In Germany, the supply of important postal and parcel services at affordable prices is guaranteed by law. The Federal Network Agency checks compliance with these legal requirements for supply. Among other things, it investigates complaints, requests companies to carry out audits or submit comments and collects information that indicates deficits in the supply.

The legal requirements include, for example, that

• there are sufficient letterboxes as well as branches and stores for postal services,
• letters and parcels are delivered every working day,
• letters and parcels are delivered to the specified address by posting them in the letterbox or handing them over in person, and
• on an annual average, 8 out of 10 letters arrive at the recipient after one working day and 8 out of 10 parcels after two working days.

If the Federal Network Agency identifies anomalies as a result of frequent complaints or its own evaluations, it calls on the respective postal company to restore and permanently guarantee the legally prescribed quality.