: There is a requirement to display tariffs in post offices.  It is not, however, necessary to publish amendments to tariffs before they come into force.

-	Uniform tariff: Yes, across the whole territory of the country.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: Yes, for large volume mail customers.

-	Number of post offices: Bulgarian Postal Company must maintain a network of post offices throughout the country.  Post offices which are not profitable may be closed upon agreement of the Committee.

-	Number of collection points: Bulgarian Postal Company is obliged to install post-boxes according to the needs of the population.

-	Number of delivery points: Delivery to every home address in the country.

-	Delivery time targets: These are set by the Committee.

-	Number of delivery days per week: For regional post offices, post is delivered 6 days per week, Monday to Saturday.

For secondary post offices, post is delivered 5 days per week, Monday to Friday.

-	Consultation with customers: There is no legal obligation to consult with customers.

-	Dispute settlement: There are procedures in place for disputes to be settled with Bulgarian Postal Company.  It is possible for further action to be taken in the courts.

-	Requirements for reporting to the Government: Bulgarian Post Company must present the account report for its activity every three months to the CPT, as well as the annual report at the end of the financial year.

-	Transfer of (part of) turnover/profit to the Government: In theory, Bulgarian Postal Company could use its own profits, but the reality is that it is non-profitable.

-	Financial targets/obligations: Generally, Bulgarian Postal Company should in the future balance its income and expenditure, to try to make a profit.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

A new Postal Law, currently being considered, will address the question of what will comprise the reserved sector.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

Letters and international postal services are VAT free.

3.5	SUBSIDIES

The Bulgarian Postal Company receives subsidies from the State budget to cover part of its operating activity. In addition, subsidies are also received from the Nationality Communication System for investment activity.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

-	To draft a new postal bill, which will define the laws of the National Postal Operator, the Bulgarian Postal Company.

-	To regulate relations with private couriers by licensing them.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Committee of Post and Telecommunications
P O Box 1352
1000 Sofia
Bulgaria

Tel: (+359 2) 889484
Fax: (+359 2) 802580

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Bulgarian Postal Company
1 Arso Pandourski Street
Block 31
1710 Sofia
Bulgaria

Tel: (+359 2) 889524
Fax: (+359 2) 689363

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Stana Hristova
Head of Postal Services Department
Committee of Posts and Telecommunications
PO Box 1352
1000 Sofia
Bulgaria

Tel: (+359 2) 889336
Fax: (+359 2) 871097

(Date of entry: May 1996)

CROATIA (Rep. of)
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The current act related to post is the Law on Post, which entered into force on 16 July 19941.

There are not any additional laws/regulations, dealing specifically with private postal operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The regulatory authority is the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Communications which is the main Government Department.  Within that, there is a sector of Posts and Telecommunications, with a Postal Department responsible for national and international postal affairs2.

No independent supervisory authority has been created.

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsabilities of the regulatory authority can be summarized as follows:

-	the submission of draft laws for approval to Parliament
-	the approvement of regulations
-	inspection
-	national and international policy

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS

The operator in charge of the universal service is Croatian Post and Telecommunications (HPT) which is a public enterprise with unlimited liability3.

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

Croatian Post and Telecommunications has the following obligations:

-	Kinds of services: the acceptance and delivery of letter mail, postal and telegraph money orders, parcels as well as special, additional and other postal services.
-	Published tariffs: The pricing of postal services is decided by the HPT Managing Board, on the understanding that letter and postcard rates are submitted for approval to the competent Government authority of the Republic of Croatia.

-	Publication requirement of tariffs: Rates must be displayed in the premises of each post office intended for users.

-	Uniform tariff: Yes, across the entire territory of the Republic of Croatia.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: Reduced rates or exemption from charges are used for humanitarian organisations.

-	Number of post offices, collection points and delivery points: HPT must construct and maintain a nationwide network in accordance with regulations stipulated by the Postal Law.  HPT is obliged to determine delivery areas in a way that delivery includes all places in Croatia.

-	Delivery time targets: For items mailed to a receiver in the local delivery area of the same post office 1D+1, in the external delivery area 2D+1, up to 6D+1 for items mailed in any post office in the territory of a postal centre to be delivered in the largest area of a post office of any other postal centre.

-	Number of delivery days per week: 6 days per week

-	Consultation with customers: Only to reach agreement on different terms of acceptance and delivery of mail items than those established by the actual Regulations of General Postal Service Terms.

-	Dispute settlement: If customers have complaints they may appeal to HPT.  If they are not happy with the response they may take up the matter with the relevant Ministry.

-	Requirements for reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: At least once a year, or on request.

-	Transfer of (part of) turnover/profit to the Government: Possible.

-	Financial targets/obligations: to realise positive financial results.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

HPT has the monopoly on the delivery of letters.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

None granted.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Some organisational changes are planned.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Communications
Prisavlje 14
HR - 10 000 Zagreb
Crzatia

Tel: +385 1 611 4004
Fax: +385 1 611 5015

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Croatian Post & Telecommunications (HPT)
Jurisiceva 13
HR 10  001 Zagreb
Croatia

Tel: +385/01/435 435
Fax: +385/01/429 000

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Mr Dominik Filipovic
Deputy Minister of Communications

Tel.: +385 1 611 4004
Fax: +385 1 611 5015

(Date of entry: May 1996)

CYPRUS
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The current act related to post is the Post Office Law, entered into force in June 1881, amended in 1968 and 19771.

There are no other regulations/laws dealing specifically with private postal operators.

2/3.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY/UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have not been separated.

2.1/3.1 NAME AND STATUS

The present legislation on Postal Services does not distinguish between the regulatory and operational functions. However, in practice the regulatory functions are carried out by the Ministry of Communications and Works and the operational functions by the Department of Postal Services2.

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

The Department of Postal Services has the followings obligations:

-	Kinds of services: Letters, postcards, printed matter, EMS, COD items, money orders.

-	Published tariffs:  A proposal to change postal tariffs may originate from either the Ministry of Communications and Works or the Department of Postal Services.  The proposal is then put through the Ministry for Finance, before its final approval (or otherwise) by the Council of Ministers.  Tariffs increase in weight steps.

-	Publication requirements of tariffs: Are published in the Official Gazette.

-	Uniform tariff: Yes.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services:  Yes, for senders of bulk mail, provided that they have been pre-sorted.  Free post services for the blind.

-	Number of post offices, number of collection points and number of delivery points:  No specific obligation.

-	Delivery time targets:	D+1 80%
 	D+2 100%

-	Number of delivery days per week: 6 days per week
-	Consultation with customers: No obligations.

-	Dispute settlement: No specific obligations.  Follow procedures of UPU.

-	Requirements for reporting to the Government: Mainly on policy matters.

-	Transfer of (part of) turnover/profit to the Government: Yes, the whole income.

-	Financial targets/obligations: Set by the Government Budget.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

Monopoly rights for the collection, conveyance and delivery of letters.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

Postal charges are VAT free.

3.5	SUBSIDIES

None received.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The Ministry of Communications and Works has invited the Cyprus Development Bank to study the reform of the Department of Postal Services, in order to be in line with the decisions and recommendations of the UPU and forthcoming EU law.

ADDRESSES

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS &  WORKS
CY 1424 Nicosia
Cyprus

DEPARTMENT OF POSTAL SERVICES
CY-1900 Nicosia
Cyprus

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Mrs Militsa Kastellani
Ministry of Communications and Works
CY 1424 Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357 2 302470
Fax: +357 2 465462

(Date of entry: May 1996)

CZECH REPUBLIC
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Current legislation on postal services comprises the Postal law, entered into force in 1946, and the Government Order setting out the conditions of application of the Postal law which entered into force in 1949.

A Bill on postal services, drafted on the basis of principles ratified by the Government is currently being examined1.

There are no specific laws or regulations governing private postal operators.

2. 	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational functions have been separated, but an independent supervisory authority has not been established.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The regulatory authority is the Ministry of Economy2.  Regulatory functions are exercised by the Postal Department of the Ministry of Economy.  This department is composed of two divisions, dealing respectively with customer protection and regulations, and with international affairs.

