scope:

This Directive establishes common rules concerning: - the provision of a universal postal service within the Community, - the criteria defining the services which may be reserved for universal service providers and the conditions governing the provision of non-reserved services, - tariff principles and transparency of accounts for universal service provision, - the setting of quality standards for universal service provision and the setting-up of a system to ensure compliance with those standards, - the harmonisation of technical standards, - the creation of independent national regulatory authorities.