Sending parcels within the UK is a simple affair whether for business or personal reasons, and there isn’t much to know in the way of ‘administration’. Some people however make the mistake of thinking that this also applies for packages sent abroad, which is not the case. There are individual rules for most different countries as the postal systems and governmental regulations differ, even inside the EU. Here are some basic pointers to help you make sense of these global differences.

-          Anything sent outside of the European Economic Community (EEC) will need to have a customs form attached, which usually affixto the front of packages via an adhesive label. Even some locations inside this area still need this customs form, and they include San Marino and the Vatican City State.

-          A set of postal scales will help massively, particularly in business, and will be worth the money after just one set of packages has been processed. Overestimating parcel weights and paying over the odds as a result will no doubt pile-up the costs, and underestimating weights can mean that packages get rejected and sent back at some point in the process of getting to their recipient.

-          Something that is very often overlooked is how secure the packaging is on certain goods.  Even if it means an extra original outlay, more secure packaging materials can save you from having to re-send a parcel that is returned, or in the worst case scenario have to pay for a new item altogether.

-          The Royal Mail’s own postage printing system which can be accessed online, allows you to find the best prices for international delivery including for bulk orders – a distinct advantage for commercial senders – and lets you print out the appropriate labels.