HOW TO SEND AN
INTERNATIONAL CARE PACKAGE
SEND A THOUGHTFUL PACKAGETO THOSE WHO NEED IT WITH
DHL eCommerce UK
The chances are that you've heard about an area or country that's been affected in some way by war, natural disaster, or financial worry – and it is ordinary to feel like you want to help.
If you have contact with friends or family who have been affected and often displaced, or just want to do something to help, sending an international care package across borders could help those in need with a much-needed morale boost. Providing natural disaster support or simply putting items like children’s clothes in a family care package can make all the difference. In some cases, you may be simply wanting to send items of clothing or helpful items to family back home.
Want to send an international care package to a current address? We ship to over 160 countries worldwide.
SENDING A CARE PACKAGE ABROAD
Sending a care package by courier can show a family member or a friend that you’re thinking of them and can help to provide much needed items to those in need. There are various rules and regulations in place regarding what can be shipped overseas, so ensuring you avoid these items in your international care package can help to make sure your parcel reaches its destination.
We’ve prepared a handy guide on what to put in a care package, how to build a family care package, and the things you’ll need to know and do to make sure that the people you’re trying to aid receive it.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SENDING A CARE PACKAGE
Consider the following when you’re thinking of sending a care package overseas to provide aid for those less fortunate:
HAVING COMPLETE AND ACCURATE INFORMATION
We’re unable to deliver unless we have an address. Make sure that if you know the address you want to send to, that the recipient is still living there – or that you have the correct information of their new residence.
This means double-checking all addresses and ensuring that the correct numbers are there.
We are unable to deliver to countries currently at war.
MAKE SURE THE CARE PACKAGE IS PACKED PROPERLY
Using a sturdy cardboard box with cushioning materials inside will help to minimalise the risk of loss or damage. We’ve prepared a guide on how to package parcels for international delivery to help you on your way.
KNOW WHAT CAN’T BE SENT
There are both goods that many countries will not allow into their borders, but also goods that we will not send as part of our policy. These include dangerous goods, prohibited or restricted goods and valuable goods.
Our restricted and prohibited items list can help you.
EXPECT DELAYS
While we strive to deliver care packages as quickly as possible, countries that have been affected by natural disaster or the like will often be undergoing various levels of strain to their infrastructure. If the recipient has been displaced from their usual residence, contacting them and understanding the situation at a deeper level is worthwhile.
WHAT TO PUT IN A CARE PACKAGE
People who have been displaced due to war, natural disaster or financial worries often find themselves in a new home or non-permanent residency and are in need of various items to help them start to rebuild.
If you’re sending a family care package, consider children’s clothes and toys as part of the parcel. Adult clothes and shoes are also great items to send, as well as hand-written notes, mobile phones, and first-aid kids. You are unable to send perishable goods, tobacco products and currency with DHL eCommerce UK.
Many local churches and councils will also look to send care packages to affected countries en masse, so consulting with their projects could be worthwhile if you’re struggling with what to put in a care package.
SUCCESSFULLY SENDING INTERNATIONAL CARE PACKAGES
Once you’ve packed your care package, weigh your parcel in kilograms before printing off all of the relevant labels and paperwork. Complete any customs declaration forms and check the country’s customs and tax laws.
Measure the length, width and height of your parcel in centimetres, and ensure you’re not sending any prohibited items. If you’re sending multiple items in one package, make sure to list them all, including an in-depth description and value.
Ready to send a parcel to someone in need? Get a quick quote and book today.