2.2 	RESPONSIBILITIES

The Postal Department of the Ministry of Economy is responsible for the following matters:

- 	postal legislation;
- 	quality standards and the defence of customer interests; 
- 	international relations with governmental organisations;
- 	price regulation (common function with the Ministry of Finance). 

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The operator in charge of the universal service is Czech Post, which is a state enterprise3. Its Director General is appointed by the regulatory authority (Ministry of Economy). 

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

Czech Post has to fulfill the following obligations:

-	Kinds of services: In accordance with the new law, the operator will be responsible for transporting written correspondence, and during the transitional period before market forces become established it will be responsible for transporting postal parcels and money orders.

-	Published tariffs: The Ministry of Finance controls the tariffs for basic postal services (letter post items, postal parcels and money orders) which must be based on costs.

-	Publication requirements of tariffs: Czech Post is required to publish its tariffs. They are published in an official journal on postal affairs, fifteen days before they enter into force. Information is displayed in post offices.

-	Uniform tariff:  A uniform tariff applies to all services, throughout the territory.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: The operator has the right to accord 	tariff reductions to large customers. 

-	Number of post offices: The operator determines the number of post offices, on condition that it guarantees access to basic services throughout the national territory. The regulatory authority enforces this obligation and the different types of postal presence (post offices, secondary offices, franchise post offices). 
   
-	Number of collection points:  No particular obligations.

-	Number of delivery points: The post office has the obligation to assure the door to door delivery of mail throughout the territory.

-	Delivery targets: Delivery targets are set in the "manager's contract" of the Director General of Czech Post. The "manager's contract" sets out the basic economic indicators (profit, salaries, productivity and quality of the postal service) to be fulfilled by the Czech post office.

! 	for letter post items:	70% in D + 1
96% in D + 2
! 	for postal parcels:  	96% in D+2 - express parcels
96% in D+3

-	Number of delivery days per week:  Monday to Friday

-	Consultation with customers: There is no specific authority. Customer consultation is carried out in line with the operator's commercial policy.

-	Dispute settlement: The regulatory authority is responsible for protecting the interests of customers.  Generally disputes are settled by an administrative procedure; in the event of failure of this administrative procedure, customers have the possibility of bringing the case before the courts.

-	Reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: The regulatory authority obtains information on the sector as it is a member of the Supervisory Board of the Directorate General of the post office.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

Czech Post has the monopoly on the transport of written communications and during a transitional period on the transport of postal parcels and money orders.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

Postal services are exempt from VAT.

3.5	SUBSIDIES:  The operator does not receive subsidies. 

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

This information sheet takes into account the changes and principles outlined in the postal services Bill.

ADRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Ministry of Economy
Postal Department
Starom�stskJ n<m. 6
110 15 Praha 1
Czech Rep.

Tel.: +42 2 24861404
Fax: +42 2 24861444

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Czech Post, State enterprise
OlÓansk< 9
225 99 Praha 3
Czech Rep.

Tel.: +42 2 67141111
Fax: +42 2 67196431

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Mr Vratislav Krouñecky
Ministry of Economy
Postal Department
Starom�stskJ n<m. 6
110 15 Praha 1
Czech Rep.

Tel.: +42 2 24861404
Fax: +42 2 24861444

Mr JiÍR Ìehola
Ministry of Economy
Postal Department
Starom�stskJ n<m. 6
110 15 Praha 1
Czech Rep.

Tel.: +42 2 24861408
Fax: +42 2 24861444

(Date of entry : March 1996)

ESTONIA (Rep. of)
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The current act regulating the postal network is the 'Communications Law of the Republic of Estonia'.1 It entered into force in 1991.

There are no laws or regulations specifically dealing with private operators.

2. 	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated. 

2.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The regulatory authority is the Ministry of Transport and Communications.2

No independent and separate supervisory authority has been created. 

2.2	 RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the regulatory authority can be summarized as follows:

- 	issuing of licenses
- 	harmonization of tariffs
- 	preparation of legislative acts

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The operator in charge of the universal service is Estonian Post ('Eesti Post') which is a state enterprise.3

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

The obligation of universal service has not been legally provided. Nevertheless Estonian Post is to offer postal services across the whole territory. In that context Estonian Post has the following obligations:

-	Kinds of services: 

Receiving, forwarding and delivering of postal matters (letters and packages).
-	Published tariffs:

In accordance with the procedures valid in Estonia the Ministry of Transport and Communications shall determine the tariffs for the main services rendered by Estonian Post (letters and packages) on the basis of proposals from Estonian Post. These tariffs are based on the actual expense necessary for rendering a certain service and reasonable profit. Estonian Post is free to determine the tariffs for the rest of the services and should base them on the actual expenses.  

- 	Publication requirements of tariffs: 

The tariffs for the main services rendered by Estonian Post must be published in the >State Gazette= before they can be applied. The >State Gazette= is an official publication in which all laws, Government=s orders and other official documents are published. 

The other tariffs are published by Estonian Post. All tariffs are available to the public in the post offices.

- 	PJrJquation tarifaire (uniform tariff):

Uniform tariffs across the whole territory.

- 	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: 

For big clients that do the preliminary sorting themselves.

- 	Delivery targets: J + 1 

- 	Number of delivery days per week: 6 delivery days.

- 	Consultation with customers:

The communication with customers is mostly conducted through the applications and complaints of the clients. Estonian Post has also ordered public opinion polls carried out by independent companies in order to clarify whether the clients are satisfied with the quality and level of the services offered.

- 	Dispute settlement: 

Customers= applications and complaints are reviewed in accordance with the procedures and within the period of time determined by the relevant laws. Customers usually turn directly to the Estonian Post which will usually be able to solve most of the problems independently. The Ministry of Transport and Communications also has both the right and the obligation to inspect the observance to laws in its area of administration. Customers can also turn to court in the interest of the protection of their rights. 

- 	Reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: 

Regularly to the Board named by the Government.

- 	Transfer of (part of) turnover/profit to the Government:
20% of owner income.

- 	Financial targets/obligations:

Aiming at profit, no cost concessions. 

3.3 	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

Estonian Post has a monopoly for issuing stamps. Estonian Post has no legal monopoly concerning any other postal services, yet Estonian Post rules the postal market. 

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

None

3.5	SUBSIDIES

Estonian Post receives no subsidies from the state budget or otherwise. The delivery of newspapers in the remote rural areas is subsidized from the state budget but this subsidy is actually given to the newspapers themselves. 

4. 	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Transition from state enterprise to stock company.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Ministry of Transport and Communications
9, Viru Street
EE0100 Tallinn
Estonia

Tel.: +372 6397614
Fax: +372 6397606

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

State Enterprise 'Eesti Post' (Estonian Post)
1, Narva mnt.  
EE 0001 Tallinn
Estonia

Tel.: + 372 6257200
Fax : + 372 6312009

CONTACT (for any additionnal information)

Ministry of Transport and Communications
Tonu Naestema, Deputy Chancellor
9, Viru Street
EE0100 Tallinn
Estonia

Tel.: +372 6397614
Fax : +372 6397606

(Date of entry: 23.08.95)

FINLAND
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The following laws and regulations related to post are in force at the moment:1

-	The Act on Postal Services 
- 	Decree on Postal Services
-	The Decision of the Ministry of Transport and Communications:

!	on Postal services
!	of the general criteria for the postal operator's terms of delivery 
They entered into force in 1994.

The following scope of application is given in the Act and the Decree: postal services shall mean the delivery within regular postal transportation of addressed mail against payment. Postal services do not include:

- 	the transport and delivery of newspapers
- 	items weighing more than 2 kilo's
- 	transport and delivery of postal items which is of minor importance
- 	a company's internal postal operations 
- 	transport and delivery operations which are carried out pursuant to separate agreements concluded with individual clients and based on an added value such as speed or security of transportation, or other corresponding customized agreements, unless such operations cause unreasonable difficulty to the overall maintenance of the nationwide system of postal services.

Postal services on Aland are regulated by a separate statutory order.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated. 

2.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The regulatory authority is the Ministry of Transport and Communications.2 In addition there is the Telecommunications Administration Centre (TAC) which is an agency under the Ministry of Transport and Communications. 

