Summer is off to a busy start in parcel delivery due to new customs regulations

During the summer season, postal operators typically have limited staff to meet delivery needs, while an increasing percentage of the population is shopping online year after year. This year, they are also facing an additional challenge in that, under the amendment to the European Union’s customs regulations effective as of 1 July, low-value consignments from third countries, including goods ordered from popular Chinese online marketplaces, will also be subject to duties. To avoid this, many people use these last days to order from these sites, already resulting in an increased number of parcels to be handled by operators.

If you are expecting an important parcel, you can reschedule delivery to a date when you will be home again or you can request that the parcel be redirected to another pickup location closer to your holiday destination. This latter option is only feasible if you are having a holiday within Hungary. You can primarily take advantage of the redirect and reschedule options through the online platforms provided by operators. However, you should also keep in mind that redirected delivery may not necessarily take place on the next business day as a new delivery date have to be set as communicated by the operator and if you choose a parcel locker in a busy area, you should also expect possible delays due to the locker being full.

If you requested delivery to a parcel locker and are unable to pick it up yourself, the process is relatively simple as all you have to do is to provide the pickup code to someone you trust. However, keep in mind that, when having a large parcel delivered to a parcel locker, there might be a delay in pickup if there are no available compartments. It may be worth taking advantage of the redirect option in this case as well.

If you are expecting a delivery to your home address, you should be aware that a family member living in the same household can take delivery of the parcel addressed to you without any particular complications; however, if, for example, a neighbour is to take delivery, you must give your prior consent. Anyone else may only take delivery of a parcel addressed to you if they have a signed authorisation which may also require the signatures of two witnesses as operators themselves determine what kind of authorisations they accept.
For parcels from abroad, you should expect longer delivery times and additional time for customs clearance. In such cases, you have to also keep in mind that you may even be liable to pay duties or VAT.

If delivery fails and you do not claim your letter or parcel within the specified time limit, the operator will return it to the sender, even if you have already paid for the ordered item in advance. Many people believe that if you are not available at the time of the delivery attempt or unable to take delivery, the operator must attempt delivery at least one more time. However, laws only require two attempts be made to deliver official mail and if both attempts fail, you have five business days to pick it up at the post office indicated on the notification.

For other types of mail, the operator must leave a notice of failed delivery and ensure that the item remains available for pickup for at least five days. Another delivery attempt can only be expected if the operator has agreed to it in the contract with the sender. Similarly, there is no requirement to provide reschedule or redirect options, although, in practice, this is now considered common practice among major operators. Some operators even send pre-notification of the expected delivery date and, in some cases, even the delivery time slot on that date. It is therefore important to provide your contact details correctly so that the parcel reaches its destination and the operator is able to contact you.

Letters and smaller consignments sent as letters may be delivered to your mailbox, provided that your name is clearly visible on them. In the case of parcels, however, in-person delivery is required. Also, when it comes to mailboxes, keep in mind that too many envelopes can actually clog up your mailbox so, if you are going to be away for an extended period of time, make sure someone is there to empty it from time to time; if only because a full mailbox is a clear sign that no one is home.