Understand Volumetric Weight
Couriers charge based on whichever is greater — actual weight or volumetric weight. Always calculate your volumetric weight before booking to avoid surprises. Use our free volumetric weight calculator.
UK Parcel Delivery — Ship Worldwide with Confidence
Whether you're sending a parcel to India, the USA, Canada, Australia or across Europe — Parcel Horse offers fast, affordable, and reliable courier services from the UK. No hidden fees. No guesswork. Just great rates.
Get a QuoteYour Complete Guide to Sending Parcels from the UK
Whether this is your first international shipment or you send parcels regularly, this guide covers what you need to know before you book: how pricing works, customs paperwork, transit times by region, packing standards, and items that are restricted abroad. Parcel Horse connects you with reliable door-to-door courier services to India, Europe, North America, Australia, and beyond — with transparent per-kg rates and support at every step.
Things to Consider Before Sending a Parcel to Your Destination
Before you book your shipment, here are the key things every sender should know:
Customs Documentation is Now Required
Post-Brexit, all UK to international shipments require customs declarations. Even personal parcels need a commercial invoice. Missing or incorrect documentation is the most common cause of delays.
Plan for Transit Times
International shipping takes time. Europe: 3–7 days. India: 5–10 days. USA/Canada: 5–12 days. Australia/NZ: 7–14 days. Always ship early for time-sensitive items and account for customs clearance.
Pack Properly for International Shipping
Use strong double-walled boxes, fill empty space to prevent movement, and seal all edges with strong tape. Fragile items must be individually wrapped. Poor packaging is the leading cause of damage claims.
Declare the Correct Value
Always declare the full and accurate value of your goods on customs forms. Undervaluing is illegal in all countries, can result in fines or confiscation, and may void any protection on your shipment.
Check Prohibited Items Before Packing
Every destination has its own list of prohibited and restricted items, on top of standard courier restrictions. Always check before packing — prohibited items may be destroyed without compensation.
Our UK Shipping Rates
Competitive per-kg rates to the world's most popular destinations. All prices are based on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater.
Rates are based on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. Use our volumetric weight calculator to check your parcel before booking.
India
£3.95/kg (min. 15kg)
Fast and reliable parcel delivery from the UK to all major cities in India including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Learn more about India deliveryUSA & Canada
£6.50/kg (min. 10kg)
£5.95/kg (min. 20kg)
Send parcels from the UK to the United States and Canada with door-to-door delivery. Better rates available for larger shipments over 20kg.
Learn more about USA & Canada deliveryAustralia & New Zealand
£5.99/kg (min. 10kg)
£5.50/kg (min. 20kg)
Affordable parcel delivery from the UK to Australia and New Zealand. The same great rates apply to both destinations.
Learn more about Australia & NZ deliveryEurope
£2.49/kg (min. 10kg)
Our most affordable international route. We cover all major European countries including Italy, France, Spain, and Germany.
Learn more about Europe deliveryHow It Works
Measure Your Parcel
Weigh and measure your parcel accurately after packing. Use our volumetric weight calculator to confirm the chargeable weight.
Get a Quote
Enter your parcel details and destination to instantly get a transparent price. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Pack & Label
Pack your items securely and attach the shipping label. Follow our packaging guidelines to protect your parcel in transit.
We Collect & Deliver
Our courier partner collects from your door and delivers to your recipient — tracked every step of the way.
Understanding UK Customs & Export Requirements
When sending parcels from the UK to international destinations, your shipment will pass through customs in the destination country. It is important to complete all required customs documentation accurately to avoid delays or additional charges.
- All international shipments require a customs declaration form (CN22 or CN23 depending on value).
- Clearly declare the contents, value, and purpose of the shipment (gift, sale, personal use).
- Import duties and taxes in the destination country are the responsibility of the recipient.
- Parcels with an incorrect or incomplete customs declaration may be held, returned, or destroyed.
- Some countries have specific import restrictions — always check before shipping.
Items Prohibited from International Shipping
There are certain items that cannot be shipped internationally from the UK, either due to legal restrictions, safety concerns, or courier policies. It is your responsibility as the sender to ensure your shipment does not contain prohibited or restricted items.
✅ What You Can Send
- Clothing and textiles (non-restricted)
- Books, documents, and printed materials
- Electronics (excluding lithium batteries over 100Wh)
- Non-perishable food items in original sealed packaging
- Cosmetics and personal care items (non-flammable)
- Gifts and personal effects
❌ What You Cannot Send
- Perfumes and aerosols (flammable)
- Lithium batteries (standalone)
- Firearms, weapons, and ammunition
- Illegal drugs and controlled substances
- Perishable food and live animals
- Counterfeit or pirated goods
- Flammable or hazardous liquids
- Cash, credit cards, and negotiable instruments
If you are unsure whether your item can be shipped, please contact our support team before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping costs are calculated based on the greater of the actual weight or the volumetric weight of your parcel. Volumetric weight is calculated as (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5000. Our rates are per kg, so always ensure you measure accurately after packing.
Minimum weights vary by destination. For India, the minimum is 15kg. For Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Canada, the minimum is 10kg. A lower weight tier may still be charged at the minimum threshold.
Yes. All international shipments from the UK require a customs declaration. Depending on the value of the goods, you will need a CN22 (for items under £270) or CN23 (for items over £270). Our team can guide you through the process.
Transit times vary by destination. Europe typically takes 3–5 working days. India, USA, and Canada typically take 5–10 working days. Australia and New Zealand typically take 7–14 working days. These are estimates and may vary depending on customs clearance.
Yes. All shipments booked through Parcel Horse come with full tracking. You will receive a tracking number once your parcel is collected, which you can use on our Track Shipment page to monitor your delivery in real time.
All shipments include a base level of protection. If your parcel is lost or damaged in transit, please contact our support team within 7 days of the expected delivery date. We will open an investigation with the courier on your behalf.
Yes. Prohibited items include perfumes, aerosols, lithium batteries, firearms, perishable food, live animals, cash, and counterfeit goods. Please review the prohibited items section above or contact us if you are unsure about a specific item.