BS PD CEN/TS 17073:2017 will specify the interface between the e-merchant (any commercialcustomer sending parcels) and the first logistic operator.The interface is composed on two items:

the physical label attached on the postal item: contents, sizes, minimum requirements to guaranteethe quality and efficiency of the logistic process (sorting, delivery).
the electronic exchanges between the sender and the logistic operator with the description of thedata to be provided, the format of the exchanges.

While designated operators of UPU have drawn up business requirements using proprietary standardsand related data components, online merchants have developed open, not-for-profit standards for finaldelivery which are integrated into their existing supply chain management environment.The Technical Specification aims to specify the interface between the e-merchant (any commercialcustomer sending postal items) and the first logistic operator composed by incorporating the3 elements:

physical label attached to the postal item with information for item identification;
electronic exchanges between the sender and the logistic operator concerning parcels dispatch;
data needed for various delivery chain parts, in particular final delivery to the recipient, in order tofacilitate exchange between the item-specific identifiers.

NOTE 1 The last element enables the growth of integrated, data-driven systems which support highly efficientand customer-driven cross-border ecommerce. This reflects the current trend to B-to-B-to-C delivery solutions inthe European and international cross border e-commerce markets. Delivery from original source to finalconsumer can be split over more than one service provider.NOTE 2 C-to-B-to-B-to-C solutions will be an extension, in particular when returns are specified. The ?first C?would indicate that consumers wishing to return items, or induct items themselves, will be able to print labelsfollowing the fundamentals specified in this standard.E-merchant exchange data with logistic operators (i.e. the postal operators, but not limited to thosedesignated to fulfil the rights and obligations of UPU member countries) to help, simplify and enable theconsequential logistic and transactional tasks. The establishment of common definitions and electronicformats, safeguards the reliability and decreases the overall costs by avoiding software developmentcosts, multiple printing equipment, over-labelling during the process, and the manual sorting.Cross References:ISO/IEC 15459-1:2014ISO 15394:2009 Ed 2EN ISO/IEC 15416 (ISO/IEC 15416:2000 AS)ISO/IEC 15415:2011 Ed 2ISO/IEC 15416:2016UPU Technical Standard S27UPU Technical Standard S28UPU Technical Standard S67 UPU Technical Standard S25UPU Technical Standard S24UPU Technical Standard S46UPU Messaging Standard M33UPU Technical Standard S10UPU Technical Standard S26