A distinction is drawn between universal, substitute and non-substitute, a.k.a. competitive market-based postal services.
Universal postal service
Among all postal services, the provision of the universal postal service is a public responsibility, which the state fulfils through the designated universal postal service provider. The universal postal service must be provided by the designated universal postal service provider at a predefined quality standard and affordable prices to all users, irrespective of geographical location, within the territory of Hungary. In Hungary, universal services are currently only provided by Magyar Posta Zrt.
Postal services substituting the universal postal service
A postal service substituting the universal postal service is any postal service relating to any postal item which is not included among the non-universal services, and is not provided by the postal service provider on the basis of the universal postal service obligation. This category of services is subject to authorisation.
Competitive market-based postal services
Postal services representing added value compared to the universal postal service or to a postal service substituting the universal postal service (courier postal service, express postal service, international EMS service, or other auxiliary postal services with significant added value) are considered competitive market-based postal services, and are subject to registration.
Within this service category, postal items may only be dispatched as individually identified, registered items, and may only be delivered in person, or by means of an identification code.