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the Ministry of Transport and Communications in the field of postal services are the general control and development of postal operations and to supervise that the general availability of basic services is ensured throughout the country.

The responsibility of the TAC is to control that the Act on Postal Services and the rules and regulations enacted on the basis of this act are obeyed.

3. 	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The operator in charge of the universal service is Finland Post Ltd. which is a state owned limited liability company.1

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

The purpose of the Act on Postal Services is to ensure that mail can be sent and received under equal conditions throughout the country. Finland Post has been granted an operating license by the Council of State to provide unrestricted domestic and international postal services. 

Finland Post has the following obligations:

- 	Kinds of services: Letters and other postal items up to 2 kilo's.

- 	Published tariffs: The fees collected by the postal operator shall be equal and in reasonable proportion to the average costs incurred. Finland Post has the right to change the fees independently.

-	Publication requirements of tariffs: 

A list of fees pertaining to postal services shall be available for the customer free of charge. The customer shall be informed about changes in the pricing at least one month before the change is dues.

- 	Number of collection/delivery points:

Citizens shall be able to receive postal items and to submit them for collection within a reasonable distance from their homes (about 15.500 points).

- 	Delivery targets: J+1

- 	Number of delivery days per week: 5 days per week.

- 	Consultation:

The TAC has set up a committee on postal affairs with representatives of the users of postal services, Finland Post and the public authorities. The committee is a consultative cooperation body which seeks to ensure that postal services are promoted in the interests of the senders of post, the recipients of post and the overall system of postal services. It may give comments on and make proposals for the development of postal services and the legislation on postal services.

- 	Dispute settlement: 

Recourse to the TAC in cases related to general service conditions or to court in cases related to additional service agreements.

- 	Reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: 

The Ministry of Transport and Communications and the TAC have the right to obtain from postal operators all information which is necessary for the performance of their duties referred to in the Act on Postal Services, including normally secret information concerning postal operators and their operations.

Twice a year a report is to be given to the Ministry of Transport and Communications about the compliance of the terms of license conditions.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

There are no reserved postal services in Finland. However postal services (for definition see 1 above) can only be provided by operators to whom the Council of State has granted an operating license. The operating license is granted if the applicant is well established and evidently capable of providing postal services on a regular basis. License applications shall be granted unless they can jeopardize the provision of a universal postal service in Finland. So far only Finland Post has been granted a license.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

Finland has introduced VAT on all domestic postal services in 1994. 

3.5	SUBSIDIES

The State has given subsidies for delivery of newspapers in sparsely populated areas. For 1994 FIM 98 million was included in the Government's budget and the same amount was proposed in the Budget Bill for 1995. There were no subsidies for 1996.

4. 	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

At the moment one company has applied for a license to provide postal services in the Helsinki capital region. The treatment of the application is still under discussion even within the Cabinet.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications 
P.O.Box 235
FIN-00131 Helsinki
Finland

Tel.: +358 9 1601
Fax: +358 9 1602596
E-mail address: X400 S=INFOTRAFFIC O=LM P=VN A=MAILNET C=FI 

Telecommunications Administration Centre
Postal Administration
P.O.Box 53
FIN-00211 Helsinki
Finland

Tel.: +358 9 6966823
Fax: +358 9 6966812
E-mail address: X400 POSTHALLINTO, P=THK, A=ELISA C=FI

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Finland Post Ltd.	
P.O.Box 1002
FIN-00011 POSTI
Finland

Tel.: + 358 204514990
Fax: + 358 204514994

CONTACT (for any additional informations)

Telecommunications Administration Centre
Postal Administration
Mrs. Maj-Britt Nurmi, Senior Adviser
P.O.Box 53
FIN-00211 Helsinki
Finland

Tel.: +358 9 6966823
Fax: +358 9 6966812
E-mail address: X400 POSTHALLINTO, P=THK, A=ELISA C=FI

(Date of entry: 22.5.96)

FRANCE
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Legislation governing postal services1:

-	Posts and Telecommunications Code;
-	Law n/ 90-568 of 2 July 1990 on the organisation of the public service for posts and telecommunications, entered into force on 1 January 1991; 
-	Decree n/ 90-1214 of 29 December 1990 on the Schedule of Conditions governing La Poste and on the Posts and Telecommunications Code, entered into force on 1st January 1991;

In addition to the above-mentioned texts, there is the Contractual Plan between the Government and La Poste for 1995-1997, signed on 14 October 1994 and applicable since 1st January 1995.  This text is not legally binding.  

There are no laws or regulations dealing specifically with private postal operators. Private operators are governed by general transport regulations.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational functions were separated on 1st January 1991, when the public operator, La Poste, was established. An independent supervisory authority has not been set up.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The regulatory authority is the Directorate General of Posts and Telecommunications (DGPT). The DGPT is a ministerial department reporting to the Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Space2. 

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The DGPT is responsible for executing Government policy in the field of posts and telecommunications at national, European Union and international level.  It is also in charge of regulating these two sectors by setting out the economic, legal and technical frameworks governing postal and telecommunications activities.

The functions of the DGPT are as follows:

-	to enforce legislation and regulations in the posts and telecommunications sectors;
-	to enhance market performance by creating and safeguarding the conditions necessary for dynamic and fair competition, thereby establishing a favourable environment for the equipment and service industry, whilst ensuring consumer protection;

-	to process the declarations and licence or approval applications addressed to the Ministry in accordance with the Posts and Telecommunications Code (at present this function concerns only the telecommunications sector);

-	to ensure that La Poste and France Telecom fulfill their public service missions, in particular with regard to their participation in town and country planning policy;

-	to supervise La Poste, France Telecom and their subsidiaries from an economic and financial viewpoint, in particular by monitoring the pricing policy of the two operators, by approving monopoly tariffs and services, by monitoring the quality of the services provided, and by drafting and monitoring the contractual plans and schedules of conditions incumbent upon the two public operators; 

-	to represent France in international fora in the posts and telecommunications sectors;

-	to exercise the functions incumbent upon the Ministry with regard to the two public operators' personnel and social affairs. 

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The operator responsible for the universal service is La Poste, which is a public corporation, referred to as a "public operator1".  

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

La Poste has the following obligations:

- 	Kinds of services:  provision of the mail service, in particular the collection, transport and distribution of mail items and goods under the conditions laid down in the Posts and Telecommunications Code and in the Schedule of Conditions governing the postal operator, in accordance with the law of 2 July 1990.

The public service comprises the following activities:

!	national and international services for which La Poste has exclusive rights, in accordance with legislation in force (articles L1 and L2 of the Posts and Telecommunications Code on monopolies);
!	the transport and distribution of the press, considered mandatory services;
!	in accordance with the Schedule of Conditions incumbent upon the public operator (La Poste) the services open to competition made mandatory by interministerial order.

All activities which are not subject to monopoly provision and the above-mentioned exceptions are open to competition; La Poste is free to determine the nature of these services, in accordance with the rules laid down in the Schedule of Conditions (in particular competition rules).
-	Published tariffs: The operator's pricing policy orientations are set in the Contractual Plan signed between the operator and the Government and the principles and procedures according to which tariffs are set are laid down in the Schedule of Conditions.

The Ministry responsible for postal affairs controls the level and structure of prices.  Increases in La Poste's tariffs are controlled by means of a price cap.  

Tariffs for reserved services are subject to a multi-annual indicator set out in the Contractual Plan.  In accordance with the Contractual Plan for the 1995-1997 period, tariff increases must remain in line with the consumer price index.

With regard to the pricing structure, the Contractual Plan requires La Poste to adopt a pricing structure adapted to its mail products, in particular in order to safeguard the viability of the universal service.

Tariffs for services open to competition are set freely by La Poste.  La Poste informs the Minister responsible for postal affairs and the Minister for the Economy and Finance of these tariffs.

-	Publication requirements of tariffs: La Poste makes available all information useful to users on the services provided, and in particular the general conditions governing the sale or provision of products and services, their means of access and tariffs.

Users must be informed of any pricing changes at least eight days before they enter into force. 

Information is made widely available and displayed in post offices.

