| NOTAS: | This document has been prepared for the European Commission by Wik Consult.
"Cross-border e-commerce has boosted postal imports of low-value consignments from the Asia-Pacific region to the EEA Member States. The significant growth in imports of low-value consignments particularly from China challenged designated operators and customs authorities in the single market. This study by WIK-Consult explores the development of international postal services in the EEA, assesses the impact of UPU terminal dues and self-declared rates on designated operators, and examines import models for international e-commerce consignments along with the requirements and procedures concerning VAT, customs and security regulations. The assessment is based on extensive desk research and intensive stakeholder interaction. Online surveys and interviews were conducted among EEA designated operators, national regulatory authorities and ministries, and national customs authorities gathering input from practical and regulatory perspectives regarding the expected changes and challenges involving international postal services. The study concludes that the provision granting designated operators the right to ‘self-declare’ terminal dues rates for the delivery of imported e-commerce goods will reduce the distortions under the current system, while the reforms in customs and import VAT regulations are a step in the direction towards levelling the playing field between postal and express operators, as well as between EU and non-EU e-retailers and online marketplaces. While this represents significant progress, some challenges are expected to persist." |
