On 19 November 2019, the Authority opened an investigation against Poste Italiane S.p.A. to assess an allegedly unfair commercial practice in the mail delivery service, in particular registered mail, in violation of articles 20, 21 and 22 of the Consumer Code.

It is alleged that a customer/sender who decides to use the Poste Italiane to send a registered letter could be misleadingly induced to buy the “Raccomandata” service advertised with claims that highlight certain characteristics which, in its actual provision, are not respected.

Moreover, as regards the attempt to deliver the mail, it is alleged that the held notification for the registered mail is often posted into the mailbox of the addressee without first checking whether or not s/he is at home. Thus, in order to claim the mail, the addressee is forced to use alternative procedures made available by the Poste Italiane, with a delay in delivery times and a waste of time and energy that would not be necessary if there had been an actual attempt to deliver.

In addition, Poste Italiane has allegedly issued misleading messages concerning the digital collection service, i.e. the advanced version of physical delivery of registered mail, with reference to its economic and usage conditions.

Today, officials of the Authority carried out inspections at the premises of the company concerned, with the assistance of the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Finance Police.

Rome, 26 November 2019