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German Regulator Threatens Deutsche Post With Fines Over Service Lapses

The agency points to a surge in consumer complaints as it tightens oversight.

Overview

  • Bundesnetzagentur chief Klaus Müller warned Deutsche Post that penalties will follow if ordered improvements are not fulfilled.
  • The regulator logged a record 22,981 complaints in the first half of 2025, 89% concerning Post/DHL, with reports of delays, returned letters, and lost items.
  • Authorities are scrutinizing the replacement of branches with 24-hour Postautomaten, requiring municipalities to show failed efforts to keep a staffed office before approval.
  • By late September, 629 applications to count machines as branches were filed, with 72 approved, four withdrawn, and the rest under review.
  • Deutsche Post has proposed raising standard letter and postcard postage to €0.95, which the regulator says it will examine, as CEO Tobias Meyer maintains the company delivers very good quality.