The universal service only works thanks to the Swiss Post system as a whole

Swiss Post is proud to meet its universal service obligation nationwide for the whole of Switzerland. This includes the delivery of letters, parcels, newspapers and magazines and the provision of payment transaction services in all parts of the country. However, this mandate dates back to a time when smartphones were not yet in widespread use. Since then, customer requirements have evolved significantly, which means there is a need for modernization. The statutory mandate also generates additional costs of around 370 million francs annually, which Swiss Post finances itself. The residual monopoly, i.e. the exclusive right to transport letters under 50 grammes, recently generated only 68 million francs for Swiss Post. At the same time, letter volumes in Switzerland are falling continuously. To maintain the universal service, Swiss Post has to cover the difference from its own resources.

For this reason, Swiss Post very much welcomes the fact that discussions are currently under way on the future of Swiss Post’s duties and their framework conditions. One thing is clear to it: modern provisions, entrepreneurial freedom and a holistic view of the Swiss Post system are needed. Individual measures that restrict the company’s purpose or limit digital services, for example, jeopardize the balance between the universal service, financing and entrepreneurial activity.

What discussions are currently under way?

Discussions on Swiss Post’s future mandate and its structure are currently being conducted via three policy instruments. Firstly, the Federal Council wants to make short-term adjustments via amendments to the Postal Services Ordinance. Secondly, the Federal Council and Parliament are working together on a revision of the Postal Services Act, with the Federal Council setting out the key points and Parliament deciding on implementation. Thirdly, Parliament provides its own impetus through parliamentary initiatives and motions , on which the Federal Council gives its position. Whereas the Federal Council aims to comprehensively modernize the universal service and Swiss Post’s business activities, specific amendments are currently being discussed by Parliament.

Ordinance level (Federal Council)

The Federal Council can make changes to the Postal Services Ordinance at short notice. It is now using this tool to give Swiss Post some breathing space as it addresses the comprehensive revision of the Postal Services Act. The consultation procedure on this project has been concluded and new requirements should apply from 2026: digital delivery (hybrid letter) could be enshrined in the universal service obligation, punctuality requirements standardized, delivery restricted to permanently inhabited areas and digital payment transactions integrated into the universal service. The Federal Council is expected to decide by the end of 2025 what exactly will be implemented.

Swiss Post’s position:

Swiss Post explicitly supports this modernization. It strengthens Swiss Post’s relevance in the everyday lives of the general public. At the same time, Swiss Post points out that the planned relief will not be sufficient in the long term. 

Swiss Post needs to be able to evolve in terms of technology, its organization and finances.

Christian Levrat, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Swiss PostTarget not accessible

2. Legislative level (Federal Council and Parliament)

The revision of the Postal Services Act is more far-reaching and longer-term. It aims to regulate the scope and quality of the universal service, financing and business activities and replace outdated provisions with a sustainable regulatory framework. In August 2025, the Federal Council presented the key points for a new Postal Services Act. The consultation draft is planned for summer 2026.

Swiss Post’s position:

Swiss Post welcomes a holistic revision. The revision of the law provides the right framework for taking a holistic view of Swiss Post’s finely coordinated system. Individual measures fall short of the mark and jeopardize the economic viability of the universal service. At the same time, it is important that Swiss Post continues to receive modern provisions after 2030.

Only a holistic analysis makes it possible to secure the universal service in a self-sustaining manner in the long term.

Alex Glanzmann, Interim CEO at Swiss PostTarget not accessible

3. Parliamentary level (initiatives and motions)

Several procedural requests, in parallel with the Federal Council’s proposals, highlight individual aspects of the current regulatory framework, such as restricting the company’s purpose or new requirements governing the approval of acquisitions as called for in the Rechsteiner motion. The Grossen parliamentary initiative, which calls for stronger regulation of federal companies in competition, is particularly critical for Swiss Post.

Swiss Post’s position:

Swiss Post rejects the Grossen parliamentary initiatives and considers the current legal provisions sufficient. Today, Swiss Post generates 85 percent of its income in free competition and pays a significant dividend    to the Confederation every year – the total for the past ten years has been one billion francs. Restrictions would lead to falling revenues, a loss of quality and a bottleneck in innovation. Without entrepreneurial freedom, it can no longer provide the universal service from its own resources.

Put simply, this means that Swiss Post would be dependent on 300 million francs in subsidies, i.e. taxpayers’ money, every year.

Alex Glanzmann, Interim CEO at Swiss PostTarget not accessible

Swiss Post fulfils its mandate for the whole of Switzerland – reliably, nationwide and in a self-sustaining manner. To ensure that this remains possible in the future, it needs a regulatory framework that allows innovation, recognizes economic reality and facilitates entrepreneurial action. In the discussion about the future of Swiss Post, only a holistic approach can ensure that Swiss Post remains independent, efficient and relevant in the future and that it can make daily life easier for everyone in Switzerland with a modern universal service.