Popular searches
Log into your account
Travel and Insurance
Posting
Step 1: Check you can post
Before sending an item, you must check the restriction list for the country you’re posting to. You might be able to send the item domestically, but what you can post differs by country. If you send a prohibited item, the carrier will deal with it, and this can include disposing of the package.
Step 2: Check if you need a customs form
Customs forms are mandatory for all items sent internationally, including to EU countries, except for letters and documents. A physical customs form is still required for Parcelforce Worldwide, which can be picked up in branch.
All customs details are filled in online during the booking process for Parcels Online services with DPD and Evri.
Step 3: Pick your packaging
You want your item to arrive safe and sound, so the packaging you choose needs to be able to cope with a few bumps and scrapes. This is especially true for international freight as it’ll be on a ship or a plane for part of its journey. Use a strong cardboard box that’s big enough to fit your item securely, and check the corners for damage.
Step 4: Pack your mail
An item can be damaged if it moves around inside the packaging. Pack the inside of your parcel well to protect the contents. You can 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.
Step 5: Address your international mail
International mail follows the same address format as a UK letter with the addition of a country. Check the correct address format.
You’ll need to use the full address, including the zip code or postcode, and write the country on the last line of the address in English using capital letters. Please don't use country abbreviations such as FR for FRANCE. You must include the correct address to make sure it reaches its destination.
If we can't deliver your package for any reason, we'll need to know where to return it for free. Add your UK return address on the opposite side of the package to the delivery address.
Write or print the addresses clearly, don’t cover any part of the label and use ink that doesn't smear so all the relevant information is easy to check.
If you don't know the full address of the recipient, use a digital maps service or search engine like Google or Apple Maps to fill out the remaining details.
All customs details for services purchased through Parcels Online are filled in during the booking process online. They don’t need to be printed or attached to the parcel.
Step 6: Weigh your mail
You'll need to check your package's weight and size before posting to ensure it is within international restrictions. This information will also determine what postage you use. You can either weigh your parcel at home or in branch.
Step 7: Choose a postage option
The best way to send your international mail depends on how quickly you want it to arrive, its size and weight, how much you want to cover it for loss or damage, and if you want a signature on delivery or full tracking.
If you choose a Royal Mail, Evri or DPD service online with Parcels Online, you’ll go through all the options before buying your postage.
If you’re buying in branch, please research your options before coming in to buy your postage or ask us for help when you’re there.
Step 8: Post your item
If you’ve already used Parcels Online to buy postage, please drop your mail off at the Post Office branch you selected during the booking process.
If you're coming in to buy postage, use our branch finder to locate your nearest branch. They all offer Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide services. And you can select options in the tool to find those with Evri and DPD services too.
If you send items regularly, our Drop & Go service is a quick and easy way to send multiple parcels at once. It’s free to sign up and there’s no need to wait. Just drop off your items and we’ll weigh them, sort out the postage, print the labels and send them the same day.
Here are the key things to remember when posting internationally
- Check if you can post the item to the country
- Pick your packaging and pack the item safely
- Address your mail correctly and add customs forms to the outside of the parcel if required
- Weigh your item and choose the right postage
Selling to the EU?
If you’re posting an item sold to the EU through a marketplace such as eBay, you’ll need to tell us the IOSS number of the marketplace you used
Common questions about international postage
-
Most of the process for sending international parcels is the same as posting in the UK, with a few important differences.
Customs requirements
If you're buying international postage with Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide in branch, you'll need to provide customs information upfront.
For Royal Mail services, you’ll need to complete customs form online. Our online customs form makes it easy.
Customs forms for Parcelforce Worldwide international postage can be picked up in branch, to complete before you send your item. Find out more about customs forms.
If you’re sending with Evri international services in branch, we’ll complete the customs checks with you when you drop off your item.
For all international postage bought through Parcels Online, regardless of carrier, the customs information will be completed when you book.
Addressing your mail
Different countries use different address conventions, and you’ll need to include the country name in English and block capitals.
Selecting your postage
If you’re buying through Parcels Online, you’ll be guided through the service options from Royal Mail, Evri and DPD during the booking process.
If you’re buying in branch, please research your options upfront or ask in branch if you need some help.
-
The cost will be affected by when you want it to arrive, how much it weighs, how big the box is, and how much cover you need for loss or damages.
If you choose a Parcels Online service with Royal Mail, DPD or Evri, you’ll go through all the options before buying your postage.
If you're buying n branch, please research your options before you pop in to post. Or just ask one of our team, who'll be happy to help.
-
Some items not restricted or prohibited in the UK may be in other countries. You must find out what you can and can’t post to the country you’re sending to before you package your items. You can consult our list of restricted or prohibited items, or if you’re still not sure, ask someone in branch.