In 2018, PostNL delivered approximately 95% of the letters on time

Dutch postal operator PostNL is statutorily required to deliver at least 95% of regular letter-size mail and postcards on the next delivery day. Based on a sample, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) estimates that, in 2018, PostNL indeed delivered 95% of regular letter-size mail on time. A minimum of 95% of the funeral cards and medical post also has to be delivered on the next delivery day. Of this category of mail, PostNL delivered an estimated 97% on time.

Obligations on PostNL

PostNL is the only postal operator in the Netherlands that is required to provide a basic set of postal services. Therefore, PostNL has to comply with certain statutory requirements. These requirements concern the quality and the accessibility of postal services. PostNL is required to deliver letter-size mail on the next delivery day from Tuesday through Saturday. Funeral cards and medical post also need to be delivered on Mondays. A sample was used to check if enough mail was sent on time.

Sufficient service locations

In 2018, PostNL's services had to be available to at least 95% of Dutch citizens, within a five-kilometer radius from their homes. With a result of 99.5%, PostNL has more than fulfilled this requirement. Outside of towns with more than 5,000 inhabitants, at least 85% of citizens must have access to the full range of products and services within a five-kilometer radius. With a result of 98.2%, PostNL has met this requirement as well. At service locations with the full range of products and services, customers can buy stamps and letters, registered mail, mail items for the blind, parcels with domestic and international destinations, and mail items of which the value has been declared.

See also:

04-10-2019: Decision on delivery time and policy regarding service locations of 2018 (in Dutch)