If La Poste is forced to restrict or suspend services (in particular in international relations), for technical reasons, it is required to inform the Government, the local authorities and users.

Moreover, the operator is required to draft annual documents for the Ministry showing, in particular, the range of services available and the corresponding tariffs. 

-	Uniform tariff: In accordance with the operator's Schedule of Conditions, tariff averaging is implemented by La Poste in the accomplishment of its public service missions.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: La Poste may accord specific provisions and prices for its services to customers, by means of a contract. In such cases the standard contracts are published, after approval from the ministry for postal affairs.

Major customers may benefit from discounts on general tariffs (letters) and special tariffs (direct mail and bulk parcel mail) in return for assistance in the preparation of mail.

In addition to these "service" contracts, in 1991 commercial contracts and specific contracts for international mail were made available to encourage the development of postal traffic for certain customers.

- 	Number of post offices: According to the terms of its Schedule of Conditions "La Poste has to set up, develop and operat postal network infrastructure and delivery services in order to provide all its services throughout the territory (...).  La Poste determines the type of service it provides throughout the territory in accordance with the law of 2 July 1990, the general principles set out in its schedule of conditions and the provisions of the contractual plan, in relation to its users and corresponding costs". 

-	Number of collection points:  The 1990 Schedule of Conditions incumbent on the public operator, in accordance with the law of 2 July 1990, states that "La Poste shall install letter boxes on the public highway in order to make them permanently accessible.  It shall also assure regular collections, at least every working day."

-	Number of delivery points: The law of 2 July 1990 and the Schedule of Conditions require La Poste to provide and ensure the continuity of the public mail service throughout the national territory.  La Poste delivers mail items to the address indicated by the sender.

-	Delivery targets:

The contractual plan between the Government and La Poste sets the following delivery targets for mail delivered in D+1:

national mainland mail:	80% in 1997
business mail: 		83% in 1997

-	Number of delivery days per week:  According to the Schedule of Conditions, la Poste is required to deliver mail every working.

-	Consultation with customers:  In order to improve the quality of the service provided to customers, consultation procedures have been introduced at departmental level and local level.  At departmental level the law of 2 July 1990 provides for the establishment of a commission comprising user representatives, representatives of local authorities, and representatives of personnel and of La Poste.  At local level, postal councils, with a similar composition as the departmental commissions, may be set up when required.

-	Dispute settlement: The relations between La Poste and its users, suppliers and third parties are governed by common law. Any ensuing disputes are brought before the competent courts. A memorandum of understanding has been signed recently between La Poste and 17 consumer associations introducing an out-of-court dispute settlement procedure with the possible intervention of an ombudsman. Users which have not been able to resolve grievances with the complaints department of La Poste may call upon the ombudsman, through a consumer association, to settle the matter. The ombudsman has jurisdiction over all disputes between La Poste and users and its opinion may be contested only by the Chairman or Director general of La Poste.

-	Reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: La Poste is required to submit information to the Government on the following matters:

!	the annual budget, drafted by the Board of Directors of La Poste, is submitted for approval to the Posts and Telecommunications Minister, the Minister for the Economy and Finance and the Minister for the Budget, before 1st December of the year preceding the financial year in question; a report on implementation of the budget is submitted to the Board of Directors at least once a quarter during the financial year.

!	The investment programme and the means of financing it are submitted to assessment by the governing body of the Economic and Social Development Fund (FDES, an interministerial body chaired by the Minister for the Economy and Finance).

!	As concerns the creation of subsidiaries and the acquisition of shareholdings by the operator or by its subsidiaries, any operations in excess of 300 million French francs must be submitted to the Posts and Telecommunications Minister and the Minister for the Economy and Finance for approval;  moreover, these ministers receive prior information or a deliberation from the Board of Directors for most transactions.

!	Tariffs for reserved services are submitted to the Posts and Telecommunications Minister and to the Minister for the Economy and Finance for approval. Standard contracts are submitted to these ministers according to the same procedures.

!	For services open to competition, the operator is obliged to inform the Posts and Telecommunications Minister and the Minister for the Economy and Finance of its tariffs, one month prior to their publication.

!	All new services provided to the public must be brought to the attention of the minister one month before their launch date.

!	La Poste is required to inform the minister of any agreements concluded and provisions taken in the course of its international relations.

!	La Poste has to provide the minister with the information and observations necessary to determine the French position on matters arising within European and international organisations on regulatory issues.

!	The Posts and Telecommunications Minister is informed of any network access agreements concluded between La Poste and its subsidiaries or other partners.

!	La Poste draws up annual documents showing the location of its public services on the territory, its opening times, reception conditions (...) which are submitted to the minister.

!	An annual report on the activities of the local consultation bodies is submitted by the Chairman of La Poste to the Posts and Telecommunications Minister.   

!	The annual accounts, approved by the Board of Directors, are submitted to the Posts and Telecommunications Minister and to the financial supervisory bodies; they receive definite approval not less than one month after their submission.

!	An annual statement on the devaluation of public assets is submitted to the minister.
   
!	A review on the implementation of the Contractual Plan is presented annually to the Posts and Telecommunications Minister and to financial supervisory bodies.

!	La Poste sends the Posts and Telecommunications Minister and the Minister for the Budget a statistical update on the forecast volume of press transported and the costs incurred for this service every year, before May 1st. This information is used to fix the Government subsidy towards costs arising out of press services.

!	An annual report on the operating conditions for services provided jointly by La Poste and France TJlJcom is presented to the minister.

-	Transfer of a part of the turnover/profits to the Government: La Poste became financially independent upon the entry into force of its new status on 1st January 1991.  However, during the transitional period between 1991 and 1993, La Poste was required to pay a flat-rate levy to the Government. This tax was withdrawn in 1994 when La Poste entered the common tax system.  Hence, for the first time since the reform, it paid 328 million French francs in corporate tax for the 1994 financial year.
  
-	Financial targets/obligations: Although La Poste is financially independent, manages its assets and ensures the equilibrium of its activities, it is still subject to the obligations arising out of its Schedule of Conditions and in particular with regard to tariffs. Furthermore, the Contractual Plan concluded with the Government sets out its management framework and the objectives to be attained during the 1995-1997 period.

The Schedule of Conditions of La Poste sets out its rights and obligations, the general framework governing its activities, and the principles and procedures according to which its tariffs and operating conditions are laid down for the public services that it must ensure.

The Contractual Plan sets out a number of financial objectives to be met by La Poste, such as:

! 	an overall price cap on reserved services in line with increases in consumer prices; 
!	accounting equilibrium, particularly in its profit and loss account;
! 	investment (9 billion French francs for the 1995-1997 period);
! 	improved cost control and increased productivity;
! 	gradual debt reduction and increased assets.

Moreover, the Contractual Plan contains a series of management indicators to be used in the annual review to assess the accomplishment of La Poste with regard to the objectives set out in the Contractual Plan. These indicators allow the financial, debt and management objectives to be measured (payroll/added value, debt/cash flow, debt/equity, trading profit/turnover, dividends/net profit, financial charges/debt). 

-	Other obligations not mentioned above:  The public operator's Schedule of Conditions states that the transport and delivery of the press constitutes a mandatory service to be fulfilled by La Poste in accordance with public service principles.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

In the chapter defining the postal monopoly (articles L.1 and L.2, chapter 1) the Posts and Telecommunications Code states that:

"The transport of letters and packages and papers not exceeding 1 kg in weight is exclusively entrusted to the posts and telecommunications administration (...).

Exceptions are:

1/	special bags containing documents relating to legal proceedings;
2/	documents concerning the transporters' internal interests;
3/	newspapers, compendiums, annals, periodicals and all printed matter, regardless of weight, on condition that they are sent either in a movable wrapper, in an open envelope, or in an unsealed package which is easily verified".

Express mail is not concerned by these provisions.

According to Article 16 of the law of 2 July 1990, La Poste alone is authorised to issue postal stamps or other values of prepayment. 

3.4 SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

As operator responsible for the universal service, La Poste benefits from the following provisions:

1/) VAT - wage tax

At present the mail activity of La Poste is exempt from VAT in accordance with article 13 of Directive VI of the Council of the European Communities of 17 May 1977.  This exemption is implemented through article 20 of the law of 2 July 1990 on the organisation of the public service for posts and telecommunications.

