Sending international parcels: the guide

Sending an international parcel is usually a tedious and expensive task. In addition to complying with strict regulations, it is necessary to properly prepare your parcel to prevent any risk of damage during transport.

At Happy-Post, our mission is to simplify your life by accompanying you throughout all the stages of your parcel delivery abroad. Discover the solutions we offer for sending your parcels internationally in a simple, fast, reliable, and economical way.

How to send a parcel internationally: key steps

Sending an international parcel is a complex process that can be stressful for some people. However, your parcel should reach its destination without any problems if you follow the steps below.

Check the prohibitions and special procedures for certain product categories

First and foremost, it is important to check the products that are strictly prohibited when sending a parcel internationally. Some goods require specific measures to ensure that your parcel is shipped smoothly.

These restrictions are put in place to prevent harm to people, property, and the environment. Indeed, some products are dangerous or may become so during transport.

Note that regulations vary depending on the destination country, but also on the mode of transport. While some goods are legal in France, they may be prohibited in other countries.

Prohibited goods

Here is a non-exhaustive list of goods and objects whose shipment by international parcel delivery is strictly prohibited:

  • Narcotics, drugs, and other similar products,

  • Counterfeit or pirated items,

  • Animals (dead or alive),

  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other flammable materials,

  • Batteries and lithium batteries,

  • Products containing toxic, radioactive, or corrosive materials,

  • Perishable goods,

  • Currency, jewelry, and precious metals,

  • Pharmaceutical products,

  • Etc.

Note that the shipment of alcohol is prohibited in several countries, such as the USA and countries in the Middle East.

Preparing your package: dimensions, weight, and packaging

Once you have ensured that your goods can be legally shipped by international package, you must prepare your package. During this step, you need to calculate the dimensions and weight of your package, as well as properly pack it.

Dimensions and weight of your package

Several rules must be followed regarding dimensions and weight in order to be able to send your package internationally:

  • The weight of the package cannot exceed 20 kg (15 Kg for UK),

  • The length must be less than 1 meter,

  • The perimeter of your package (L + W + H) cannot exceed 1.50 meters.

 

Packaging your international package

Packaging your package is a key step as it will ensure the safety of its contents throughout the transportation process.

Here are some tips for packing your package properly:

  • Use a sturdy and high-quality cardboard box that is appropriate for the size and weight of the package,

  • Wrap fragile items in individual containers,

  • Protect the contents of your package by incorporating a protective material (newspaper, bubble wrap, foam, etc.) to fill empty spaces,

  • Reinforce sensitive parts of the cardboard box (corners, openings, etc.) with strong adhesive tape to prevent the package from opening during transport.

Labeling your international package

Once your package is packed, you must proceed to label it. This step is essential as it ensures that your package is delivered to the correct destination. In addition, customs may hold your package if any information is missing or incorrect.

By using an expert in international package delivery, such as Happy-Post, labeling is simple and quick:

  • Download and print the transport label from your customer account,

  • Verify that it is perfectly readable,

  • Cut out the label for the package and stick it on the top or side of the package, taking care not to cover the barcode.

Note that you must also print and attach three copies of the invoice in a plastic pouch for any shipment to an international destination.

  1. Outiside the EU or to French overseas territores when sent from France, Belgium or Luxembourg
  2. To any destination outside the UK when sent from UK

Trust the international shipping of your package to Happy-Post

Now that your package is ready to be shipped, all you have to do is entrust it to Happy-Post. You can choose to have your package collected from your home or go to the drop-off point of your choice.

Happy-Post: the best international package carrier

Happy-Post is the ideal partner for the management and delivery of all your international packages. With many years of experience in the delivery sector and an extensive range of services, you can be assured that the shipping of your international package will be carried out under the best conditions.

Simple and fast international package delivery

Happy-Post's mission is to save you time by simplifying the procedures as much as possible when sending your international package. In just a few clicks, you can place an order and pay for it online.

After carefully packaging your package and attaching the required documentation, all you have to do is drop it off at the drop-off point of your choice. For even more convenience, you can choose a home collection solution (available in some countries).

You can then track your package in real time by visiting the Happy-Post package tracking page. From pickup to arrival at the destination, you can follow the different delivery stages quickly and easily.

Thanks to its international partner network composed of transport and logistics specialists, Happy-Post offers fast and reliable deliveries.

Ship an international package at a low cost

Happy-Post makes every effort to offer some of the lowest rates on the market to make shipping your international package affordable.

In addition, you can obtain a personalized offer by choosing the delivery options that best meet your needs and budget.

International package shipment: solutions adapted to everyone

Whether you are an individual or the manager of an e-commerce business, Happy-Post offers solutions adapted to everyone.

International shipping solutions for e-commerce businesses

At Happy-Post, we are aware that fast and reliable shipment of orders is a priority for online businesses.

To save you time, we offer several solutions dedicated to merchants:

  • Importing your orders directly from your e-commerce platforms using our connectors and dedicated modules,

  • Collection of your international packages by a driver at a time that suits you best (for some countries),

  • Consolidation of several individual packages into one box using our Mastercolis/MultiParcel solution. Our hub then takes care of shipping each package, regardless of the number of recipients and countries of destination.

International package shipping solutions for individuals

Happy-Post also offers solutions that meet the needs of individuals.

The procedure for sending an international package is simple, fast, and affordable. You just need to pay for your order online, prepare your package, and drop it off at a drop-off point. Please note that the recipient might need to pay duties and taxes at the destination for itnernational parcels.