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Comparison for overseas products

If you’re sending mail overseas, take a look at our comparison table for the most appropriate service to suit your needs.

 

International Services Delivery time (Not guaranteed) Price Compensation available? Max weight Extras
Airsure®** 2 – 6 working days Airmail postage plus £5.30 for non-EU and rest of the world destinations.

Airmail postage plus £4.90* for EU destinations.		 Yes 2kg max Priority handling
First flight despatch
online tracking Delivery confirmation
Compensation cover
International Signed For®
(Airmail)		 3 – 7 working days Airmail postage plus £4.95 Yes 2kg (5kg for printed papers) Signature on receipt
online tracking within the UK
Compensation cover
International Signed For®
(Surface mail)		 2 – 12 weeks Surface mail postage plus £4.95 Yes 2kg (5kg for books and pamphlets) Signature on receipt
online tracking within the UK Compensation cover

* VAT applies to EU destinations
**Royal Mail recommends Airsure®


Royal Mail recommends Airsure

For a fast, secure and reliable service to over 30 destinations worldwide, look no further than Airsure. We provide priority handling until your package leaves the UK and have special arrangements in place to ensure that your package is treated with priority by the postal service in the destination country, as well as an online tracking facility so you can check your mail's progress.

  • Fast, secure and reliable service
  • Immediate despatch on the first available flight
  • Priority handling both here and abroad
  • Online tracking facility so you can check your mail's progress
  • Send to over 30 destinations worldwide
  • Compensation cover up to the value of 100 First Class stamps, with additional cover up to £500 for £2.50 extra

Things to consider when sending mail abroad

When sending mail abroad by either Airmail or Surface mail, the cost and time it takes will depend on the region where it’s going (the geographic postal zone) and the type of mail item to be sent.

There are just two geographic postal zones:

  1. Europe: All European countries* including countries such as Russia
  2. Rest of the World: all other countries

Check which countries are in which geographic postal zones.

* Note that VAT applies to Airsure for EU countries only

Types of mail items

There are also three types of mail items:

  1. Letters and postcards
  2. Small packets: Including CDs, DVDs, small gifts, etc
  3. Printed papers: books, magazines and other printed material

There are certain items, such as explosive or flammable material, firearms (including imitation weapons) and infectious substances that cannot be sent by International mail. What is acceptable also varies by destination country.  For more information, please go to prohibited goods.

Customs Labels

There are various customs labels that you may have to complete and attach to your item before posting:

  • You will need a customs label if you are sending items outside of the EU
  • For goods up to £270 in value use customs label CN22 - download a CN22 label.
  • For goods over £270 in value use customs form CN23 and the SP126 plastic envelope - download a CN23 customs form.

For full details on VAT requirements, export licences and other documents please refer to the customs forms.

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