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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.

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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

Czech Republic reverses its law raising the possible compensation for the postal universal service
26 October 26 Jan Cisar

The Czech parliament adopted an amendment to the postal law which restores the previous maximum compensation to reimburse Czech Post for the net cost of providing the postal universal service. The government could not reimburse Czech Post for its performance of the universal service in 2025 under the higher compensation cap for procedural reasons.

European postal developments – 3Q 2026
23 October 26 Armen Ghalumyan

Main developments on postal policy and regulation in Europe in the three months from July to September 2026

Ofcom proposes to extend the price cap on Royal Mail’s second class letters for one year
22 October 26 Armen Ghalumyan

The current safeguard cap, due to expire on 31 March 2027, applies to a basket of second class letter products and allows price increases no faster than inflation as measured by the consumer price index. The proposed one-year extension will maintain the price cap until 31 March 2028. Ofcom will then decide on the long-term pricing framework for the postal universal service.

Posti in talks to deliver government mail through its digital mailbox
16 October 26 Michael van Maris van Dijk

Posti, the Finnish universal service provider, announced it is in talks with the government to provide official communications through its OmaPosti digital mailbox service. The announcement followed the entry into force of an act amending the law on electronic administrative services on 1 September 2026.

BIPT approves bpost’s 2027 retail prices but renews concerns over the price cap
14 October 26 Virginie Alloo

Bpost’s retail tariffs will rise by a weighted average of 8.76% in January 2027, with a possible additional increase later in the year. BIPT approved the tariff increases under the statutory price cap but criticised the price cap mechanism provided for in the Belgian postal law.

AGCOM proposes tightening of quality targets on Italian postal services
12 October 26 Peter Dunn

The Italian postal regulator proposed new quality measures and more stringent targets for universal postal services, in particular to: tighten the primary quality standard to 95%; introduce a new regional sub-cap target; introduce a secondary target for parcel traffic; and introduce a quality target for the distribution of periodicals and newspapers.

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upcoming events

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16 > 17 November 26 Brussels, Belgium Masterclass in EU environmental policy, legislation & industry practices
18 > 19 November 26 Brussels, Belgium Mastering European postal and delivery regulation

get in touch

For more information about our Postal service, please contact :

Armen Ghalumyan phone: +352 661 90 80 45 armen.ghalumyan@cullen-international.com