When you send an international package, every detail matters. Proper addressing, correct packaging, accurate customs declarations, and awareness of restricted items all help your shipment arrive safely. This guide provides clear mailing tips and practical international shipping knowledge so you can prepare your parcel with confidence.
1. Address Guidelines
Correct addressing remains the foundation of successful delivery. An accurate address helps postal workers identify the destination quickly. Moreover, it reduces delays during sorting and customs clearance.
Key address rules:
- Always include the recipient’s full name and complete address.
- If you write the address by hand, use clear uppercase letters.
- Keep handwriting neat, bold, and easy to read.
- Include a return address to avoid delivery failures.
- Whenever possible, use printed labels instead of handwritten ones.
- Ensure sufficient postage before mailing.
- Always include the postal code.
- Provide the recipient’s phone number. This helps avoid delays, especially during customs checks or tax-related queries.
Different countries use different address formats
International address formats vary widely. For example, some countries use numeric postal codes, such as China. Others, like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, use alphanumeric formats. Some regions place the house number before the street name, while others position it at the end.
Therefore, follow the destination country’s preferred format to ensure a smooth delivery process.
2. Packaging Tips
Proper packaging protects your items throughout their journey. International packages often go through repeated sorting, long-distance transport, and possible customs inspections. Therefore, durable packaging prevents damage and loss.
Important packaging tips:
- Seal boxes with strong, wide packing tape (about 50mm). Create an “H” pattern across the top and bottom.
- Do not use standard household tape, because it lacks strength and width.
- Use reinforced cardboard for outer packaging.
- If the item is heavy, use both an inner and outer box for better protection.
3. Compensation and Claims
Compensation rules apply to items lost or damaged during transit. Claims depend on the mailing service you choose and the conditions involved. All UPU member countries follow the Universal Postal Union mailing standards.
How to file a claim
You must keep the original mailing receipt. It serves as proof and allows the postal service to process your claim. Generally, if a package is not delivered within one month after mailing, you may submit a claim. Fill out the required form and sign it. Postal authorities usually respond within six months with the investigation result.
4. Shipping and Delivery Times
Delivery speed varies by country and depends on local logistics efficiency. Moreover, customs inspection times also affect overall speed.
- Registered international parcels usually take 2–4 weeks.
- EMS and express services often require 1–3 weeks.
- Remote areas may require additional time.
Tracking updates depend on whether the carrier provides tracking data. Although platforms like 17TRACK display tracking information, they do not influence transit speed.
5. Tracking Coverage
Many carriers today provide online tracking services. You can track packages from over 170 countries as well as many international couriers and e-commerce logistics providers. Check the list of supported countries to confirm whether your destination offers full tracking.
6. Restricted Items
Some items cannot be mailed due to safety, health, or legal reasons. If you are unsure whether your item qualifies as restricted, consult the local post office or your logistics provider.
Common prohibited items include:
- Medicines and controlled substances
- Weapons, explosives, flammable or radioactive materials
- Items with offensive or inappropriate content
- Goods banned in the destination country
- Live animals such as bees, silkworms, leeches, or rodents
- Alcoholic beverages containing more than 70% alcohol
- Unsealed bottles of alcoholic drinks
- All types of aerosols
- Cash, coins, checks, and valuable jewelry unless using insured services
7. Customs Declaration
International packages require customs declaration forms. You must attach a CN22 declaration to each parcel. Many shippers declare items as “gifts” or “samples,” although customs may still inspect or tax these items.
For EMS and ePacket shipments, an integrated label system is now widely used in China. If you need more details, contact your logistics provider.
8. Duties and Taxes
If customs determines that a package requires tax, the recipient receives a notice. The recipient must follow the instructions, visit the local post office, pay taxes, or complete clearance steps.
Each country follows its own tax regulations. Some regions—including Argentina, Brazil, and Chile—recently updated their customs policies. High tax rates often cause recipients to reject parcels, so you should communicate clearly with the receiver to avoid losses.
9. Weight and Size Limits
Weight and size limitations differ by country. Before mailing, confirm the requirements with your postal office or logistics agent. All shipments follow UPU standards and local restrictions. Proper compliance ensures the package reaches the recipient safely.
Most users choose from three common services:
- Registered small packets (under 2 kg)
- Postal parcels (usually over 2 kg)
- EMS express or commercial courier services
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Conclusion
International shipping becomes much easier when you understand the correct addressing format, packaging rules, customs declarations, and restrictions. Although every country follows different standards, careful preparation greatly improves delivery accuracy and speed. With these mailing tips and global shipping guidelines, you can send packages with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays or losses.
