As courier services are included in the postal sector, a new mandatory requirement has been introduced for couriers to report their working hours to the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK).

Following the regulation published in the Official Gazette dated March 8, 2025, rapid delivery services offered on digital platforms have been encompassed within the postal sector.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made statements regarding the newly enforced regulation.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FROM BTK

Minister Uraloğlu stated, “By mandating the reporting of working hours of couriers to the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, we will prevent violations of regulations and related adversities.”

In light of the necessity brought forth during the pandemic era and the sectoral growth of courier services delivered through digital platforms, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that the regulation aims to enhance consumer satisfaction and service quality. He pointed out, “These services initially began with the transportation of basic food products but have gradually expanded. The sudden growth in the sector necessitated a regulation on the matter.”

ENSURING SHIPMENT SECURITY

Minister Uraloğlu pointed out the assessment of similar services within the postal sector in European Union (EU) countries, stating, “Likewise in EU examples, we have included these services within the postal sector, establishing authorization and supervision criteria. Consequently, we will ensure service quality, consumer satisfaction, and shipment security.”

REGULATION AND COMPLAINT MANAGEMENT

Minister Uraloğlu highlighted that companies offering such services will be subjected to monitoring, particularly concerning service quality and consumer satisfaction. He mentioned, “Previously, no institution conducted inspections in this area. There were serious issues handling complaints. With the authorization and supervision criteria, we expect a decrease in consumer complaints.”

REGULATION OF WORKING HOURS

Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the significant innovations brought by the new regulation in terms of environmental sustainability. He stated, “We are imposing obligations to minimize negative externalities. Furthermore, by mandating the reporting of couriers’ working hours to the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, we will prevent violations of regulations and related adversities.”

PREVENTING UNREGISTERED SERVICES

Minister Uraloğlu expressed that through the regulation, unregistered postal services will be prevented, saying, “Services will be provided more planned and systematically. This will lead to an increase in service quality with the possibility of implementing administrative sanctions when necessary.”