Postal Standards
EN 13724 & SIA 500: Beyond Swiss Postnorm for Mailboxes
In Switzerland, the Postnorm (OPO) determines whether Swiss Post will deliver to your mailbox. However, two other standards complement it: the European standard SN EN 13724 (slots, mounting heights) and SIA 500 (barrier-free construction). Here's what they add, and which takes precedence depending on the context.
The European Standard SN EN 13724
The European standard SN EN 13724 coexists with the Swiss Postnorm. It doesn't cover the same points: where Postnorm specifies the composition (two compartments) and location, EN 13724 details more granular technical tolerances for the slot and mounting height. It's the reference for architects and demanding markets.
- — Transverse slot: 325–400 mm
- — Longitudinal slot: 230–280 mm
- — Slot height: 30–45 mm
- — Capacity: Must accept a C4 envelope
- — Mounting height: 700–1700 mm, ≥ 30% between 900 and 1300 mm
SIA 500 Accessibility (Barrier-Free Construction)
For residential buildings, the Swiss standard SIA 500 "Barrier-Free Construction" ensures that the mailbox unit is accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users. It sets precise heights and maneuvering spaces.
A protruding mailbox unit must be detectable with a cane: a base of at least 30 mm, or a fixed crossbar at a maximum height of 0.30 m, with visual contrast. Flexible elements (ropes, chains) are prohibited as markers. Source: SIA 500 "Barrier-Free Construction" standard (architecturesansobstacles.ch).
- — Upper edge of lowest row: ≤ 1.10 m from the ground
- — Maneuvering space in front of unit: ≥ 1.40 m (0.70 m on each side)
- — Reduced width (renovation, access from one side): ≥ 0.70 m
- — Niche depth: ≤ 0.25 m
- — Auxiliary shelf (recommended): 0.35–0.50 m from the ground
- — Floor: Flat, non-slip even when wet
- — Detection for visually impaired people
Which Standard Takes Precedence, and When?
For postal delivery, the Postnorm (OPO) remains decisive. In short: Postnorm is authoritative for delivery, EN 13724 is a technical plus, and SIA 500 is mandatory for accessibility in buildings. Our mailboxes comply with Postnorm and can be made compliant with EN 13724 and SIA 500 upon request.
Postnorm (OPO)
The mandatory reference for Swiss Post delivery. Two compartments, minimum internal dimensions, location (Art. 74). Non-negotiable.
SN EN 13724
A technical complement. Specifies slots and mounting heights. To be cited in an architect's specifications. Compatible with Postnorm.
SIA 500
Decisive for apartment buildings and public buildings: access heights, maneuvering space, detection. Essential for new or renovated collective housing.
FAQ
EN 13724 or Postnorm: which is authoritative in Switzerland?
To be served by Swiss Post in Switzerland, the Postnorm (Ordinance on Postal Services, OPO) is authoritative. The European standard SN EN 13724 is a complementary technical reference, useful for architects and in demanding markets, but it does not replace Postnorm for delivery.
Is an EN 13724 certified mailbox automatically compliant in Switzerland?
Not necessarily. It must also comply with the Postnorm composition (mandatory deposit compartment) and the location required by the OPO (Art. 74). An EN 13724 mailbox without a deposit compartment would remain non-compliant in Switzerland.
Does SIA 500 apply to individual houses?
It primarily targets collective residential buildings and publicly accessible constructions. For an individual house, the Postnorm (OPO) remains the main reference; SIA 500 becomes decisive when it comes to apartment buildings or adapted housing.
At what height should a mailbox unit be installed?
According to SIA 500, the upper edge of the lowest row must be at a maximum of 1.10 m, with a maneuvering space of at least 1.40 m in front. Ideally, most mailboxes are located between 0.90 and 1.30 m from the ground.
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