Exceptions - general
Operators carrying certain types of mail do not need a postal licence. These types of mail includes:
- letters weighing more than 350g;
- books;
- catalogues;
- newspapers;
- periodicals;
- unaddressed items;
- Christmas cards delivered by charities;
- outbound international mail;
- services outside the scope of the universal service;
- courier, express and other services charging more than £1 per item.
The Postal Services Act 2000 provides a number of exceptions to the requirement that a postal operator carrying mail weighing less than 350 grams for less than £1 must have a licence. These exceptions are mainly described in Section 7 of the Act. The Act also establishes a mechanism to provide for changes to the list of exceptions, including the introduction of new exceptions.
Please also see the full list of documents relating to access agreements, which includes an open letter regarding the exception that may apply for 'pre-paid' mail conveyed to a licence holder (at 6 June 2007).
If you have any questions about licence exceptions, please contact us (email link). Non-excepted letters may only be carried by a licensed operator. Non-licensed operators are liable to prosecution.
