DIN CEN/TS 17073:2017-09

The use of new communication and information technologies enables postal operators to meet higher customer expectations, expand their portfolio of products and value-added services and communicate within global networks. The standardization of processes in the operational business and in communication is the basis for competitive postal services. A focus on cross-border parcel delivery services is called for within the Union's work programme for European standardization for 2015 in order to focus on the development of this market, particularly with regard to small and medium-sized online retailers. Cross-border deliveries are to be facilitated by: a simplification of the inbound interface, improved shipment tracking when multiple logistics service providers are involved in the supply chain, and improved integration of software applications used by online retailers as a standard. This Technical Specification intends to define the interface between the online retailer (any commercial customer shipping parcels) and the first logistics provider. This interface includes the three elements: a) the physical label affixed to the postal item with information for item identification; b) electronic exchanges between the sender and the logistic operator concerning parcels dispatch; c) data needed for various delivery chain parts, in particular final delivery to the recipient, in order to facilitate exchange between the item-specific identifiers.