Since the UK has left the EU, customs forms are required for all post, except letters and documents. Here’s a handy guide to help you get your post where it needs to go.
Checking for restrictions Customs forms Packing your mail Addressing international mail Choosing postage Posting itemsBefore 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.
Customs forms are mandatory for all items sent internationally, including to EU countries, except for letters and documents. If you have a printer, customs forms can be completed online for Royal Mail services. Pick one up in branch if you don’t have a printer or need a Parcelforce Worldwide customs form.
Customs forms must be completed legibly with all the necessary details before arriving in branch to post your item.
All customs details are filled in online during the booking process for Parcels Online services with DPD and Evri.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Parcels Online service with DPD or Evri, you’ll go through all the options before buying your postage.
If you select a Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide service, please research your options before coming in branch to buy your postage or ask us for help when you’re there.
Once you've checked there are no restrictions on the item you want to send, chosen your postal service, packed your item carefully, addressed it correctly, and filled in your custom forms, you're ready to post your item.
If you're using a Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide service, you can bring your package in branch and buy your postage. Use our branch finder to locate your nearest Post Office.
You'll have already bought your postage if you send your item by a Parcels Online service with DPD or Evri. All you need to do is drop it off in branch. Please drop off your mail at the Post Office you selected during the booking process.
And if you send items regularly, you can use our Drop & Go service. It's a quick and easy way to send multiple parcels at once. Our free, same-day service lets you drop off your parcels in branch. We'll weigh it, sort out the postage, and print the postage labels.
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
Most of the process for sending international parcels is the same as posting in the UK, with a few important differences. First, you’ll need to attach a customs form to the outside of your parcel for Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide services to ensure there are no hold-ups in delivery. Customs details will be completed during the booking process for Parcels Online services with DPD and Evri and don’t need to be attached to your parcel. Secondly, different countries use different address conventions, and you’ll need to include the country name in English and block capitals. Finally, you’ll need to select the appropriate postage. You'll be guided through your options for Parcels Online services with DPD and Evri during the booking process. You can research your options online for Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide services or ask in branch if you need 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 DPD or Evri, you’ll go through all the options before buying your postage. If you select a Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide service, please research your options before coming in branch to buy your postage or ask us for help when you’re there.
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.