postal regulation

The postal sector is changing fast. As the traditional market enters a steep decline, e-commerce is driving rapid and unprecedented growth in parcel delivery - all of which has an impact on the way the sector is regulated.

At Cullen International, we provide independent and expert insight into the past, present and future of EU postal regulation. Subscribe to our intelligence services, and we’ll help you to stay informed as the sector evolves and to understand how that evolution affects you.

general topics covered

Universal service obligations

Use our Postal service to stay informed on the steps taken by regulators to maintain the sustainability of the universal service despite the decline in traditional postal volumes. Track and compare different national regimes, and anticipate new rules and reforms taking place at the EU level. Topics covered include :

  • Postal Services Directive
  • Universal service scope and changes
  • Price caps
  • Funding
E-commerce

E-commerce has led to rapid growth in the parcel sector, driving providers to innovate and diversify to rise to new challenges and meet changing consumer expectations. As national and EU level regulation is now increasingly focusing on this area, our intelligence services provide an essential independent resource on this transformative trend. Topics covered include:

  • Horizontal consumer protection rules
  • Postal sector rules on parcel delivery
  • Alternative means of delivery
  • VAT and customs

latest intelligence

EU Union Customs Code reform enters into force
23 September 26 Celine Senay

The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament adopted the reform of the Union Customs Code, introducing the European Customs Authority and the data hub, as well as a modernised framework for e-commerce to manage the surge of small parcels.

Estonia reduces delivery targets for domestic letters
16 September 26 Merilin Kasesalu

Estonian Ministry issued ordinances that relax quality of service targets for domestic priority and economy letters. In addition, the universal service provider must ensure delivery of periodicals on Saturdays.

EU Timeline
10 September 26 Marianna Mattera

This edition of Cullen International’s EU Timeline highlights key policy and regulatory developments foreseen at EU level until the end of 2026.

An Post failed to meet its quality of service targets in 2024 and 2025
02 September 26 Armen Ghalumyan

ComReg, the Irish postal regulator, published monitoring reports which revealed that the universal service provider missed its regulatory targets for single piece priority mail delivery in the preceding two years.

BIPT study recommends considering the removal of priority mail from the Belgian universal service
26 August 26 Virginie Alloo

The Belgian government should consider removing priority mail from the universal service, according to an Ipsos study published by the postal regulator BIPT on 14 August 2026. Based on the needs and preferences of individual and professional users, the study also recommended maintaining home delivery of letters, prioritising reliable D+3 delivery over speed, and retaining a core network of post offices.

French parliamentarians call for a new postal law to adapt to changing user needs
11 August 26 Virginie Alloo

The information report by the National Assembly’s finance committee has made a range of non-binding recommendations focusing on La Poste’s four public service missions, including the universal service. Among other aspects, the report recommended setting D+4 as a quality of service standard for the economy class letter delivery from 2028, instead of the current D+3.

Get access to the full reports and find out what our service could do for you with a free trial.