International parcels
Sending or receiving across a border.
How parcels move between countries, who charges what, and the rules that changed recently. Written for India, useful anywhere.
The journey
Five stages, usually two carriers.
- Booking
The sender’s post or courier accepts the parcel and issues a tracking number.
- Export
It goes to an exchange office or hub, where export customs may check it.
- Transit
It travels with many others. Tracking is often quiet for days at this stage.
- Import customs
The destination country assesses the parcel, and duty or tax may be due.
- Delivery
A local carrier delivers it, sometimes with a new tracking number.
Latest rules
What changed, by destination.
European Union
A €3 duty per item on goods up to €150 sold to consumers, plus a €2 handling fee from 1 November 2026.
Suspended since 29 August 2025United States
The $800 duty-free exemption is gone for every country, whether a parcel travels by post or courier.
Ending by October 2028United Kingdom
The £135 customs relief will end. VAT already applies, and many details are still being settled.
Changes through 2026India
The personal-use tariff fell to 10% on 1 April 2026, gifts up to ₹5,000 aren’t automatically duty-free, and the ₹10 lakh courier export limit has gone.
Checked on 4 November 2026. Rules change often, so confirm charges with your carrier. Also see India Post’s recent changes.
Choosing a service
Post or private courier?
| Postal service | Express courier | |
|---|---|---|
| Who carries it | Your national post, then the destination country’s post. | Usually one company, sometimes with a local partner for the last stage. |
| Tracking | A 13-character number that often works on both posts’ sites. Updates can be sparse. | Usually detailed and on one page. |
| Customs | Handled through foreign post offices. Duty is often collected at delivery. | Cleared by the courier, which may ask for documents and add its own fee. |
| Cost and speed | Often cheaper, and often slower. | Often faster, and often more expensive. |
| If something goes wrong | The sender usually starts the enquiry with the post office where it was booked. | The account holder or sender usually contacts the courier. |
Before you send
A short checklist.
- Check that your destination accepts the item, and that your carrier does too.
- Describe each item specifically, with its true value. Avoid “gift” or “goods” alone.
- Include the recipient’s full address and a working phone number.
- Agree who pays duty and tax before you send.
- Keep your receipt, invoice and tracking number until delivery.
- Check whether the recipient must provide identity documents.