The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has registered the Decision of the National Commission for Communications Regulation "On Approval of Maximum Tariffs for Universal Postal Services." Tariffs for universal postal services will increase in two stages - from the first of September, new tariffs for sending simple written correspondence will be put into effect, and from November 1 - for other postal services.\nThus, from September 1, a simple postcard and a letter weighing up to 20 grams will cost 0.70 UAH. (compared to the current 0.45 UAH), a simple parcel weighing up to 100 grams - 1.00 UAH., up to 250 g - 1.5 UAH. \nFor sending written correspondence to CIS countries, the fee increases to 90 percent. This tariff increase is due to the cancellation of discounts on terminal costs between Ukraine, Belarus and Russia that were in effect at the time the current tariffs were approved. A postcard and a simple letter up to 20 g will cost 0.3 USD to CIS countries and 0.49 USD to other foreign countries by ground transport and respectively 0.50 and 0.66 USD by air transport. A simple parcel up to 100 g will cost 0.73 (to CIS countries) and 0.83 USD (to other foreign countries) by ground transport and respectively 1.00 and 1.15 USD by air transport.\n\nThe need to change tariffs for universal postal services is caused by the urgent need to prevent a decline in the development of postal services, according to the NCCR. The fact is that USEPP "Ukrposhta" is the national operator and is legally obliged to provide the specified services throughout the territory of Ukraine at tariffs regulated by the state. \nTariffs have not changed for three years, although during this period the enterprise's costs have increased significantly, primarily due to the increase in the legally established minimum wage level. Labor costs alone compared to the corresponding period of 2002 increased by 86%. As a result, universal services are provided at tariffs lower than their cost, which negatively affects the enterprise's operations.\nThe new tariff level will allow for ensuring the stable operation of the National Postal Operator, increasing wages, primarily for postmen. \nIn addition, in accordance with CMU resolution No. 656 of 14.04.2000, the set of services for the main social and demographic groups of the population includes one letter per average statistical family. Under such conditions, the increase in tariffs for universal services will have almost no effect on the growth of the consumer basket cost for the population.\nAccording to the results of certification of the quality management of the international postal service conducted by experts of the Universal Postal Union, it was established that the low level of tariffs set for Ukrposhta will not allow the enterprise to further improve production and introduce modern technologies. The Postal Administration of Ukraine is recommended to set tariffs sufficient for further development, modernization and improvement of the quality of postal services.\nThus, an objective need has arisen to revise the level of tariffs for universal postal services and bring them into line with the enterprise's new costs. In addition, tariffs for services must ensure that the enterprise receives profit, as provided for by Article 191 of the Economic Code of Ukraine. \n