Postal Services Regulations implementing EU Postal Directives in
the UK
Postal Services (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 -
S.I.2002/3050
These Regulations modified certain sections of the Postal Services Act 2000
in order to facilitate full transposition of the latest European Postal
Directive (2002/39/EC). This Directive amended the previous Directive
(97.67/EC). The Regulations came in to force on the 1st January 2003. They had
the effect of reducing the UK reserved area of the postal services sector to
items weighing 100 grams or less or items costing 80p or less from the 1st of
January 2003. They also provided for a further reduction to 50 grams or 65p from
the 1st January 2006.
Postal Services Regulations 1999 -
S.I.1999/2107
These Regulations implemented the Postal Services Directive (97/67/EC). The
Directive was the first step towards a harmonised approach to postal services
within the European Union. In particular, the Regulations designated the
Secretary of State and Postcomm as the National Regulatory Authorities for the
UK postal sector and also set the function and duties of the regulator. The
regulations also amended the British Telecommunications Act 1981 to impose a
duty on Royal Mail to provide a universal postal service, which was defined in
the 1981 Act. This part of the 1981 Act has since been repealed and was replaced
with a similar provision in the Postal Services Act 2000. As well as this the
Regulations amended the Postal Privilege (Suspension) Order of 1981 to set the
reserved area for UK postal services to items weighing 350 grams or less or
items costing £1 or less.
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