TRC introduces new delivery regulations to improve safety, service quality

AMMAN – Jordan's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has announced new regulations for delivery services, a move that is expected to significantly impact the country’s restaurant sector.

The regulations, which apply to motorbike and vehicle-based deliveries, aim to enhance service quality, improve driver safety, and strengthen regulatory oversight in an industry that has become essential to restaurant operations, according to a TRC statement shared with The Jordan Times.

Under the new framework, delivery platforms and service providers will be required to meet stricter standards, including more rigorous driver verification processes, performance monitoring, and the use of vehicles that comply with updated safety regulations. Additionally, the TRC is creating a centralised driver database to increase transparency and accountability.

For restaurant owners, the regulations present both challenges and opportunities. While some see the new rules as a positive step toward professionalising the industry, others are concerned about the potential for increased costs and operational disruptions.

“These rules will enhance service reliability and driver safety, benefiting both businesses and customers,” said Anas Rateb, owner of a local restaurant in Amman. “However, the added compliance costs could become a burden for many businesses.”

Omar Awad, president of the Jordan Association for Restaurants and Sweet Shops Owners, emphasised the transformative effect that online food delivery has had on the industry. “Many restaurants now rely heavily on digital platforms to reach customers,” he said. “While we expect some initial disruptions as companies adjust, these regulations could lead to a more stable and efficient delivery ecosystem in the long term.”

The new rules come at a time when restaurants are already grappling with high inflation and shifting consumer preferences. Some industry players worry that smaller establishments may struggle to meet the new delivery standards without passing the additional costs onto customers.“Increased oversight is beneficial, but it must be accompanied by support measures for the sector,” Awad said.