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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

EU Timeline
19 January 26 Marianna Mattera

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

European postal developments – 4Q 2025
14 January 26 Armen Ghalumyan

Main developments on postal policy and regulation in Europe in the three months from October to December 2025

Italy changes postal universal service, removing priority mail
09 January 26 Peter Dunn

Following a review of the USO by AGCOM, the postal law was amended, including to: exclude priority mail from the USO; widen the definition of access points to include third party locations; set the quality standard for USO mail of D+5; remove the possibility of financing the USO through a compensation fund; increase the level of possible fines; and extend the designation of Poste Italiane as the USO provider.

Norway proposes new postal law to future-proof user rights
07 January 26 Peter Dunn

The Norwegian government is consulting until 20 January 2026 on proposals for a new postal law. The main proposed changes include: removing detailed requirements governing the universal service; providing for the protection of minimum levels of service through more flexible “mitigating measures”; removing the distinction between the universal service provider and other postal providers; and adding a new requirement for access to parcel lockers.

Dutch court annuls PostNL fine for late letter delivery
19 December 25 Martin Schraa

PostNL does not have to pay a €2m fine for failing to meet its quality requirements for overnight delivery of domestic letters in 2019. The Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal issued a definitive ruling on 16 December 2025, annulling the fine imposed by regulator ACM.

BIPT consults on the deployment and use of parcel lockers
16 December 25 Virginie Alloo

BIPT is running a public consultation to determine whether regulatory action is needed to ensure efficient, fair and non-discriminatory access to the rapidly expanding parcel locker infrastructure in Belgium.

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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