What you need to know when sending packages?

Sending a Parcel – Not as Simple as You Thought

Regardless of the chosen mode of transport, the shipment must be carefully packed and secured against mechanical damage and unauthorized access. How to do it?

• Cardboard Box– Pack items in a sturdy cardboard box, protecting them if necessary with bubble wrap or, more ecologically, with corrugated cardboard or old newspapers. Ideally, the size of the box should match the size (and weight) of the items being sent as closely as possible. Make sure the item does not move inside the box, which will minimize the risk of damage to the shipment.

More valuable tips can be found in our guide: how to pack a parcel.

• Packing Tape– Strong and durable packing tape will carefully secure the shipment from opening. Apply it, pressing firmly with your hand, at the joints of the cardboard box walls. If you are sending parcels from an online store, tapes with a custom print(e.g., with a logo and brand name) would be a good solution, acting as a form of advertising. On the other hand, paper tapeis an ecological solution appreciated not only by environmentally conscious customers. For convenience, you can use tape dispensers, which will increase the speed and efficiency of parcel packing.

A reputable tape manufacturer advises: what is the best packing tape.

• Shipping Label or so-called Shipping Tag– After the user enters the parcel details and pays, the system will generate a shipping label, which should be affixed to the parcel. It is worth printing it in two copies and asking the courier to sign one of them (as confirmation of parcel handover). You can also attach special labels, e.g., "Do not drop", "Handle with care! Fragile!", which will help increase the safety of parcel shipping.

International Shipping

Sending a parcel abroad involves additional factors. What do you need to remember when sending an international parcel?

• Shipping Prohibited Items– Before sending an international parcel, check the postal website of the destination country for which goods can be imported and which cannot. Usually, the ban applies to alcoholic products, weapons, explosives, live animals and plants, but also money and securities.
• Customs Regulations– Shipments are divided into documents and parcels. Documents are not subject to customs clearance; you only need a waybill for them. However, parcels require a commercial or proforma invoice, which will be checked during clearance, and sometimes other documents. This rule does not apply to parcels sent within the European Union– here, only a declaration of content will be needed.

Sending an international parcel outside the European Union is subject to customs clearance, for which you must prepare appropriate documents (e.g., authorization for the courier company to represent you before the Customs Office, an invoice confirming the value of the goods – for commercial shipments). Shipments whose value does not exceed 1000 Euroare exempt from export fees, and the payment of due taxes and customs duties is the responsibility of the recipient. It is worth knowing that for non-commercial shipments (e.g., gifts or personal items), a proforma invoice should be attached, and if their value is significant, customs duties and taxes may be leviedin the destination country.

Parcel shipping is a process where much depends on packing and securing the shipment against damage during transport. Sturdy cardboard boxes and packing tapesare essential for careful packing of items for shipping, and an experienced courier company increases the chance of delivering it in exemplary condition to the recipient. When sending international parcels, check the applicable customs regulations and the list of prohibited goods to ensure your shipment is legal and will reach the recipient.