How to mail a parcel internationally?

Here are some shipping tips for global mailing.

Addressing

Addressing Tips

1. Full name and address of the recipient.
2. If you handwrite the address, USE CAPITALS.
3. Ensure the writing is Clear, Legible and Accurate.
4. Return Address of the sender.
5. If at all possible use a printed or typed address instead of a handwritten one.
6. Sufficient postage.
7. ALWAYS include the Postcode or Zip code.
8. The phone number of the recipient. This will help avoid delay, especially with packets, parcels or items with merchandise in the event of an enquiry or payment charges, with registered letters/packets, Parcels or EMS items. Allow space for a bar-coded label (90mm x 70mm) on the front next to the recipient's address.

Different Country Addressing Formats

To best assist your parcel to get to it's destination you should adopt the preferred addressing format of the country you are sending your letter to.

For example some countries have a numerical postcode, others have an alpha-numeric postcode. Some countries place the house number at the start of the street name, whilst others position the number at the end.

Always check with the recipient for the correct addressing format.

Packaging And Wrapping

All postal items need to be packaged sufficiently well to ensure the integrity of the contents being posted. Use packaging material, both internally and externally, that is sufficiently durable and strong to ensure that the item(s) contained inside does not become damaged, or the outer wrapping become perforated during its journey.

Packaging Tips

Use reinforced or similar carton tape (approx. 50mm wide) to make an 'H' seal on both the top and bottom of your package. Ordinary household adhesive tape isn't usually strong enough.

Parcels should use boxes made of strong carton. The heavier the parcel the thicker the carton should be or double-up the carton, e.g., a box within a box.

Compensation

Compensation may be available in the event of loss or damage of an item you may have posted. This will depend on the service used and the circumstances. They relate to the levels stipulated by the Universal Postal Union (Letter and Parcel Post Manuals), which all member countries are required to adhere to. In the event of a claim, an application form shall need to be filled. Forms are available from all counters. Before using any service and/or making a claim please be aware of the following:

It is essential that the Certificate of Posting or receipt (plus copies of any other documentation) be kept as they will be required to register and process a claim. Claims are normally registered after a period of 1 month. A Claim Form will need to be completed in full and signed by the sender.

Shipping Or Delivery Time

The tracking availability of our services depends on if the official carrier supports it or not. 17TRACK doesn't have any influence when it comes to shipping or delivery process. From our experience, most postal/registered parcel/articles arrive around 2-4 weeks (slight difference according to different countries/regions, especially remote countries, where they might need to transit through a different country). EMS mail usually arrives around 1-3 weeks. Shipping time is very dependent on mailman delivery process and different country/region customs control. You may refer to our Transport Statistics feature to get an approximate delivery time.

Tracking Coverage

17TRACK supports 170 postal carriers and multiple express couriers worldwide. Click here to view all carrier's information and trackable carrier list.

Restricted Goods

You are responsible for checking whether or not an item is prohibited or restricted. If you send prohibited goods or restricted goods (and you do not comply with the relevant terms and conditions), the postal carrier may deal with your items as they see fit, including but not limited to, disposing of the parcels concerned (in whole or in part). If you are not sure about the item you wish to post, please double-check with your shipping agency directly.

Customs Declaration

If you are sending a package internationally, then you are required to fill up a CN 22 form as customs declaration. Most users of 17track.net claim the goods contained in this package are gifts/samples for small pack of postal mail in order to avoid customs charges. Please contact individual online merchants for more details.

Tariff

If you are expecting a package from an oversea country, and if there is a tariff payment charged, you will receive a card saying your package needs to pay a customs charge. Here's what you need to do: Contact as indicated on the notice card or visit the local post office to pay your fee and collect you package with your identification card. If you don't know if a tax payment needs to be charged or not, please visit the Customs department website of your country and figure out.

Size / Weight Restrictions

Please double-check with the shipping agent you collaborate with to ensure it is suitable for UPU postal rules so as to facilitate its safe and reliable delivery.

Most of 17TRACK users send or receive postal packages with the shipping type below:

1. Postal of registered mail (under 2kgs)
2. Postal of parcel mail (over 2kgs)
3. EMS package & other express service

Prohibited Goods

There are some items which postal carriers are unable to carry for legal or health and safety reasons. If you are not sure about the item you wish to post, please double-check with your shipping agency to avoid retention by customs or return to sender.

Here is a general list of prohibited items:

1. Drugs and psychotropic substances.
2. Weapons, explosive, flammable, radioactive and other dangerous substances.
3. Items with insulting or indecent inscriptions or images.
4. Items, the entry and use of which the country of destination prohibits.
5. Live animals, other than bees, leeches, silkworms, pest and vermin control products sent in registered small packages to officially recognised institutions.
6. Alcoholic beverages of more than 70% alcohol.
7. Alcoholic beverages in non-hermetically sealed bottles.
8. All types of aerosols.
9. Coins, banknotes, cheques or any bearer securities, traveller's cheques, processed or non-processed platinum, gold or silver, precious stones, jewellery and other valuable articles can be sent as insured postal items only.