PostNL appeals ACM decision on “transparency”

The Dutch postal regulator ACM has today (11 December) published a decision requiring PostNL to give its competitors more detailed information regarding the rates and terms for the services it provides to its corporate customers. PostNL, however, has opposed the decision, arguing that providing this level of information to its competitors would give them an advantage over PostNL in offering rates and discounts to customers.

In its official statement regarding the ACM decision, PostNL argued: “PostNL is transparent. However, transparency should benefit healthy competition. In its decision, ACM requires PostNL to be transparent in advance, about the tariffs it offers its business clients. Conversely, any other mail company is not required to do so. This does not result in a level playing field. This is expected to harm a healthy, competitive market and with that the general interest to maintain a reliable and accessible mail delivery network for all Dutch residents in the long term.”

The statement added: “The postal volumes decline as a result of substitution to digital media. PostNL strives to maintain a reliable mail delivery network that is reliable and accessible for all Dutch residents. Also in the long term. This requires adequate rules that guarantee healthy competition.

“PostNL previously announced that it estimates the financial impact on PostNL of a number of recent decisions by ACM and the possible measures to be implemented by ACM regarding significant market power could add up to 30 million and 50 million euros on an annual basis over a 3- to 4-year period. PostNL expects that the financial impact of this new decision on transparency falls within this range.

“PostNL has serious objections and therefore appealed against the decision.”