Parcel abroad
General
If you want to send parcels abroad, we will be happy to assist you. Whatever the destination, the quick and easy-to-use dispatch guide sets out all the relevant conditions country by country. Please ask your account manager for more information on this specific subject.
Also take a look at the practical tips for sending your parcels abroad. If you properly prepare your international parcels there is less chance of them being delayed at customs. A little extra attention can go a long way.
The following types of goods are generally prohibited:
- explosive substances and articles;
- compressed, liquefied or pressure-dissolved gases;
- flammable liquids;
- flammable solids;
- substances liable to spontaneous combustion;
- substances which, in contact with water, release flammable gases;
- oxidising substances;
- organic peroxides;
- toxic substances;
- infectious substances;
- corrosive substances;
- other substances which may be of danger to people or the environment.
There is also a general ban on the transport of:
- live animals;
- radioactive materials;
- goods infringing copyright or intellectual property rights;
- imitation weapons and ammunition.
Why can’t all types of goods be sent abroad?
Agreements have been made for international mail and parcels about what can or cannot be sent. These agreements help protect general health and safety and combat criminality. Certain rules apply only to certain countries, often in relation to perishable substances such as foodstuffs, animal products or vegetable products.
You should also bear in mind items, such as printed matter, that are prohibited in the destination country for political or cultural reasons. If prohibited goods are seized, you will not be entitled to compensation for damage and/or the costs incurred.
The conditions can vary significantly from country to country, but there are also goods subject to a general ban, i.e. those to which the Dangerous Substances Act applies.
Practical Information
You of course want your parcels to reach their destination as quickly as possible. When sending goods abroad, you should pay extra attention to making sure that the address and other details have been printed correctly. Below are some useful tips to help you along.
State the receiver’s telephone number
Including the receiver’s telephone number can increase the chances of the parcel being delivered first time. In some countries the receiver is called if the address is incomplete. This applies in particular to France, Spain and Portugal.
Check the address
It is very important to state the correct address if you want your parcel delivered on time. Your parcel may be returned to the Netherlands if the address is incorrect. To prevent this and be sure the address is correct, you can check this website.
Use the correct address layout
Addresses are composed differently in each country. Writing the street, house number, postcode and town/city in the wrong order can delay delivery. For the correct layout of your destination address visit this website.
Commercial goods?
Enclose the invoice
It is strongly recommended that you include an invoice with commercial goods. For most countries this is even compulsory. You should ideally insert the invoice in the self-adhesive pocket attached to the outside of the shipment so that the parcel itself does not need to be opened by customs. Self-adhesive pockets are available free of charge from your post office.
Trace your parcel with Track & Trace
Want to know the whereabouts of your international parcels? Or want to let the receiver know when to expect a shipment? We offer you extensive Track & Trace options. With just a few simple mouse clicks you can keep a close watch on your international parcels. Track & Trace is available for all destinations in the EU and major destinations outside the EU.
Filling in customs forms
You are required to affix a completed customs form to parcels being sent outside the European Union. For international letterbox packets, registered shipments and International Parcel Basic you can use the simple customs form CN22. Download the CN22 form here. A more detailed customs declaration (CN23) is required for goods worth more than €425. You can state all the information needed for International Parcel Plus on the detailed dispatch document PS2320. You can find more information about customers on the Dutch Customs website.
