Rules for sending and receiving parcels are being tightened after a surge in complaints

Complaints from consumers regarding the use of postal services on the territory of Bulgaria are increasing. Therefore, an analysis of the General Rules for the Conditions for Delivery of Postal Items and Parcels has been carried out. The analysis showed that it is necessary to make changes that correspond to the modern conditions for the provision of postal services. This was announced by the Communications Regulation Commission. Therefore, the Commission proposes for public discussion a draft of the General Rules for the Conditions for Delivery of Postal Items and Parcels.

The draft includes, in addition to the conditions for the provision of the universal postal service, conditions for the provision of non-universal postal services (NPS), as well as services related to e-commerce, distance sales and the related deliveries of postal items to consumers.

The rules also include a definition for "Automatic Post Office", which is an automated machine through which shipments can be received and sent based on a waybill filled out by the user and entering a code and following instructions provided by the postal operator, with or without the possibility of paying amounts on site.

Recipients of postal items and postal parcels – individuals, may authorize other persons to receive them, it is written in the general terms and conditions. Legal representatives of legal entities and sole proprietors may authorize their employees to receive postal items and parcels. The method of authorization is determined by the postal operator in the general terms and conditions of the contract with consumers in accordance with the current legislation.

In cases of delivery via APS of postal items to legal entities and sole proprietors, sharing the PIN code for receiving the item is considered proper authorization.

Postal items addressed to minors shall be delivered to their parents or guardians against documents certifying their status. The senders shall not

should address postal items to minors and/or minors for delivery to the APS.

Unregistered postal items are delivered to the recipient's mailbox, placed in a suitable, accessible and safe place, unless otherwise provided for in the contract between the latter and the postal operator.

When the parcel is of a size that does not allow it to be placed in the mailbox, it is delivered to the recipient's address. When, upon visiting the address due to absence, the postal item cannot be delivered, a written official notice is left in the mailbox with an invitation for the recipient to appear to receive the parcel at the post office within a period determined by the postal operator, not shorter than 20 days, but not exceeding 30 days from the date of receipt at the post office for delivery.

Shipments containing goods prohibited for sale to minors cannot be delivered to/through Automated Post Offices (APS).

The delivery of unregistered and registered items and parcels with and without declared value can be received not only at the post office but also at the recipient's address, but only if this is provided for in the contract, the general rules also state. The same will apply to cash on delivery items and parcels.

When recipients of shipments and parcels have changed their address, they are forwarded officially to their new address, if it is known to the postal service or there is an explicit instruction for forwarding by the sender or recipient, in writing or electronically.

The cost of the service is paid by the sender or recipient.
Source: https://www.pariteni.bg/