Catalonia wants to limit delivery times

The Catalonian Ministry of Labor is considering to approve a new law that will regulate and limit the delivery times of home deliveries. By limiting the delivery times of couriers, the ministry wants to minimize competition between physical and online retail.

According to the new law, online stores can only offer deliveries of orders in the same hours as brick-and-mortar opening hours. This means that parcels can be delivered during a maximum of 12 hours, with 9.00 p.m. as a limit from autumn to spring. In summer, parcels can also be delivered until 10.00 p.m. The law also proposed a prohibition on deliveries in the weekends, especially on Sundays.

66 million trips to deliver at home

Ecommerce in Spain has grown considerably in the last two years, which is also noticeable in the autonomous region Catalonia. The amount of online sales grew 28 percent, coming to around 66 million home deliveries. Additionally, of the almost 80 million online sales yearly, around 11 percent are returned, leading to even more trips made by parcel couriers.

According to the Ministry of Labor, this growth has put increased pressure on delivery companies. On the other hand, the endless stream of online sales and delivery possibilities harm brick-and-mortar stores that can’t keep up with customer demands. The law is meant to put an end to this.

‘Municipalities in Catalonia will have autonomy when it comes to regulating deliveries.’

If the law is approved, delivery companies can also be required to use eco-friendly vehicles. Working conditions in warehouses and dark stores will also become more regulated. Municipalities in Catalonia will have autonomy when it comes to regulating deliveries.

Part of a larger plan

The proposed law is included in a larger 2022-2025 Action Plan for Trade, Crafts and Fashion. The government has credited a budget of 150 million euros to the plan, which wants to improve ecommerce in Catalonia, while at the same time strengthen local brick-and-mortar retailers.

‘Barcelona will implement a new Amazon rate before summer.’

The new law is expected to be approved this week and take effect in 2023. Other regulations have already been approved. Before this summer, Barcelona will implement a new Amazon rate, that taxes parcel deliveries from the ecommerce giant.