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

ERGP report: delivery to parcel locker costs the same as home delivery in ten countries
18 July 25 Celine Senay

The European Regulators Group for Postal Services a report on 10 July 2025 analysing postal pricing trends across 33 of its member and observer countries during 2023–2025.

European Parliament proposes to combat unsafe online goods imported from third countries
17 July 25 Celine Senay

In response to growing concerns about the high volumes of low-value e-commerce goods entering the European Customs Union, the European Parliament adopted a resolution with proposals aimed at enhancing the safety of packages arriving from non-EU countries.

European postal developments – 2Q 2025
15 July 25 Armen Ghalumyan

Main developments on postal policy and regulation in Europe in the three months from April to June 2025

Ofcom reforms the postal universal service obligation
15 July 25 Armen Ghalumyan

Royal Mail will be allowed to deliver second class letters on alternate weekdays, instead of the current delivery requirement of six days per week. This was among the changes to the universal service obligation (USO) decided by Ofcom following its January 2025 consultation on USO reform.

Universal service reform: Dutch government proposes three-day letter delivery by 2028–2029 but rejects financial support for PostNL
11 July 25 Martin Schraa

The Dutch government wants to extend the period to deliver mail under the universal service obligation from 24 hours to 48 hours in 2026. The transit period can be extended to 72 hours from 2028–2029.

Poczta Polska will provide universal postal, e-delivery and hybrid services until 2035
09 July 25 Monika Kačeriaková

Poczta Polska has won the tender for the provision of universal postal, e-delivery and hybrid services for the next ten-year period.

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