From one unique domain name to millions of address validations
The history of Postcode.nl begins in 1999, when generic Dutch domain names were released. During the allocation, as one of many applicants, we were more or less by chance awarded the domain name Postcode.nl. An incredible opportunity and the start of an idea that, more than 25 years later, remains central to everything we do.
We decided to develop a freely accessible search engine that allowed anyone to look up Dutch addresses and postal codes. The search engine used address data from TNT Post Groep (TPG). Under the name Parse Software Development, we also delivered this data in various formats to businesses.
In 2000, postal address data was under the commercial management of TNT Post Groep, the postal company that once began as PTT and has been known as PostNL since 2011. Use of the address data was therefore subject to strict licensing conditions. Nevertheless, we recognized early on how crucial accurate address data was for businesses and society alike. What began as a public search engine evolved into a specialized company for address data and address validation.
Behind the scenes, a lot has changed over the years. The search logic has become increasingly sophisticated, and our products have evolved from providing address databases to fast APIs for automatic address completion and validation. The public search engine is still available today, now in more languages and for even more countries!
Our history
The beginning of Postcode.nl
Upon the release of generic Dutch domain names, we are awarded the domain name Postcode.nl. We launch a free search engine based on address data from TPG.
Establishment of Postcode.nl B.V.
Postcode.nl B.V. is officially established. All activities regarding postal codes and address data are brought together within the new company.
Establishment of Webservices.nl
We establish sister company Webservices.nl. Our API-related products and services are offered within this company.
Expansion of our product range
During these years, we further expand our offering around Dutch address data. We develop new ways for businesses to use the data and continue to maintain and improve our existing products, data files, and services.
Through Postcode.nl and Webservices.nl, we make reliable address data available for an increasing number of business applications. At the same time, we continue to invest in the quality of our public search engine and the underlying search technology.
Transition to open government data
The Dutch government releases the Basisregistratie Adressen en Gebouwen (BAG — the key register for addresses and buildings) as open data. According to the government, postal codes and address data have gained significant social importance and should therefore be accessible for everyone to use.
Postcode.nl transitions to BAG data and provides it alongside TPG data. We also introduce the well-known postcode house number API, which could be used for free within a fair-use policy.
Focus on webshops
We increasingly focus our attention on webshops. In addition to reliable address data, we offer supplementary services, including parcel shipping, fraud detection, and various payment options. This allows us to support online stores not just with finding the correct address, but throughout a larger part of the ordering and delivery process.
Webservices.nl is sold
Webservices.nl is sold to FD Mediagroep. With this, we take an important first step in simplifying our operations and create room to chart a new course.
Back to our core
We begin divesting the supplementary projects and services developed in previous years. Postcode.nl returns to its core: reliable address data and smart APIs.
At the same time, we look abroad. We begin preparations to make our technology suitable for addresses outside the Netherlands and build a platform to which more and more countries can be added over time.
The first international API
The Belgian address API goes live. This marks our first concrete step outside the Netherlands, bringing the international course set in 2016 to life.
Launch of the Autocomplete API
We add German address data and launch the Autocomplete API. Dutch, Belgian, and German addresses can now be automatically completed from a single solution. The new architecture also makes it easier to add more countries in the future.
Expansion in Europe
The international expansion gains momentum. We add address data from Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland to our platform. France, the United Kingdom and Spain are also added.
Public search on Postcode.eu
We are making our autocomplete API identical to our public search engine; you can now also search for free in all available countries.
Scandinavia and Validate API
With the addition of Denmark, we take our first step into Scandinavia. Norway is also added to our international address coverage. In the same year, we launch the Validate API, which allows existing addresses to be automatically checked, corrected and enriched. With Finland and Sweden, our coverage in Scandinavia continues to grow.
Italy and ISO/IEC 27001:2022
We add Italy to our international address platform. In addition, we achieve ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification: an important confirmation of our ongoing commitment to information security.
Always the right address
Postcode.nl has evolved significantly since 1999, but our belief has remained unchanged: high-quality address data must be reliable, accessible, and easy to use.
Today, we help organizations across Europe enter addresses faster, validate them automatically, and correct them where necessary. To achieve this, we combine official data sources with smart search technology, fast APIs, and years of experience.
This is how we continue building on what once started with a single special domain name: ensuring that everyone—people and systems alike—always finds the right address.
Get in touch
Have a question about our services, APIs, or integration options? Feel free to reach out to us.
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