bpost launches 'Secure Delivery' for enhanced security against parcel fraud
bpost is launching a new tool in the fight against parcel delivery fraud, which constitutes a growing problem. From now on, webshops can opt for a 'Secure Delivery' via bpost. With this system, a parcel is only handed over by the postman when the recipient can provide a secret code. bpost is the first parcel service in Belgium to offer this level of security.
Monday 28 April 2025Research* by bpost indicates that 75% of online shoppers in Belgium would appreciate extra security for high-value orders. This demand for greater security is also present among webshops in Belgium, which are seeing an increase in fraud-related incidents each year. Just earlier this month, for example, the Consumer Ombudsman Service (COD) published in its annual report that it "sees a worrying trend in a rising number of suspected cases of fraud in parcel deliveries". This can take various forms, such as parcels being intercepted at the doorstep.
Increased safety for the addressee
In response to this, bpost has developed a new tool: Secure Delivery. With this system, the addressee is only handed a parcel upon presenting a six-digit code (or the corresponding QR code) to the postman. The secure code is generated by bpost and communicated exclusively to the addressee of the parcel. The latter receives the code twice – by email and on the My bpost app. Once when the order leaves the webshop, and again on the day the postman delivers it.
Those who receive the code can also pass it on to housemates or family members to enable them to accept the parcel. This can only be done at the doorstep, at the address provided when ordering. If no one is at home or the code isn't provided, the postman will take the parcel to a nearby collection point. The customer then has 14 days to collect it there with the correct code
Webshops can decide for themselves for which categories of parcels they wish to enable this 'Secure Delivery' feature.
"No additional cost for consumers"
ALTERNATE, an online computer shop, is already using this extra security for certain parcels shipped via bpost today. With a significant number of the 30,000 items available on their platform being high-value, this extra security was a welcome addition. "In the past, our customer service regularly had to deal with damaged or lost parcels, but that’s much less common now,” says Michael Matheesen, manager at Alternate. “Moreover, we choose not to pass on the additional cost of Secure Delivery to the customer. So there is no extra charge for the recipient when it comes to added security. We do this because we place great importance on ensuring the proper delivery of our parcels.”
*Source: My Future bpost online community, july 2024, n = 536