Eesti Post obtains Estonia's first EU public procurement exemption for postal and parcel services

Law firm COBALT represented AS Eesti Post (Omniva) before the European Commission in a case securing the first-ever EU public procurement exemption granted in Estonia. The European Commission’s Decision exempts specific Omniva activities from the scope of EU public procurement rules. The exemption covers domestic parcel delivery (standard and express), international standard parcel delivery, services related to maxi letters and very small parcels, and printing and packaging services provided by Eesti Post. The Decision affirms that these markets in Estonia are open to competition with unrestricted access and finds the Estonian postal market to be dynamic and competitive, noting the presence of several operators, including DPD, SmartPosti and Venipak. By allowing Eesti Post to operate the specified competitive services outside the public procurement regime, the Decision enables greater flexibility and efficiency in contracting and service development, which the company says will improve agility, optimise procurement practices and strengthen long-term competitiveness. The ruling is the first of its kind in Estonia and highlights potential opportunities for other regulated companies in sectors such as energy, transport, water, ports and airports to seek similar exemptions under EU law. COBALT continues to advise clients on identifying and pursuing such opportunities across regulated industries. AS Eesti Post is the parent company of Omniva Group and is wholly state-owned by the Republic of Estonia. Omniva Group is an international logistics company whose business comprises parcel and postal services, digital services and international transit services. COBALT represented AS Eesti Post (Omniva) with a team composed by: Managing Associate Mart Blöndal and Associate Kristo Pullerits.

Eesti Post obtains Estonia's first EU public procurement exemption for postal and parcel services

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