A recent survey conducted by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) found that a majority of consumers and businesses would find it acceptable for certain types of mail to be delivered within two days instead of one, as long as the two-day delivery is reliable. However, urgent mail such as funeral cards, medical letters, or government correspondence must still be delivered the next day. The survey also revealed that mail delivery within three days did not have broad support.

The ACM regulates a small section of the postal market known as the universal service obligation (USO), which includes mail dropped in collection boxes. The current Dutch Postal Act requires that at least 95% of this mail be delivered the next day on average, a standard that has not been met since 2019. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has tasked the ACM with conducting various studies on the postal market, including the recent survey on mail-delivery needs.

Manon Leijten, Member of the Board of ACM, emphasized the importance of reliable, fast, and affordable mail delivery for individuals and businesses. The survey highlighted that users prioritize reliable post delivery, with over 90% of respondents valuing letters being delivered accurately and in good condition. Quality factors such as delivery date reliability, speed, and price were also deemed important by both consumers and businesses.

In addition to the mail-delivery needs survey, the ACM is conducting studies on the scope and costs of the USO and trends in the postal market, expected to be completed by spring 2025. While provisional findings have been shared with the Ministry, the ACM did not find a need for interim bridging measures until the studies are finalized.