Shipping Guide
Everything you need to know to ship with confidence — from packing your parcel correctly to navigating international customs.
Packaging Requirements
Proper packaging is the single most important step in ensuring your item arrives safely. Carriers reserve the right to refuse or reclassify poorly packaged shipments.
Box & Material Selection
- Use a rigid, double-walled corrugated cardboard box for items over 2 kg.
- Choose a box 5–10 cm larger than your item on all sides to allow for cushioning.
- Avoid re-using old, crushed, or damaged boxes — they provide less protection and may fail carrier standards.
- For documents and flat items, use a rigid padded envelope or board-backed mailer.
Cushioning & Internal Packing
- Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap (min. 3 layers) before placing in the box.
- Fill all empty space with packing peanuts, crumpled kraft paper, or foam inserts. No item should move when the box is shaken.
- For electronics, use anti-static bags in addition to bubble wrap.
- Liquids must be in leak-proof primary containers inside a sealed secondary bag.
Sealing & Labelling
- Use at least 50 mm wide packing tape — seal all seams with the "H-method" (3 strips: centre + both edges).
- Print or write the delivery address clearly on the largest flat surface, in permanent ink or laser-printed.
- Include a return address label on the opposite side, plus a backup address slip inside the package.
- Apply all carrier-provided barcodes/labels flat, without wrinkles or tape over the barcode area.
Special Item Types
Prohibited Items
Shipping prohibited items may result in seizure, fines, carrier account suspension, and in some cases criminal prosecution. When in doubt, do not ship.
Absolutely Prohibited (all routes)
- ✕ Firearms, ammunition, and weapon components
- ✕ Explosives, fireworks, and pyrotechnics
- ✕ Controlled substances, narcotics, and illegal drugs
- ✕ Counterfeit goods and pirated materials
- ✕ Human remains and body parts
- ✕ Live animals (unless via specialist courier)
- ✕ Radioactive materials
- ✕ Stolen property
- ✕ Materials that infringe intellectual property rights
Restricted (require special declaration/approval)
- ! Lithium batteries (standalone) — IATA PI 965/966 applies
- ! Perfumes and colognes (flammable liquids) — limited to 1 L total per shipment
- ! Alcoholic beverages — duty and import licensing required
- ! Tobacco products — destination-specific restrictions
- ! Perishable food items — temperature-controlled only
- ! Medication and pharmaceuticals — prescription documentation required
- ! Seeds and plant material — CITES/phytosanitary certification
- ! Currency and negotiable instruments
- ! High-value jewellery and watches — declared value required
Country-specific restrictions may apply in addition to the above. Always check the destination country's import regulations before booking. See our full Prohibited Items article for more detail.
Customs & Documentation
International shipments require accurate customs documentation. Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork is the leading cause of delays and extra charges.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Required for all commercial shipments. Must include: seller & buyer details, HS code, description, quantity, unit value, total value, and currency.
CN22 / CN23
Required for postal shipments outside the EU. CN22 for goods up to €300; CN23 for goods above €300. Must be affixed to the outside of the parcel.
Packing List
Itemised list of contents with weights and dimensions. Required for multi-item shipments and cargo. Helps customs identify each item quickly.
Certificate of Origin
May be required for goods entering countries with preferential tariff agreements (e.g., UK-EU Trade & Cooperation Agreement). Issued by a Chamber of Commerce.
EORI Number
Required for businesses importing/exporting from the UK or EU. Apply via HMRC (UK) or your national customs authority before shipping.
Licence / Permit
Certain goods (dual-use items, medical devices, food products) require an export or import licence from the relevant government authority.
Key Customs Rules
Carrier Comparison
| Carrier | Best For | Transit Time | Max Weight | Tracking | Signature | Insurance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Time-critical international | 1–3 business days | 70 kg | Real-time | Yes | Up to €1,000 incl. | £££ |
| FedEx International Priority | Business documents & parcels | 2–4 business days | 68 kg | Real-time | Yes | Up to $100 incl. | £££ |
| UPS Worldwide Saver | Economy express | 3–6 business days | 70 kg | Real-time | Optional | Up to €100 incl. | ££ |
| Royal Mail International Tracked | Low-value goods & documents | 5–10 business days | 2 kg | Basic | No | Up to £20 incl. | £ |
| DPD Classic | Parcel network (EU) | 3–9 business days | 31.5 kg | Real-time | Optional | Optional add-on | ££ |
| GLS EuroBusinessParcel | EU business-to-business | 3–9 business days | 40 kg | Real-time | Optional | Optional add-on | ££ |
Delivery Time Estimates
All times are business days after collection (not calendar days) and assume no customs delays. Cross-border shipments are subject to clearance times outside our control.
UK → EU (Sample Routes)
| Destination | Express | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| France | 1–2 days | 3–4 days |
| Germany | 1–2 days | 3–4 days |
| Netherlands | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Spain | 2–3 days | 4–5 days |
| Italy | 2–3 days | 4–6 days |
| Poland | 2–3 days | 4–5 days |
| Greece | 3–4 days | 6–8 days |
| Romania | 3–4 days | 5–7 days |
What Can Cause Delays
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