Special items

Individually prepared letters may vary from the addressing and layout specifications of Swiss Post. In many cases, it is impossible or very difficult to process such items mechanically. This additional processing time is factored into the surcharge of CHF 0.15 per item for special items. Please see below for details of what constitutes special items:

X = Surcharge

Criteria Standard letter Large and maxi letter
Smaller than 140 x 90 mm X  
Not square or rectangular X X
Paper not strong enough X X
Items over 5 mm X1  
Items in plastic covers X X2
Items in parchment envelopes X  
Inflexible items X1  
Loose enclosures X1  
Unpacked items in brochure, magazine or newspaper format X X
Not addressed lengthwise X  
Address window affixed (excl. COD letters) X  
Text above or below address field X X
Sender not in sender zone X X3
Address outside of readable area X X
Address not always fully visible in window X X
Unsuitable fonts4 X X
Printing outside advertising area (to the right of or below the address) X X
Printing in the code or franking area X X
Folded items with edges that are not sealed on all sides (max. format B5) X  
Punched out, open address and advertising windows without film X X
Under wrapper X  
Unsealed envelopes with edges and flaps sealed with adhesive points X X
For tubes: length plus twice the diameter smaller than 17 cm; length or twice the diameter smaller than 10 cm X  

1 Only for bulk letter mail
2 If the specifications in the services and prices brochure for Swiss letters (“Briefe Schweiz: Angebote und Preise”) (form 202.17) are not adhered to
3 Except for large and maxi letters in portrait format
4 As specified in the services and prices brochure for Swiss letters (“Briefe Schweiz: Angebote und Preise”) (form 202.17)