However, La Poste is subject to wage tax.  Wage tax has been levied as a substitute for VAT since 1968: according to article 231-1 of the General Tax Code, employers subject to wage tax comprise those which are not liable for VAT or are not liable for VAT on at least 90% of their turnover for the calendar year preceding the year of payment of salaries. 

Employers which are partially liable for VAT are subject to wage tax but only on a share of the salaries paid.  The part payable is calculated by applying the ratio between the VAT exempt turnover and total turnover to the overall payroll for the calendar year preceding the year of payment. 

La Poste has been liable to the common law rate for wage tax (an average estimated rate of 9.2%) since 1st September 1994. 

2/) 85% deduction on the tax base for local taxes

In accordance with article 21 of the law of 2 July 1990, La Poste enjoys a 85% deduction on the local tax assessment base "as this operator is required to cover the entire national territory and to contribute to town and country planning. This (local tax) allowance is not compensated by the State".

The Government will submit a report to Parliament before 31 December 1996 giving an account of the coverage and town and country planning constraints incumbent upon La Poste and the ensuing charges incurred by the operator.  The decision to maintain or remove this dispensation will be taken according to the conclusions of this report.

3.5	SUBSIDIES  

In the Schedule of Conditions of La Poste the transport and delivery of newspapers, which are mandatory services for La Poste, are part of the public mail service. Moreover, they enjoy a specific regime according to the provisions of the Posts and Telecommunications Code.

These provisions require the Government to pay "fair financial compensation" to La Poste for the specific constraints arising out of the transport and delivery of newspapers.  The Contractual Plan fixes the sum of this "fair financial contribution" which amounted to 1 900 million French francs per year during the 1995-1997 period.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

There are no changes envisaged in the short term, other than those concerning the implementation of EU directives. 

ADRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Direction GJnJrale des  Postes et TJlJcommunications (DGPT)
MinistPre dJlJguJ B la Poste, aux TJlJcommunications et B l'Espace
20, avenue de SJgur
75354 Paris 07 SP
France
Tel.: +33 1 43 19 20 20
Fax: +33 1 43 19 65 34

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

LA POSTE - SiPge social
Direction GJnJrale
4, Quai du Point du Jour
92777 Boulogne-Billancourt CEDEX
Tel.: +33 1 41 41 66 66
Fax: +++ 1 41 41 79 41

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Mme Elisabeth Massonnet
Direction GJnJrale des  Postes et TJlJcommunications (DGPT)
MinistPre dJlJguJ B la Poste, aux TJlJcommunications et B l'Espace
20, avenue de SJgur
75354 Paris 07 SP
France
Tel.: +33 1 43 19 69 50
Fax: +33 1 43 19 65 61
E-mail address: Elisabeth.MASSONNET@centrale.industrie.fr

Mme Marie-JosJ FILIPPINI
Direction GJnJrale des  Postes et TJlJcommunications (DGPT)
MinistPre dJlJguJ B la Poste, aux TJlJcommunications et B l'Espace
20, avenue de SJgur
75354 Paris 07 SP
France
Tel.: +33 1 43 19 66 57
Fax: +33 1 43 19 65 61
E-mail address: Marie-jose.FILIPPINI@centrale.industrie.fr

(Date of Entry: May 1996)

GERMANY
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The following laws and regulations related to post are in force (date of entry into force between brackets):1

-	Posts and Telecommunications Reorganisation Act (1/1/95)
-	Postal Law (1/1/95)
-	Postal Service Ordinance (1/7/94)
-	Data protection ordinance for Deutsche Bundespost POSTDIENST (1/7/91)
-	Postal customer protection ordinance (1/1/96)

In addition, the following legislation was created for the private postal operators:

-	Order no. 5/1994 and 6/1994, a general licence for the setting up and operation of installations for the transport of EMS mail (national).
-	Order no. 41/1994 and 42/1994, for the issue of a general licence for cross-border international courier services.
-	Order no. 274/1994, for the licensing of the transport of items posted in bulk.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The regulatory authority is the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, part of the Federal Government2.

No independent supervisory authority has been created.

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulation of the postal and telecommunications sector, be it public or private, including arbitration in competition cases.

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS

The operator in charge of the universal service is Deutsche Post AG, a private joint-stock company, fully owned by the State3.

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

Deutsche Post AG has the following obligations:

-	Kinds of services: letters, postcards, infopost (direct mail), telebriefe.  Also, value-added services: insured value, registered mail, deliver to addressee only, advice of delivery, cash on delivery, special delivery, IBRS.

-	Published tariffs: For monopoly services, proposals for a change in tariffs are made by Deutsche Post and require Ministry approval.

For other universal services, but non-monopoly, Deutsche Post again make a proposal for change, and the Ministry must then respond within a given time period if there are any objections.

-	Publication requirement of tariffs:  Yes, at least 2 months before entry into force.

-	Uniform tariff: Yes.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: Tariff reductions are granted for preparatory work, i.e. cancelling, sorting.

-	Number of post offices: The distance to the nearest post office should not be more than 2000 metres.

-	Number of collection points: In built-up areas, the distance should not be more than 1000 metres.

-	Number of delivery points: Every address or post office box in the country.

-	Delivery time targets: 	Letters 	D+1 for 80%
D+2 for 95%
Parcels, small packets - D+2 for 80%

-	Number of delivery days per week: Every workday

-	Consultation with customers: No.

-	Dispute settlement: No.  Damages to be paid are regulated but no special procedure (ie. the common procedure for law suits is open).

-	Requirements for reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: No.

-	Transfer of (part of) turnover/profit to the Government: (ordinary) turnover tax.

-	Financial targets/obligations: Market-conforming conduct (at least, costs should be covered)

3.3	EXCLUSIVE OR SPECIAL RIGHTS

Monopoly rights for letters, postcards and Infopost items.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

Postal services are VAT exempt.

Deutsche Post AG has the right to install letter boxes without incurring a charge.  They may also facilitate the customs clearance for small packets and newspapers.  In addition, they have some special parking rights.

3.5	SUBSIDIES

As well as VAT relief, up until 31 December 1995, tax relief was available on net worth tax, trade tax, corporation income tax and real property tax.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

With effect from 1 January 1995, Deutsche Bundespost POSTDIENST, previously run under public law, was transformed into Deutsche Post AG, a company managed under private law.  Until 31 December 1997, this joint stock company however will have the previous postal administration=s monopoly in the letter mail area, owing to the current legal regulations.

The Federal Government is confronted with the task of establishing a workable regulatory framework for the time after 31 December 1997.  The new Postal Law will meet competitive principles without abandoning the government=s task to ensure the basic provision of postal services throughout the country.

It is intended to open up the letter mail services that currently come under the monopoly to competition in three different licence classes as from 1 January 1998 (licence class A: ordinary letter mail items, the price and weight of which go below specific limits; licence B: ordinary letter mail items, the price and weight of which exceed such limits; licence C: items posted in bulk).  Access to the market will then be possible after a relevant licence has been granted by a regulatory authority yet to be established, on the basis of class licences.  The companies acting in the licensed sector(s) will have to meet different requirements to ensure the provision of the basic (universal) service.

Deutsche Post AG will obtain an exclusive licence for letter mail up to 350g and 5 times the tariff of the first weight step, for a limited period of time (probably until 2002).

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Federal Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
POB 80 01
D-53105 Bonn
Germany

Tel.: +49 228 140
Fax: +49 228 148872

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Deutsche Post AG
Generaldirektion
POB 3000
53105 Bonn
Germany

Tel.: +49 228 1820
Fax: +49 228 182 7099

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Dr Johannes Offermann
Federal Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
POB 8001
D-53105 Bonn
Germany

Tel.: +49 228 141269
Fax: +49 228 146126

(Date of entry: May 1996)

HUNGARY
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAME

The following laws and regulations related to post are in force at the moment (date of entry into force between brackets) :

-	the Act XLV of 1992 on postal services (1 July 1993)1
-	the Government decree 133/1993 (29 Sept) on postal activities, which entered into force 15 days after its announcement (ie. 14 October 1993)2.

