HOW TO PACKAGE PARCELS FOR
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
TAKE ADDITIONAL CARE AND CONSIDERATIONWHEN SHIPPING PARCELS ABROAD
WHY IS INTERNATIONAL PARCEL PACKING SO IMPORTANT?
When you pack a box for international shipping, it's important to take extra care to protect your contents during transit. Your package may travel thousands of miles across land, sea and air, passing through multiple hands and automated sorting systems along the way.
While we handle every parcel carefully, how you pack it plays the biggest role in keeping it safe. In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to pack and prepare a parcel for international delivery, so it arrives safely and on time.
HOW TO PREPARE AND PACK A PARCEL FOR OVERSEAS DELIVERY
Before you start, make sure any previous labels are removed from the box or covered up. This will help to avoid any confusion at our sorting hubs.
We recommend using a new box - reused boxes can lose their structural sturdiness. If you're sending a fragile item, this can present risks. Remember, when you’re packing boxes for overseas shipping, they’ll have a long way to travel.
- Wrap each item individually
Use bubble wrap and tape to protect fragile items before placing them in your outer box. Wrapping each item separately prevents movement and damage during transit – especially when sending parcels abroad. Polystyrene is highly recommended for larger items.
- Use a strong outer box
Choose a sturdy cardboard box or container that matches the weight of your contents.
Fill any empty space with cushioning materials, such as foam peanuts, crumpled newspaper or shredded cardboard to stop items moving around.
- Seal the box securely
Use strong packing tape (40-50mm wide) to seal all openings and seams. Reinforce edges and corners for added strength.
Do not wrap the box in black polythene (be it a bin bag or sheet) – our machines cannot process these packages, which causes delays.
Need your items to stay the right way up? Add a ‘this way up’ label and directional arrows on your box.
- Measure and weigh your package
Head over to our guide on ‘How to Properly Weigh and Measure Your Parcel’ for more guidance.
It’s important to have this before booking your parcel – if your parcel weight or dimensions exceed the specified amount, you will need to pay the difference, or if it’s too big, we may not be able to send it.
- Attach your shipping labels and customs documents
When you book, we’ll generate the correct customs or pro-forma invoice based on the details you provide.
Provide clear, detailed descriptions of your items – this helps customs officials process your parcel quickly and reduces the risk of delays. For example, write ‘white men’s cotton t-shirt’ rather than ‘clothing.’
Place your paperwork in a ‘document enclosed’ wallet and attach it securely to the outside of your box, next to your shipping label.
Make sure the recipient’s address follows local formatting standards, as this helps ensure your parcel arrives at the right place and on time.
Even though we handle your parcel with care, small bumps can occur during transport and sorting. That’s why using solid packaging and good internal protection is essential for damage cover on our services.
Remember, every shipment includes £50 of free contents cover, with the option to upgrade to additional cover up to £5,000 for extra peace of mind
WHAT TO AVOID WHEN PACKAGING PARCELS FOR INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
Make sure the items you’re sending aren’t on your destination country’s restricted or prohibited items list. We also have our own international restricted and prohibited items list.
Wrapping your parcel inadequately or labelling it incorrectly can put it at risk of being damaged or lost in transit. It may also affect your ability to claim compensation.
If your goods damage other parcels in our care due to poor packing, we may need to recover any associated costs. Taking the time to prepare your parcel correctly far outweighs the potential cost of getting it wrong.
AVOID SENDING UNBOXED ITEMS
All parcels must be packed in a secure, protective outer box or container. Unboxed items can be easily damaged or lost during sorting and transport.
AVOID DAMAGED BOXES
Weak or damaged boxes offer less protection and are more likely to split underweight. Always use a sturdy, good-quality box that suits the size and weight of your contents.
AVOID THIN PLASTIC FLYER BAGS
Thin plastic flyer bags can tear in transit and may not provide enough protection. If you can’t use cardboard, choose tear-resistant, heavy-duty plastic packaging (coefficient of friction between 0.15 and 0.2 (DIN EN 8295)) for shipping parcels abroad.
AVOID BLACK OUTER PACKAGING
Parcels wrapped in black plastic or bin bags can’t be scanned properly by our automated parcel sortation systems. Using these materials will result in your parcel being delayed or automatically returned.
AVOID CREASED BOXES
Damaged or creased boxes can cause address labels and barcodes to wrinkle, which makes them harder to scan and track through our network. Always apply labels to a flat, clean surface.
AVOID OPENED OR UNSEALED BOXES
Unsealed boxes put your contents at risk - small items can fall out, and debris can fall in. Always seal every seam and edge with strong packing tape to keep your parcel secure.
CUSTOMS CHECKS AND INTERNATIONAL PARCELS
When sending parcels overseas, every shipment passes through customs in the destination country before it can be delivered. Here’s what you need to know about how customs checks work for international parcels.
ARE ALL PARCELS CHECKED BY CUSTOMS?
Not all parcels are opened or checked - customs authorities usually carry out random inspections or examine items where declarations are missing or unclear.
That’s why clear labelling and accurate customs documents are just as important as good packaging. Describe your contents in detail and attach your invoice securely in a documents enclosed wallet. This helps customs officers process your parcel quickly and reduces the likelihood of delays.
HOW LONG DO CUSTOMS TAKE TO CHECK PARCELS?
The time it takes for customs checks varies between countries and the volume of parcels being handled. Most clear within a few days, but incomplete or inaccurate paperwork can extend this process.
If you think your parcel is being held at customs, you can check its status using your tracking number. Once it’s cleared, tracking updates will show that it’s back in transit for final delivery.
You’ll find customs information for each destination country on its relevant service page.