Sending a Parcel Abroad?

Sending a parcel abroad with Hermes is simple and straightforward. Even if you've never used our UK services before, you'll be able to send a package around the world in just a few easy steps.

Deliveries to some countries will require a small amount of extra documentation, so it's important to make sure that everything is in order before sending your parcel on its way.

How do I send parcels abroad?

International shipping works much the same way as it does in the UK. Get a quote online and arrange for a courier to come and collect your parcel from your door, or just drop drop it off at one of our 4,500 ParcelShop locations nationwide.

How long does it take?

The estimated delivery time for international packages sent through Hermes is three to seven working days.

Where are you sending to?

Different rules apply depending on whether you are sending a parcel to a destination inside the European Union (EU) or not.

If you are sending within the EU, then all you need to do is attach an address label on the outside and inside your parcel as normal – just like you would when sending within the UK.

The following countries are inside the EU, so no additional documentation is required for shipping:

However, there are a few locations that are technically within the EU, but still need extra documentation:

• Andorra
• The Canary Islands
• Gibraltar
• San Marino
• The Vatican

If you're sending a parcel to any of the above six locations, or indeed outside of the EU– then you'll need to complete a customs declaration.

Customs declarations

Customs declarations are simple forms that you have to fill out if you're sending parcels to destinations outside of the EU. It's a short description of the goods and their value, and whether it's a personal or business parcel.

If your parcel is worth £270 or less, then you'll need to fill out a CN22 form, which is a very simple description of contents, weight and value.

If your parcel is worth over £270, then you'll need to fill out a CN23 form, which is a slightly longer form which requires the sender and receiver's address, and has more space for reference numbers, additional comments, and commercial details.

Essentially, these are invoices that you need to fill out, even if it's a personal package. You can download the files from the links above, but we'll also provide them for you at the checkout, along with your normal shipping label.

If you are sending a commercial package to a customer, then you will need to provide the HS tariff numbers for the items you're sending – more advice on this can be found on gov.uk.

Filling these forms out correctly is a legal requirement, so you must:

• Fill in the right form.
• Be honest about contents and values.
• Be accurate, and don't just guess weights.

Mistakes could result in your parcel being held by customs, and any charges levied by customs in the recipient country are outside of our control.

Is sending abroad risky?

Provided you fill out the above forms correctly, then no! The Hermes Group has over 40 years of experience shipping internationally for some of the UK's largest retailers, and we treat your parcel with the same care wherever in the world it's headed.

For added peace of mind when sending abroad, international parcels sent through Hermes are fully tracked – click here to track your parcel. £20 compensation cover is included on all deliveries as standard, and this can be increased to a maximum of £1,000 during the order process.

However, it's important to remember that every country does have its own legislations and restrictions regarding what you can send. The best way to ensure your package makes it through customs anywhere in the world is to go by our list of prohibited items.

Which items are prohibited?

For a full list of items that are prohibited when sending a parcel abroad via Hermes, view our prohibited items page. Check the list carefully – it's better to be safe than sorry!

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about sending a parcel abroad, check our help centre. Alternatively, you can start your parcel's journey overseas by getting a quote online today.