There are no other laws/regulations specifically dealing with private postal operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The Postal Act actually in force implicitly defines the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Water Management as Postal Authority.  However, at the time of writing, this situation is due to change.  Before the end of Hungary=s Parliament=s Spring session, a new law, explicitly stating the Communications Authority as the postal authority, will be adopted by the Parliament.  An English version of the new law will be available, although not at present.  Other related low-level regulations will also need to be amended.  The Communication Authority will be an independent budget organisation; professionally and in terms of dependence, subordinated to the Ministry=s under-secretary of administration3.

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsabilities of the regulatory authority can be summarized as follows :

-	the issue of licences for postal services
-	the issue of clearances for postal franking machines
-	quality control of postal services
-	the working out of procedural regulations, as well as systems of technical and quality requirements in connection with the above
-	in the case of an appropriate government initiative, the organisation of invitations to and evaluation of competitions for postal concessions and the control of the fulfilment of the operators= contractual obligations
-	data collection and supply in the field of postal services

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS

Hungarian Post Office Joint-Stock Company (Magyar Posta Reszvcnytarsasag)1.

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

Hungarian Post Office Joint-Stock Company has the followings obligations :

-	Kinds of service: Basic services as prescribed by the Postal Services Act.  A new Postal Act will redefine the universal service obligation.

-	Published tariffs: Proposals made by Post Office.  The Communications Authority adds their opinion, and the proposal passes through the Finance Ministry for their comments before final approval (or otherwise) by the Communications Ministry.  The general rules of determining prices are laid down by Act LXXXVII of 1990.

-	Publication requirement of tariffs: Must be displayed in each post office.

-	Uniform tariff: The same tariff is applied across territories.  There are two levels of tariffs, country and local.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: Yes, for large-scale letter and parcel senders, and for newspapers and printed matter under a given weight level.

-	Number of post offices, collection points, and of delivery points: Will be addressed in the forthcoming new postal Act.  It is planned to encourage franchising.

-	Delivery time targets: 

In Budapest and in the countryside, D+1, provided the consignment arrives at the processing point by 17:00.

In the countryside, D+2, provided the consignment reaches the processing point by 00:00.

-	Number of delivery days per week: 5 days per week, 6 days per week for express consignments.

-	Consultation with customers: At post offices, with product officials.

-	Dispute settlement: Initiated at each post office.

-	Requirements for reporting to the Government: These are regulated differently each year, using a system of statistical reporting.

-	Financial targets/obligations: Maintenance and ensuring of liquidity, attaining positive results.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE OR SPECIAL RIGHTS

Hungarian Post Office Joint-Stock Company has the exclusive right to issue postage stamps, money orders and stationery.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

None.

3.5	SUBSIDIES

It receives Government subsidies for the reconstruction of post office buildings.

In 1996, it received a government subsidy of 550 million HUF in accordance of the Budget Law.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The processing post offices on Budapest railway stations are planned to be relocated in a modern and mechanised post office centre.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Communication Authority
1525 Budapest
PO Box 75
Hungary

Tel.: +36 (1) 175 7777
Fax: +36 (1) 156 5520
E-mail: sallai@sysadm.hif.hu

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Hungarian Post Office Joint-Stock Company
1540 Budapest
12th District
6-8 Krisztina korut
Hungary

Tel.: +36 (1) 155 0550
Fax: +36 (1) 155 7584

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Zsuzsanna KOSA
1525 Budapest
PO Box 75
Hungary

Tel/Fax: +36 (1) 156 4203
Email: bozsoki@sysadm.hif.hu

(Date of entry: May 1996)

ICELAND
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The current postal act is the 'Act Regulating Postal Services'. It entered into force in 1986.1  
There are no laws or regulations specifically dealing with private operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have not been separated formally. 

3. 	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS

The operator in charge of the universal service is Post & Telecom Iceland. Its legal status is that of a Government Agency.2

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

The current postal act does not define service obligations. A new postal act defining the service obligations is now being prepared.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

Post & Telecom Iceland has the exclusive right to collect, carry, and deliver both domestic and international closed letter mail. In addition any installing in public places of any items with the colour, shape and design resembling the mail boxes of Post & Telecom Iceland is prohibited. 
Post & Telecom Iceland also has the exclusive rights to print nd issue stamps.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

The postal service, with the exception of parcel post, is exempt from VAT.

3.5	SUBSIDIES

The operator does not receive any subsidies.

4. 	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

A new postal act is being prepared which will define universal service obligations and reserved services as well as regulatory and operational functions.
A bill of law relating to a change of status of the operator into a limited company is also under preparation.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY/UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Post & Telecom Iceland
Postal Division
IS-150 REYKJAVIK
Iceland

Tel.: +354-550 6000
Fax: +354-550 6009
E-mail address: pti@simi.is

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Post & Telecom Iceland
Postal Division
Mr. Gylfi Gunnarsson
IS-150 REYKJAVIK
Iceland

Tel.: +354-550 6041
Fax: +354-550 6039
E-mail address: gylfig@simi.is

(Date of entry: 20.12.95)

IRELAND
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The following laws and regulations related to post are in force at the moment (date of entry into force between brackets):

-	Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983
-	Postal and Telecommunications Services (Amendment) Act 19841
-	Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulations) Act 1993
-	Savings Bank Acts (1861 - 1958)
-	Post Office Acts (1908 - 1969)

There are no other laws/regulations dealing specifically with private postal operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The regulatory authority is the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications2.

No independent supervisory authority has been created.

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsabilities of the regulatory authority can be summarized as follows:

-	to ensure the efficient provision of postal services in Ireland at affordable prices and with a satisfactory quality of service;
-	to represent the Government interest as shareholder;
-	to regulate the provision of postal services to the community as a whole;
-	to represent the Government interest at the European Union and at other international fora.

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS

The operator in charge of the universal service is An Post, a limited company formed and registered under the Companies Acts, with all shares being vested in the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications and the Minister for Finance1.

An Post has a management board, composed of directors appointed by the Minister and those elected by staff, which determines policy objectives and reviews progress towards their achievement. The Board Chairman and his fellow directors currently hold their positions in a non-executive capacity.  It is the Board=s prerogative to determine the scope of the Chief Executive Office=s (CEO) responsibilities. The CEO have five business divisions and five headquarters divisions reporting to him. Of the five business divisions only the National Lottery and PostGEM (electronic mail services) have the status of being separate but subsidiary companies.

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

An Post has the following obligations:

-	Kinds of services: Various mail services, money transmission operations and counter service facilities.

-	Published tariffs: Charges for services are to be kept at the minimum rates consistent with meeting approved financial targets.  An Post must submit to the regulator any proposal to incresase tariffs for approval.

-	Publication requirement of tariffs: Following approval by the regulator for a tariff increase, the revised charges must be published as soon as possible.

-	Uniform tariff: Although the principle of a uniform tariff is observed, there is no legal obligation to adhere to such a pricing policy.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: There is no legal obligation on the operator to offer reduced tariffs.  Exceptions to the published tariffs are made only in the case of literature for the blind, and mail exchanged with Irish soldiers serving with the UN peacekeeping operations abroad.  Special rates, howeve, do apply to customers where their mail exceeds certain weight/volume thresholds.

-	Number of post offices, number of collection points and number of delivery points:  ATo provide a national postal service within the State@.

-	Delivery time targets: The target for delivery for all letterpost items posted in the domestic service is D+1.

-	Number of delivery days per week: No specific obligations, but five days is observed (Monday - Friday).

-	Consultation with customers: No specific legal obligation.

-	Dispute settlement: There are no legal obligations as regards dispute settlement procedures imposed on the operator=s domestic services.  Liability for consequential loss as a result of damage or delay to an item is specifically excluded by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983.

-	Requirements for reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: 

An Post is obliged to:

!	keep accounts of all money received and expended, including a profit and loss account and a balance sheet, and any other special accounts as the Minister may from time to time direct;
!	submit the above accounts annually to an auditor for audit and, immediately after the audit, present a copy of the profit and loss account and the balance sheet and of any other accounts as the Minister may have directed and a copy of the auditor=s report to the Minister;
!	submit an annual report to the Minister as soon as possible after the end of each accounting year on the opertor=s activities during that year and to include information on the cost-effectiveness of the operations of the company;
!	furnish to the Minister, if required by him, information in respect of any balance sheet, account or report of the company or in relation to the policy and operations of the company other than day-to-day operations.

