European Commission wants consultation on cross-border parcel delivery

The European Commission has released its Digital Single Market Strategy to bring down barriers and unlock online opportunities across the continent. One way to achieve this, is by having more efficient and affordable parcel delivery. In order to improve the situation, the Commission wants feedback from consumers, companies and associations. It launched an online public consultation which will close on 29th July.

There’s an online questionnaire for the general public and an online questionnaire for delivery operators. It has been online since the 6th of May, but the European Commission is still looking for contributions from individual citizens, companies (including SMEs), public authorities and associations interested in cross-border parcel delivery in Europe, as the EC writes.

Cross-border parcel delivery
With the online survey, the European Commission wants to consult all interested parties on the main issues and possible areas of improvement for cross-border delivery services. It’s an important issue for the executive body of the European Union, as deliveries are a major part of ecommerce. More and more consumers as well as online retailers have high expectations of delivery services, while there is still a lack of features, high prices or other obstacles that hinder the further growth of ecommerce in Europe.

The European Commission wants better access for consumers and businesses to digital goods and services across Europe and wants to stimulate cross-border ecommerce even more. That will only happen if cross-border delivery becomes easier for all parties involved.

Dependent on integrated European delivery system
The Malta Independent states: “Especially SMEs looking for revenue earning opportunities across borders are heavily dependent on an integrated European delivery system which has yet to emerge. They are looking for growth in other national markets but are confronted with higher costs, greater complexity and a lack of transparency when it comes to cross border shipment.”

So, whether you are a SME, a big online retailer of a service provider, the European Commission wants you to participate in the consultation.

Also read “Ecommerce Europe wants to improve parcel delivery market.