In Germany, the provision of essential postal and parcel services at affordable prices is guaranteed by law. The Federal Network Agency checks compliance with these statutory requirements for supply. Among other things, it investigates complaints, requests companies to examine or comment on them, and collects information that indicates deficits in supply.

The statutory requirements include, for example, that

• There are sufficient mailboxes as well as branches and stores for postal services,
• letters and parcels are delivered on every working day,
• letters and parcels are delivered to the specified address by posting in the house mailbox or by hand delivery, and
• on average, 8 out of 10 letters are delivered to the addressee after one working day and 8 out of 10 parcels are delivered to the addressee 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 postal company in question to restore the quality required by law and ensure it on a permanent basis.