Sending a parcel abroad from the United Kingdom is now faster, simpler, and more affordable than ever. Whether you're shipping personal items, gifts, documents, or products, Topparcel provides a seamless solution for international delivery – right from your doorstep. No post office queues, no confusing paperwork. Just book online, print your label, and let us handle the rest.
From sending a small package to Europe, to delivering large parcels to the USA, Australia, or anywhere worldwide – this guide explains everything you need to know: from packaging to customs, tracking, and saving on delivery costs.
Sending a parcel internationally with Topparcel is designed to be as easy as possible – even if it’s your first time. You don’t need to visit a post office or fill out any forms by hand. Everything is done online, in just a few simple steps.
Step-by-step process:
Proper packaging is essential to ensure your parcel arrives safely at its destination. Whether you're sending gifts, personal items, or goods for sale, secure packaging protects your contents and avoids delays or damage during transit.
Why secure packaging matters:
A securely packed parcel not only reduces the risk of issues during delivery but also ensures a smooth customs clearance process and a positive experience for the receiver.
When shipping internationally from the UK, many people wonder whether they need to handwrite the recipient’s address on the parcel. With Topparcel, that’s not necessary – all the essential information is included automatically on your shipping label.
Here’s how it works:
No handwriting required – everything is digitally generated and ready to go.
Important tip:
If you’re using a recycled box, be sure to remove or completely cover any old barcodes, courier stickers, or handwritten notes from previous shipments. Scanning incorrect codes can lead to major delays or delivery errors.
Every international shipment from the UK requires a customs declaration. This form provides details about the contents of your parcel and is essential for customs authorities in both the UK and the destination country. With Topparcel, the entire process is digital – you don’t need to print or attach extra documents. Everything is completed online during your order.
When you send a parcel from the UK to a country outside the United Kingdom, customs duties and taxes may apply at the destination. These are charges imposed by the receiving country’s customs authority and are usually based on the declared value and type of goods inside the parcel.
Customs duties (or import duties) are fees that the recipient may need to pay to release the parcel from customs. These charges vary depending on the country of destination and the contents of the parcel. In addition to duties, there may also be VAT, local taxes, or handling fees.
Usually, the recipient of the parcel is responsible for paying customs duties, not the sender. However, it’s important to inform the recipient about this possibility to avoid confusion or delays in delivery.
Example scenarios:
Important tips:
Customs duties are not charged by Topparcel
These are external charges applied by the customs authorities in the destination country. We have no control over them, but our support team can help you understand what to expect for specific countries.
Understanding customs duties ensures that your parcel clears customs smoothly and avoids unpleasant surprises for your recipient. If you’re unsure about the rules for a particular country, we always recommend checking with that country’s customs website or contacting our support team.
Each country has its own list of restricted and prohibited items. Before sending a parcel from the UK, it’s important to check whether the contents are allowed in the destination country. Shipping forbidden or restricted items can result in delays, fines, or even permanent confiscation of the parcel by customs.
Being informed about shipping restrictions protects both your parcel and your recipient. If you’re in doubt, ask – better safe than sorry.
Sending a parcel abroad from the UK might sound complicated, but with Topparcel the paperwork is minimal – and most of it is generated for you automatically. In the majority of cases, no additional printed documents are needed beyond the shipping label.
Essential details you must provide:
In rare cases, customs may request additional documents from the recipient:
These situations are uncommon but may happen, especially for:
Once your parcel has been dispatched, tracking becomes essential for peace of mind. With Topparcel, you receive a tracking number that allows you and your recipient to follow the shipment every step of the way – from the UK to its final destination.
Where to find your tracking number: after completing your order, your unique tracking number will be:
How to use it:
International delivery from the UK doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few smart choices and a bit of planning, you can significantly reduce your shipping costs — whether you're sending personal items or running a small e-commerce business.
1. Optimise Parcel Weight and Dimensions
Courier companies often use volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) rather than actual weight to calculate shipping fees. This means a large but light parcel could cost more than a small, heavy one.
Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 5000. This formula this may vary depending on the courier.
Example:
A box measuring 50 × 40 × 60 cm = 120,000 ÷ 5000 = 24 kg
Even if it weighs only 7 kg, you’ll be charged as if it weighs 24 kg.
2. Consolidate Multiple Items into One Shipment
It’s almost always more cost-effective to send one large parcel than multiple smaller ones.
If you’re sending to the same recipient (or shipping your own products abroad), combine everything into one well-packed box.
3. Avoid Overpacking and Redundant Materials
While secure packaging is important, overpacking increases both weight and size.
4. Use the Topparcel Shipping Calculator
Before placing your order, use our free online shipping calculator to simulate your costs.
You can adjust parcel size, destination, or weight in advance to find the most affordable solution.
Remember:
Smart shipping isn’t just about choosing the cheapest option – it’s about balancing cost, speed, and reliability. Topparcel helps you do that by offering flexible shipping choices, transparent pricing, and expert guidance every step of the way.
We’ve compiled the most common questions to help you send parcels abroad from the UK with full confidence. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact our support team.
The cost depends on three main factors:
Use the Topparcel price calculator to get an instant and transparent quote before placing your order. No hidden fees – what you see is what you pay.
We deliver worldwide, including destinations that are not always well-served by traditional couriers. Popular countries include:
Wherever your parcel needs to go, we’ll find the right way to get it there.
Yes. If you're a business or just sending several packages to different people, Topparcel allows you to create and manage multiple shipments in one go.
Use the "Import Parcels" tool in your account to upload multiple orders at once using our downloadable Excel template.
Yes – we support heavy or oversized shipments. If your item exceeds standard courier size limits, we’ll suggest the best available option and advise on packaging requirements.
Contact our support team for specific quotes if your parcel weighs over 30 kg.
All parcels are covered by basic shipping insurance, which includes reimbursement of shipping costs in the event of a confirmed loss.
If you want to insure the actual value of the contents, you can purchase optional extra cover when placing your order.
Note: Fragile or perishable items may not be eligible for full insurance. Please check before sending.
Delays can occur at customs or logistics hubs. If your tracking status hasn’t updated for more than 5 working days, contact Topparcel customer support – we’ll liaise with the courier to get an update.
Please note: claims must be made within the courier's allowed timeframe, so don’t delay.
Only mark a parcel as a gift if the items are genuinely a personal, non-commercial gift. Customs authorities may request proof, and false declarations can result in fines or seizure of the parcel.
We’re here for you. Use the chat on topparcel.com, send us an email, or message us directly in your account. We speak your language and guide you through every step.
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