Postal Standard Compliance
Swiss Postal Standard: Mailbox Dimensions You Need to Know
In Switzerland, the dimensions and placement of your mailbox are legally mandated (Postal Ordinance, Articles 73 to 75). Here's what you need to know, plus a free test to check your mailbox's compliance in just two minutes.
Check Your Compliance in 2 Minutes
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Mailbox Dimensions Required by the Swiss Postal Standard
A compliant mailbox always includes both a letter compartment AND a delivery compartment. Here are the minimum interior dimensions to adhere to.
A few millimeters can make the difference between a mailbox that receives mail and one rejected by the Post Office. A slot that's too narrow, a missing delivery compartment, or a wrongly oriented flap are enough to render a mailbox non-compliant.
Our mailboxes are manufactured to the exact specifications of La Poste brochure 221.04, then installed in the correct location. You receive a written guarantee of compliance, with no surprises on the day of the first delivery.
- — Letter compartment (horizontal) H 10 × W 25 × D 35.5 cm; Slot min. 25 × 2.5 cm
- — Letter compartment (vertical) H 35.5 × W 25 × D 10 cm (8 cm if combined with delivery compartment)
- — Delivery compartment ("milk box") H 15 × W 25 × D 35.5 cm; Opening 15 × 25 cm
- — Source: Official La Poste brochure 221.04 and Postal Ordinance (OPO), Annex 1. Cross-reference with the current version before any purchase.
Placement (Art. 74)
Individual house: At the property line, near the usual access, slot facing the street.
Apartment building: Bank of mailboxes in the entrance area, freely accessible from the street, never behind a locked door.
Apartment Buildings (Art. 73)
One labeled mailbox per dwelling, each with both compartments. The owner is responsible for the installation, at their own expense.
Accessibility (SIA 500)
Upper edge of the lowest row at a maximum of 1.10 m, maneuvering space of at least 140 cm. Essential for collective and public buildings.
Non-Compliance: Mail Delivery Suspended
After prior notice, La Poste may suspend home delivery (OPO Art. 31 para. 2 let. c). Bringing your mailbox into compliance is not optional.
FAQ
What dimensions are required for a compliant mailbox in Switzerland?
The letter compartment must measure at least 10 × 25 × 35.5 cm internally, with a slot of at least 25 × 2.5 cm. A delivery compartment of at least 15 × 25 × 35.5 cm is also mandatory. Source: La Poste brochure 221.04 and Postal Ordinance (OPO), Annex 1.
Where should the mailbox be placed?
At the property line, near the usual access, with the slot facing the street (OPO Art. 74). In an apartment building, the bank of mailboxes can be in the entrance area, but it must remain freely accessible from the street, never behind a locked door.
What are the risks if the mailbox is not compliant?
La Poste is not obliged to deliver mail to a non-compliant mailbox. After prior notice, they can suspend home delivery (OPO Art. 31 para. 2 let. c). This is the main reason to bring your mailbox up to standard without delay.
What are the rules for an apartment building?
One labeled mailbox per dwelling, each with a letter compartment AND a delivery compartment, freely accessible from the street. The owner is responsible for the installation, at their own expense (OPO Art. 73).
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