What Can You Send In UK Post?

Currently, in the UK, there are a range of rules and regulations for both domestic and international shipping. This means that there are restrictions on what you can and can’t ship with UK based courier services.

Whether this be a prohibited item, or a weight limit, understanding the limitations surrounding your package is key to getting your parcel shipped safely and efficiently.

Understanding UK Post Restrictions

As with any other country, the UK has a selection of postal service rules for packages shipped domestically and internationally, and packages received from an international destination.

It is always recommended to check any restrictions in place with your selected courier, the following are examples of possible restrictions that can be placed upon your parcel:

  • Item restrictions. Some items are not allowed through UK customs.
  • Weight restrictions. Differing between different couriers, there are restrictions on the weight of your parcel in relation to its size. Make sure to check you have the right size of packaging for the weight of your package before sending it.
  • Prohibited items such as perishable, fragile, and food items. For any of the listed item types, there are specific instructions that need to be followed when packaging your parcel, make sure to check with your designated courier.
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Why Are Some Items Restricted?

With both UK domestic and international post, packages can be restricted for a multitude of reasons. The most common reasons are improper packaging of the parcel, or safety concerns that may be placed upon the item that is being shipped.

These laws are in place to prevent the shipment of certain goods. The Government’s list of restricted items ranges from the obviously illegal, to items that seem common place, so it’s important to check before sending your parcel. You can also check the limitations and recommendations provided by your chosen courier before shipping, but, ultimately, the responsibility of the contents of the package falls on you, the sender.

Shipping Fragile or Valuable Items

For shipment of fragile goods, couriers will have a set policy on the packaging of the parcel. Typical restrictions often include issues with leaving empty space inside the package, or labelling the package appropriately with a “fragile” sticker. When shipping valuable items, such as jewellery, most courier services will offer some form of tracked delivery service. Choosing a trackable delivery service, such as ParcelBroker, allows you and the courier to get updates from delivery drivers on the location of your goods and what stage of the process they are currently at. We advise you to check with your chosen courier what their recommended delivery options are for the goods you are shipping.

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Packaging and Labelling Requirements For Mailing

Packaging

Generally, the guidance you should follow for packaging your goods are:

  • Goods are secured in a strong, rigid container, of adequate size.
  • Goods are cushioned within the packaging to prevent breakage or activation.
  • The package is securely sealed and is labelled with a regulation postage label.
  • Any fragile goods are labelled as such.

Labelling

Typically, an appropriate shipping label will be provided by your courier. A regulation shipment label will include the following:

  • The recipient's full name.

  • The recipient's full address, including house/apartment number, street name, city, county/state/province, postal code and country.

  • A bar code for the courier to use internally.

  • A label of what shipment type is being used for that specific package.

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Exploring Shipping Options and Delivery Times

Shipment options and delivery times differ depending on:

  1. The items you are shipping.

    2. The weight of your packaging.

    3. When you are posting your package.

    4. Where you are sending your items.

    5. Which delivery service provider you are shipping your package with.

Make sure to browse all the options available to you with ParcelBroker’s courier comparison tool to get the best rates on secure, shipment with trusted providers. We then provide you with information on how to package, label and fill out any necessary documentation for a smooth, stress-free shipping experience (even for large and heavy deliveries).

International Shipping From The UK

When shipping internationally from the UK, it is important to read up on the laws surrounding customs in the country you are shipping to as well. If you’re unsure where to start, read through our other shipping guides, for further information on shipping to specific international destinations. Or, browse our export parcel delivery options here for more information.