Netherlands – Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19

The designated operator of the Netherlands, PostNL, asks us to inform other Union member countries and their designated operators that, owing to the COVID-19 situation in the Netherlands, and the Dutch Government's directives in relation to the partial lockdown in force since 14 October 2020 to combat the rising number of infections, PostNL has adapted its operations to ensure the continuity of all the services provided to customers while protecting the health of postal workers and the general public.

Because of the partial lockdown, the restrictions set out in EmIS messages 105/2020 and 286/2020 regarding handover procedures will continue to apply, and PostNL may not be able to ensure that all the normal inbound and outbound mail standards are met.

In view of the above, and given the global pandemic situation, PostNL will not accept any penalties incurred under the pay-for-performance schemes with regard to quality of service and remuneration for all categories of mail items, as decided by the relevant UPU bodies and approved by the Postal Operations Council.

PostNL thanks all other Union member countries and their designated operators for their understanding.