International
How to send a parcel abroad from the UK
Sending a parcel abroad is straightforward once you know the rules. Here's what you need to do, and how to keep the cost down.
What it costs
With Royal Mail International Standard, a letter to anywhere in the world costs £3.60. A small parcel to Europe starts at £9.80, to the USA at £19.50 and to Australia at £16.25. See our international price list and country guides for full details.
For parcels over 2kg, couriers booked through a comparison site are usually cheaper than Royal Mail or Parcelforce.
Customs declarations
If you're sending goods – including gifts – to any country outside the UK, you need a customs declaration. Since Brexit this includes the EU (and also the Channel Islands, which are outside the UK's VAT area).
- When you buy postage online, the customs form is filled in as part of the process.
- At the Post Office, the counter staff will help you complete it.
- Describe each item specifically: "cotton t-shirt", not "clothes"; "paperback book", not "gift".
- Give an honest value. Under-declaring can lead to fines and delays.
- Letters and documents don't need a customs declaration.
Duties and taxes
The recipient may have to pay import VAT, duty and a handling fee before the parcel is delivered. Gifts between individuals often have a tax-free allowance, but it varies by country. If you're sending a gift, tick "gift" on the declaration and make sure the recipient knows they might be asked to pay.
Sending to the USA
US import rules for parcels changed significantly in 2025, and the rules for gifts and goods have been updated more than once. Before you send goods to the USA, check Royal Mail's latest USA guidance – some shipments must now have duties paid in advance.
Tracking and compensation
International Standard isn't tracked and includes compensation of up to £20. For anything valuable, choose International Tracked or International Tracked & Signed, or a courier. It's cheaper than you might think through a comparison site.
What you can't send
International restrictions are stricter than in the UK. Perfume, aerosols, nail varnish, lithium batteries (outside of devices) and most liquids can't go by air. Many countries also ban foods, plants and seeds. See what you can't send in the post.
Address it correctly
- Write the address in the destination country's format.
- Put the country name in CAPITALS on the last line.
- Include the recipient's phone number – couriers and customs often need it.