The operator must also:

!	prepare and submit annually to the Minister a 5 year rolling business plan in a form to be agreed with the Minister;
!	comply with the Government Guidelines in relation to public procurement and furnish reports as appropriate.

-	Tranfer of (part of) turnover/profit to the Government: The Minister for Finance may exercise his right to seek the payment by An Post of all or part of its profits in the form of a dividend or in such a manner as he may deem fit.  This, however, has not risen to date.

-	Financial targets/obligations: 

!	Charges for services are to be kept at the minimum rates consistent with meeting approved targets;
!	revenues of the company are not to be less than sufficient to:

a)	meet all charges properly chargeable to revenue account (including 		depreciation of assets and proper allocation to general reserve) taking one year with anothr;
b)	generate a reasonable proportion of capital needs; and
c)	remunerate capital and repay borrowings.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

An Post has the exclusive privilege in respect of the conveyance of postal packets within, to and from the State and the offering and performance of the services of receiving, collecting, despatching and delivering postal packets.  APostal packet@ does not include a telegram, newspaper or a parcel unless a communication or, in the case of a newspaper, a communication not forming part of a newspaper is contained in it.

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

Public postal services are VAT exempt.

Regarding customs clearance, An Post can be perceived to have two advantages:

-	the benefit of a simplified clearance system for items up to ,500 in value.  	However, because of the impact of inflation and the freight forwarder=s ability to exchange consignment documentation in advance of a parcel=s arrival, this competitive advantage has been largely eroded;

-	regular attendance by customs officials on An Post premises.  In many respects, however, this constitutes a disadvantage because their operations are limited to normal working hours, unlike some of their counterparts on duty in ports and airports.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Consideration is being given to an examination of the following issues:

-	cessation of the contents based letterpost classification system (printed paper category discontinued) and its replacement with a priority/non priority framework;
-	refinement and updating of the Dublin City post code system with the ultimate objective of extending the system nationwide;
-	harmonisation, as far as is practicable, of the range of services offered in post offices managed by agents with those owned and managed by the operator=s own staff;
-	preparation of a customer charter to be underpinned by a series of customer care plans;
- 	implication for An Post of EU liberalisation proposals.

In the longer term, the Letterpost, Post Offices and SDS (Parcels) Divisions will be restructured so that they are each separately accountable for performance and profits.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Department of Transport, Energy and Communications
44 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland

Tel.: (+353 1) 6707444
Fax: (+353 1) 6709633

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

An Post
GPO
O= Connell Street
Dublin 1
Ireland

Tel.: (+353 1) 7057000
Fax: (+353 1) 7057630

CONTACTS (for any additional information)

Mr John McEntee
Communications (Development and Corporate Affairs) Division
44 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland

Tel.: (+353 1) 6707444
Fax: (+353 1) 6709633

(Date of entry: May 1996)

ITALY
________________________________________________________________

1. 	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The following laws and regulations related to post are in force at the moment (date of entry into force between brackets) :1

-	Law n/ 71-1994 (January 24, 1994)
-	President Decree n/ 166/95 (March 24, 1995)
-	President Decree n/ 156/73 (March 29, 1973)
-	President Decree n/ 655/82 (May 29, 1982)
-	Program Contract between Ministry P.T. and postal operator E.P.I (January 18, 1995)

There are no laws or regulations specifically dealing with private operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsabilities have been separated.

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

The regulatory authority is the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications2. The financial supervision is carried out by the Treasury.

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

According to Art. 11 L. 71/94 : The Ministry of postal services and telecommunications supervises Postal Services and Telecommunications; it exercices directly the functions of regulation and powers of direction, coordination, vigilance and control provided for by the law; it represents the government in local and international organizations; it analyzes and studies the prospectives of technical, economic and legal evolution in the areas of postal services and telecommunications at the international and national levRl, using research plans developed for this purpose; it adopts and publishes technical norms for the standardization and use of terminals that can be directly or indirectly connected to the telecommunication networks and issues the relative certification; it sets telecommunications equipment standards and grants authorizations and licences, approving the relative licences and seeing that the obligations therein are respected; it defines technical norms and the level of quality of service in the public interest ; it provides plans for the allotment of radio frequencies and oversees their application, giving technical assistance to the Authority for broadcasting and editing.

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The operator in charge of the universal service is Ente Poste Italiane-EPI1 which is a public undertaking (Ente Pubblico Economico).

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

The obligations of the operator are defined in the Charter of Quality Services, which is a general agreement between the State and the public utilities (Carta della QualitB del Servizio Pubblico Postale).

-	Kinds of services: Correspondences, insured items, registered items, telegrams, telex, public telematic services, collection and delivery of postal packages up to 20 kg

-	Published Tariffs: Tariffs are proposed by EPI and approved by Ministry.
For each of the reserved postal and telecommunications services, the tariff is determined by taking as a base figure the average direct cost per unit of the specific service with a ceiling limit made up of the corresponding average level of the tariff used by the Postal Services of other countries of the European Union as found in UPU and ITU sources and calculated referring to analogous figures in terms of buying power.

- 	Publication requirements of tariffs: New tariffs are published in an official Gazette.

- 	PJrJquation tarifaire (uniform tariff): The same tariff is used across the whole territory.

- 	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: EPI is allowed to offer reduced tariffs based on number, place and method of dispatch and delivery. 

- 	Number of post offices: related to population density

- 	Number of collection points: related to population density

- 	Number of delivery points: related to population density

- 	Delivery targets: are set by the Program Contract signed between the Ministry P.T and the postal operator EPI. They are published in the Charter of Quality of Service applying to Postal Services (See Carta della QualitB del Servizio Pubblico Postale, Tabella A  and Tabella B). 

- 	Number of delivery days per week:  6 days per week

- 	Consultation with customers: Customers can contact the Ministry and EPI

- 	Dispute settlement: Administrative acts and reimbursement procedures

- 	Reporting to the Government/regulatory authority: Annual financial reporting

-	Transfer of (part of) turnover/profit to the government: Eventual profits must be transferred to the Ministry of Treasure

-	Financial targets/obligations: Financial parity

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS : 

EPI has a monopoly on letters up to 2 kg and on the conveyance of parcels up to 20 kg. It has not the monopoly on direct marketing items and on the collection and delivery of parcels, which have been liberalized. Private operators transporting parcels have to pay a vehicle tax every year. 

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

EPI is granted a special exemption related to VAT for postal services.

3.5	SUBSIDIES

The Government gives subsidies for newspapers and periodicals and for the maintenance of the "low traffic offices" in remote areas.

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

At the end of 1996, EPI will have a private status and the Ministry will adopt new legislation in accordance with the European postal directive.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Ministry P.T.
General Directorate Regulation and Quality of Services
Viale America, 201
00144 Roma
Italy

Tel. : (+39 6) 5958 2192
Fax : (+39 6) 5414512
E-mail address : BIBLIOTECA.POSTELEAGORA s.t.n.it.

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Ente Poste Italiane - EPI
Viale Europa, 190
00144 Roma
Italy

Tel. : (+39 6) 59589002
Fax : (+39 6) 5942265

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Mr. Nicola Sansalone
Ministry P.T.
General Directorate Regulation and Quality of Services
Viale America, 201
00144 Roma
Italy

Tel. : (+39 6) 5958 2412
Fax : (+39 6) 5414512
E-mail address : BIBLIOTECA.POSTELEAGORA s.t.n.it.

(Date of entry: 20 June 1996)

LATVIA
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The following laws and regulations related to post are in force at the moment (date of entry into force between brackets):1

- 	Postal Law (1994)
- 	Postal Rules (1995)

There are no laws or regulations specifically dealing with private operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory and operational responsibilities have been separated. 

2.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The regulatory authority is the Department of Communications of the Ministry of Transport.2 It has 15 employees.

