Mailbox compliance
Swiss Post no longer delivers: what to do?
If Swiss Post has suspended delivery to your mailbox, it's almost always because your box is deemed non-compliant: a missing compartment, dimensions too small, or an unsuitable location. Don't panic: it can be fixed quickly. We identify the reason, bring your mailbox up to standard, and delivery resumes.
Why Swiss Post can suspend delivery
Swiss Post is not obliged to deliver to a non-compliant mailbox. In practice, they first issue a warning, then may suspend home delivery (Postal Ordinance, Art. 31 para. 2 let. c). Your mail must then be collected from the post office until compliance is met. Here are the most common reasons:
Source: Official Swiss Post brochure 221.04 + Postal Ordinance (OPO), Art. 31, 73-75 and Annex 1.
- — Missing deposit compartment: The box only has a letter compartment. However, a 'milk box' (deposit, 15 × 25 cm opening) is mandatory for printed matter and small items.
- — Insufficient dimensions: Slot smaller than 25 × 2.5 cm or depth less than 35.5 cm: the postman cannot slide in a large envelope without folding it.
- — Non-compliant location: Mailbox battery behind a locked door, outside property limits, or not accessible from the street (OPO Art. 74).
- — Damaged mailbox: Broken flap, inoperative lock, corrosion: the box no longer protects mail and is no longer considered functional.
What to do, step by step
Five simple steps to go from a warning to resuming home delivery.
- — 1. Read the warning: It generally indicates the precise reason: dimensions, location, or accessibility. This is your starting point.
- — 2. Check compliance: Compare your box to the standard: two compartments, slot ≥ 25 × 2.5 cm, depth ≥ 35.5 cm, located at the property line or accessible from the street.
- — 3. Get a quote: Custom replacement box or new building mailbox battery, compliance guaranteed in writing, Swiss Made, free quote within 48 hours.
- — 4. We manufacture and install: We handle workshop manufacturing and installation. You don't have to coordinate anything.
- — 5. Inform Swiss Post: Notify them that the mailbox is now compliant to resume home delivery. In case of persistent dispute, PostCom can be contacted.
Special case: apartment buildings and property management
If the warning concerns an apartment building, the obligation falls to the property owner (OPO Art. 73): a compliant mailbox per dwelling, labeled with the occupant's name, freely accessible, and compliant with SIA 500 accessibility standards. A suspension then affects the entire building, meaning no mail is delivered to any tenants. This is the number one reason why property management companies call us urgently.
Free audit for property managers. Compliant building mailbox batteries.
Get your mailbox up to standard quickly
Compliance guaranteed, Swiss Made, manufacturing + installation by our teams. We act fast to restore your home delivery.
FAQ
Can Swiss Post really stop delivering to my home?
Yes. After a warning, if the mailbox is non-compliant, Swiss Post can suspend home delivery (Postal Ordinance, Art. 31 para. 2 let. c). Your mail must then be collected from the post office. Delivery resumes as soon as the mailbox meets standards.
How long does it take to restore delivery?
Once the quote is approved, custom manufacturing and installation are quick. The key is to act without delay: the sooner compliance is initiated, the faster you'll receive your mail at home.
Who pays in a rental building?
The property owner (OPO Art. 73), never the tenant. The installation and compliance of a labeled mailbox per dwelling are their responsibility.
Do you also install the mailbox, or just manufacture?
Both. Helvabox manufactures in our workshop (Swiss Made) and handles installation. A single point of contact, from warning to resumption of delivery.
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