Get set to send
There are many ways to send items abroad. Some services may better suit sending one-off packages. Others may be ideal for small-scale sellers regularly dispatching their wares. The choice can be confusing to navigate. We’re here to help, no matter the size and frequency of your postal needs.
Do your research before you prepare to post
Avoid the frustration of arriving at a 69ÌÃ branch, only to discover you can’t send the contents of your package after all. A bit of research into the kind of items you can send, regulations for different destinations and customs forms can save you time when you’re ready to post.
Check you can send your item through the post
First things first, you’ll need to be sure the item you’re sending can actually be posted.
Carriers can have different rules to what you can send. It’s also worth remembering that there can be differences in compensation offered for lost or damaged parcels, depending on the carrier you choose to use. Check what you can send with carriers who provide international postage at 69ÌÃ:
Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide prohibited and restricted items
Evri prohibited items and exemptions
Check the postal rules of the country you’re sending to
Each country has its own rules and restrictions on what you can send. These can depend on the parcel’s size, weight and what’s inside. Always check the rules before posting, so your parcel gets where it needs go to safely.
You might be able to send the item within the UK, but what you can post internationally differs by country. If you send a prohibited item, the carrier will manage this issue. This can include disposing of the package.
Do I need a customs form?
Yes. You'll need to complete a customs declaration for anything you send abroad, including to EU countries. The exception is if you're sending letters or documents.
How you complete your customs form depends on the service you use and where you buy it.
- Royal Mail: complete a form online or get one in branch
- Parcelforce Worldwide: these forms are also available in branch
If you use a paper form for these couriers, fill it in clearly before bringing your items into branch.
- DPD or Evri: ask a member of the branch team for help with your customs declaration
- Parcels Online: if you buy international postage online, customs details are completed as part of the process
Get your packages in perfect order for posting
Once you’ve completed the above steps, there are a few more things to you can do to make sure your item’s ready for dispatch. The following should help you perfect your posting.
Pack your parcel securely
There’s nothing worse than receiving a damaged item through the post. To make sure your item arrives in pristine condition, there are a few simple steps you can take. Use packaging materials such as bubble wrap and polystyrene peanuts, but remember these can’t be recycled, so use sparingly or find green alternatives. Read our guide to how to pack your parcel.
Choosing the right posting service for your item
The next things to consider are how quickly you want your package to arrive and how much it will cost to send. But other things to think about are:
- End-to-end tracking of your item
- Compensation for loss or damage
- Proof of delivery, such as a photo or signature on arrival
Before you buy your postage, weigh and measure your package so you can choose the right service to send it by.
You can , print your label off at home, then simply drop your item at one of our branches and we’ll do the rest.
Clearly address your package
Be sure to double check the delivery address before you send your parcel or letter. Some countries have a different format to the one we use in the UK, so be sure you’ve addressed your package correctly before you post it. We have a handy guide on how to address international mail.
Also include your contact information and return address on the back of the package. That way, if for some reason it can’t be delivered, it’ll be safely returned to you.
Choose your delivery service – online or in branch
You should now be all set to send. You can buy postage in branch or online then and then drop your items off in-branch for posting. All branches offer Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide services, while selected branches offer Evri and DPD.
If you find you’re sending items overseas more often, maybe consider signing up for a free Drop & Go account. This service lets you drop them off in branch and go. No waiting at the counter, scanning, weighing or adding postage labels. You can send items via Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide from any branch that offers Drop & Go, or choose DPD and Evri delivery services in selected branches.
Key takeaways
- Check if you can post the item to your destination country
- Complete a customs form
- Choose the right postage
- Pack your item securely
- Address your mail correctly
- Choose your postal service, online or in branch
