Emirates Post Group urges use of licenced courier companies to cut down

Emirates Post Group has urged individuals and companies not to deal with unauthorised persons and companies for courier services.

It has also instructed companies to abide by all laws and regulations to avoid penalties as stipulated in Federal Law No. 03 for 2013, saying that it has recently identified such companies which violate the laws referring to courier services.

Article 27 of Federal Law No. 03 for 2013 provides that any person committing any of the following acts must be punished by imprisonment for a period of not less than one year and not more than two years, and a fine of not less than ten thousand Dirhams and not more than one hundred thousand Dirhams, or either penalty: (A) Providing any courier service within the work scope of the group or its subsidiaries without first obtaining the required licence, and (B) Couriering any letters, parcels or items in the state or acting as courier mediator for profit without prior authorisation by the group.

Emirates Post Group says it is authorised to issue licences to private companies for courier services whether internal or international, pursuant to Article 07 of the same law, and to organise and supervise said courier, or suspend and revoke such licences in accordance with the terms and conditions.

Sultan Al Midfa, Acting Executive Director of the Courier Licensing Department, said, "Practicing courier activities without obtaining a license from the group and economic departments in the state is illegal and subject to legal accountability and fines. Anyone wishing to carry out courier activities must apply to the Licencing Department of the group to obtain the required licence after paying any prescribed fees."