Montenegro's postal service is undergoing a digital transformation: the country will introduce parcel lockers, self-service terminals, and strengthen oversight of the postal market. These measures are part of amendments to the Law on Postal Services, which the government plans to adopt in the fourth quarter of 2025—a step aimed at modernizing the sector and fully aligning it with European standards.
The purpose of the law is modernize the postal sector, improve regulation, protect user rights и create conditions for the development of new digital and electronic postal services in line with pan-European trends.
"The adoption of this law is expected to further ensure the availability of universal postal services and increase market competitiveness," the government noted.
Harmonization with European standards
As the Ministry of Economic Development explains, the law should ensure harmonization with the EU Regulation 2018/644 on cross-border parcel deliveries, which regulates issues of price transparency and quality of services.
Work to align with this document has already begun through amendments to the Regulation on the Provision of Data by Postal Operators, adopted by the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Activities (EKIP) at the end of 2022.
New concepts and digitalization of postal services
One of the new features will be the introduction of ER letters—a recommended electronic mailing method allowing users to send and receive registered mail online with legally binding proof of dispatch and receipt. This measure represents an important step toward the digitalization of postal exchange and adapting the system to the modern needs of citizens and businesses.
The draft law also clarifies the concept of postal money services, stating that in addition to traditional transfers, they are regulated by the Law on Payment Circulation.
In addition, commercial and additional postal services are detailed, such as courier and express delivery, hybrid mail, and online shipment tracking.
Enhanced user protection and clear market rules
The law introduces new regulations concerning tariff transparency: operators are required to publish their price lists on official websites and in branches, and also make them available to the Agency for public access.
Precise deadlines and procedures for filing complaints and claims regarding shipments have been established., which additionally protects the rights of users.
Particular attention is paid to responsibility of postal operatorsIncluding responsibilities in case of loss, damage or delay of shipmentsThe law defines the procedure for compensation for damages, statutes of limitations, and the conditions for exercising client rights.
The role of the Agency and inspection supervision of postal services
The draft law expands the powers of the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Activities, which becomes an independent regulatory body responsible for:
- issuance of licenses,
- market surveillance,
- quality control of services,
- conducting inspection control.
Agency inspectors will receive clear powers to inspect the work of postal operators, monitor the quality of universal services, and analyze tariffs and operating conditions for companies.
Parcel terminals and self-service terminals
The new bill provides for the introduction of parcel terminals and self-service machines, which will allow for a more modern and efficient organization of the distribution and receipt of postal items.
In addition, the universal postal operator will be obliged to provide data from the address database upon request from government agencies, while strictly adhering to personal data protection legislation.
A step towards integration into EU postal policy
The government notes that the adoption of this law will be another step toward Montenegro's full integration into the European Union's postal regulatory framework. Citizens and businesses are expected to benefit from more modern, secure, and accessible postal services that meet European standards of quality and transparency.
