After nearly thirty years of improving postal services in Europe, CEN/TC 331 ‘Postal services’ is joining CEN/TC 320 ‘Transport - Logistics and services’, which is thus acquiring a reviewed scope and title as ‘Transport, Logistics and Postal Services’. This transition marks a new chapter for standardization in transport, logistics, and postal services.
Created in 1996, CEN/TC 331 has played a central role in the modernization of postal services in Europe. With the support of the AFNOR Secretariat, the technical committee (TC) has built a strong technical foundation that improved quality measurement, parcel tracking, address data, and service performance, as well as environmental aspects. Over its long history, TC 331 developed nearly 90 deliverables, with about 50 still active and valid today.
As CEN/TC 331 now closes, its activities and responsibilities continue with new momentum within CEN/TC 320 ‘Transport, Logistics and Postal Services’. This transition is not an ending. It opens a wider space for cooperation between postal services, logistics, and transport. It reflects the way letters, parcels, freight, and passengers now move across a single connected ecosystem. The goal remains the same: to build efficient, sustainable, and user-centered services for citizens and businesses in Europe.
To carry this work forward, more experts are needed. Every working group can benefit from new members, but WG 12 ‘Postal & Parcel Services - Customer Experience and Quality of Service’ is a priority. This WG focuses on user needs and the design of services. Its work shapes quality, accessibility, and innovation. WG 16 ‘Postal & Parcel Services - Environmental aspects in delivery services’ also needs strong support. This WG leads essential work, such as EN 17837 on the environmental footprint of parcel delivery. In particular, this standard provides methods to calculate and declare greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants from parcel logistics delivery services. It is a key tool for greener and more transparent postal operations.
Specialists, companies, and organizations are invited to contribute to the working groups of CEN/TC 320 and help continue the work started by CEN/TC 331 as well as CEN/TC 320. This is the perfect moment for experts to join and be part of the future of postal and logistics services. Your knowledge can drive innovation, sustainability, and trust across Europe. To join the work, please contact your National Standardization Body. We look forward to welcoming you.
Joanna FRANKOWSKA
jfrankowska@cencenelec.eu