No independent and separate supervisory authority has been created. 

2.2	RESPONSABILITIES

The responsibility of the regulatory authority is supervision.

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The operator in charge of the universal service is Latvia Post which is a state institution.3

3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

Latvia Post has the following obligations:

- 	Kinds of services: 

! 	Letter correspondence items - letters, postcards, printed matters, small packets
! 	Postal parcels items
!	Money transfers - money orders and savings, postal cheques, COD items

- 	Tariffs:

The operator decides on the level/increase of tariffs. The main criterion is the price level.
Tariffs for letter correspondence and domestic parcels are confirmed by the Cabinet of Ministers, for international parcels by the Director General of Latvia Post.

- 	PJrJquation tarifaire (uniform tariff):

The tariffs for basic postal services are undifferentiated in the whole of Latvia.

- 	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services:
 
Tariffs are reduced by 50% for correspondence-chess using ordinary postcards in the territory of Latvia and abroad. 

- 	Delivery targets: J + 1 

- 	Number of delivery days per week: 6 days.

- 	Consultation with customers:

Customers are consulted six days weekly either at the post office or by the phone.

- 	Dispute settlement: 

Disputes are mainly settled by mutual agreement, but in case of a failure with a recourse to court. Settlement term is two weeks but no more than a month.

- 	Financial targets/obligations:

Income is to cover expenditures 

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

Latvia Post has the exclusive right to delivers letter up to 20 grams and to issue postage stamps.   

3.4	SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR EXEMPTIONS

As a State institution Latvia Post is freed from income-tax to the State budget. 

3.5	SUBSIDIES: No

4.	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Establishment of postal accounting system (Post Giro) and E-mail.

ADDRESSES

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Ministry of Transport
Department of Communications
3 Gogola Street
Riga 3, LV-1003
Latvia

Tel.: +371 7242321
Fax : +371 7828499

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

Latvia Post 
Brivibas Boulevard 21
Riga PDP, LV - 1000
Latvia

Tel.: + 371 7018700
Fax : + 371 7018747

CONTACT (for any additional information)

Aivars Droiskis
Director General
Latvia Post 
Brivibas Boulevard 21
Riga PDP, LV - 1000
Latvia

Tel.: + 371 7018700
Fax : + 371 7018754

(Date of entry: 27.11.95)

LITHUANIA
___________________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The following laws and regulations related to post are in force at the moment (date of entry into force between brackets):1

- 	Communications Law of Lithuanian Republic (1991)
"
 ____________________________________________________________________

1.	LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Legislation governing postal services2:

-	the postal law n/ 463 - XIII of 18 May 1995;

-	the Agreement between the Regulator and the Operator on the provision of postal services for 1996.

At present there are no laws or regulations specifically dealing with private postal operators.

2.	REGULATORY AUTHORITY

2.1	NAME AND STATUS

Regulatory and operational functions have been separated, but an independent supervisory authority has not been created.

The regulatory authority is the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology3.

2.2	RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is responsible for implementing government policy in the field of posts and telecommunications at national, EU and international level and for regulating these two sectors by setting out the economic, legal and technical frameworks for the related activities.

It is responsible for the following:

- 	drafting and enforcing legislation in the field of posts and telecommunications;

-	supervising the economics and finances of the Moldovan post office, Moldtelecom and  other operators by monitoring the operators' pricing policy and quality of service, and drafting and monitoring the implementation of the contractual plans and the schedules of conditions incumbent upon these public operators;

-	representing the Republic of Moldova in international bodies in the posts and telecommunications sectors;

-	defining the development strategy for posts and telecommunications;

-	issuing licences to operators in the field of posts and telecommunications.  

3.	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OPERATOR

3.1	NAME AND STATUS 

The operator responsible for the universal service is the state enterprise "Posta Moldovei"1, which is a public legal person, referred to as a " national public operator".  
3.2	UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATIONS

The state enterprise "Posta Moldovei" has the following obligations:

-	Kinds of services: Posta Moldovei is in charge of providing the mail service, in particular the collection, transport and distribution of mail items under the conditions laid down by the postal law.

Posta Moldovei provides basic services (monopoly) throughout the national territory and in particular:  LC/AO, postal packages, postal and telegraph money orders, distribution of pensions and subsidies.

Express parcel services are open to competition.

-	Published tariffs: Basic postal service tariffs are approved by the Ministry responsible for postal affairs which controls both the level and structure of prices.  

Prices for postal services are based on costs and traffic volume.  However, some tariffs are above costs, and others below as social factors are also taken into account, alongside the objectives set out in the pricing policy for postal communications (pricing efficiency, accessibility of postal services, development of the scope of postal communications).

-	Publication requirements of tariffs: Posta Moldovei displays useful information on the services provided to users in the post offices.  This includes in particular the general conditions governing the sale or provision of products and services, their means of access and tariffs.  

Users must be informed of price changes at least ten days before they enter into force. 

-	Uniform tariff: There is a uniform tariff for basic services.

-	Reduced tariffs for certain customers/services: There are tariff reductions for the delivery of money orders for old age pensions and other allowances;  for the distribution of periodicals for children, for the delivery of ordinary letters and postcards posted by military recruits within the national territory; for the delivery of small packages containing literature for the blind and for "audio books" for the blind.

-	Number of post offices: According to postal legislation, Posta Moldovei has the obligation to maintain a certain number of post offices on the national territory (obligation to provide basic services throughout the country).  However, it is free to close post offices or to open them on condition that it conforms with the legislation (coverage of the entire national territory).
-	Number of collection points: According to the same legislation Posta Moldovei is obliged to install the number of letter boxes required to satisfy users' requirements for postal services.  It has the right to install these boxes in the public places it judges necessary in order to best satisfy the needs of customers.  There is a collection at least once a day.  

-	Number of delivery points: Posta Moldovei is only obliged to assure door to door delivery for items of correspondence.  Postal parcels are only delivered to customers in the post offices, with the exception of express services (eg. EMS service).

-	Delivery targets: Targets (55% in D+1; 45% in D+2 for items of correspondence and for the press and 55% in D+2; 45% in D+3 for postal parcels) are set by postal legislation (Ministry of Communications and Information Technology).
 
-	Number of delivery days per week: from Tuesday to Saturday.

-	Consultation with customers: Customer complaints are dealt with in the post offices.  "Customer days" are organised in postal centres1.  "A post office customer day" is also organised once a month in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.  These events give customers the opportunity to air their opinions on the work carried out by the personnel of the postal services, to propose improvements in postal services, and to submit complaints which have not been settled at a lower level in the hierarchy.

-	Dispute settlement: The relations between the post office and its users, suppliers and third parties are governed by common law.  Any ensuing disputes are brought before the competent courts.

-	Reporting to the Government/regulatory authority:

According to the agreement (schedule of conditions) concluded each year between the Regulator and the Operator, the state enterprise, "Posta Moldovei", is required to provide the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology with several documents and information, in particular:  the annual plan for postal activities, the scheme and schedule for the delivery of internal and international mail; statistics on postal services (in accordance with national requirements/statistics department/ and international requirements/UPU); information on the transactions between postal administrations, including details on the volume of postal traffic; the revenue and expenditure budget; a statement on the activity of the complaints bureau; the plan for the transport of international mail;  the annual report.

-	Transfer of a part of the turnover/profits to the Government:

!	32% of the enterprise's profits and 20% (valued added tax) of its revenue are paid into the state budget.

!	revenue from the distribution of pensions and from the marketing of postal orders are exempt from VAT.

-	Financial targets/obligations: Although Posta Moldovei is financially independent, is responsible for managing its assets and ensuring the equilibrium of its activities, it is still required to fulfill the obligations arising out of its schedule of conditions (Agreement), one of which is to attain a total turnover of 29 million Lei, with 5% profitability.

3.3	EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

According to the postal law "the national operator designated to provide basic services (monopoly) is the state enterprise "Posta Moldovei".

Basic services comprise:  letter post (letters, postcards, printed items, small packets, telegrams) postal parcels, postal and telegraph money orders, distribution of pensions, subsidies and allocations.

Express parcel services are open to competition.

In accordance with the postal law, only the Ministry of Communicate