Communications Commission Announces the Start of the Grace Period for Unlicensed "Postal Service" Providers

The Communications and Information Technology Commission, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and the National Competitiveness Center, announced the start of the grace period for establishments and individuals operating in providing activities related to postal services in the Kingdom without a license and in violation of regulations, which came into effect for a period of 6 months ending on 15 Rabi' al-Awwal 1443H, corresponding to 21 October 2021, to facilitate the procedures for obtaining the necessary licenses in this sector, with the aim of protecting the rights of postal service beneficiaries, enhancing the quality of service provided to them, and achieving fair competition in the market.

The Commission explained that licensed postal services in the Kingdom include "letter transport, parcel transport, mailboxes, official mail, postal financial services, parcel lockers, and delivery services via electronic platforms," noting that licenses are issued through its website, and called on all unlicensed service providers, whether establishments or individuals, to rectify their status before the end of the grace period, and to communicate with the Commission through official channels for support, empowerment, and clarification of all steps required to practice these activities in a safe and attractive environment, explaining that violating the practice of providing postal service activities in the Kingdom without a license after the expiry of the grace period exposes the establishment to the penalties and fines prescribed by law by all government agencies, which may include financial fines and penalties of closing the commercial registration and suspending the establishment.

It is worth noting that the "Communications Commission" works on issuing and monitoring regulations for postal services sector activities in the Kingdom, in an effort to develop them, improve the experience of their beneficiaries, and achieve fair competition within this vital sector. Those interested and investors can learn more information about the sector's activities and obtain licenses also through the Commission's website: https://www.cst.gov.sa