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Sending a parcel abroad with PostNL

Route of your parcel abroad

So you know exactly what happens to your parcel

We deliver millions of parcels every day. From the moment you hand in your parcel to the moment it reaches the recipient, you can see the journey it takes step by step.
View delivery times per countrySending parcel

Sending a parcel – Your parcel’s journey abroad in 6 steps

From our sorting centre to the aeroplane, and from the local deliverer to the front door: your parcel usually goes through 4 to 6 steps.
  1. 1

    Handing in or collection

    You hand in your parcel at a PostNL service point, or we collect it from you. We scan the shipping label straight away. After that, you can follow your parcel using track & trace.
  2. 2

    Sorting in the Netherlands

    At the sorting centre, we scan and weigh your parcel. We then sort it by country of destination. Parcels heading to the same destination are bundled for further transport.
  3. 3

    Transport abroad

    After sorting, your parcel is transported across the border. For neighbouring countries we use lorries; for destinations further away we also use air transport. The route chosen affects the delivery time.
  4. 4

    Customs outside the EU

    Customs check the contents and value of your parcel and determine whether import duties or VAT must be paid. If something is incorrect or information is missing, your parcel may take longer to arrive.
  5. 5

    Processing in the destination country

    In the destination country, we hand over your parcel to a local delivery partner. They sort the parcel again and prepare it for delivery.
 Sometimes you may temporarily see fewer updates in track & trace.
  6. 6

    Delivery to the recipient

    The local deliverer delivers the parcel to the recipient. In some countries, the recipient must first pay import duties or VAT. After delivery, you will see this in track & trace.

Everything you need to know about sending parcels abroad

Are you planning to send a parcel abroad? With this information you are well prepared.

Delays

Are you sending something abroad or expecting a parcel? Check whether there are any international delays or disruptions.

View current delays

Customs and import duties

If your parcel is going to a country outside the EU, you may need to provide extra information. This helps prevent delays.
Customs and import duties

Track your parcel

Curious where your parcel is? Follow it with track & trace – even when it is already abroad. This shows you exactly which step your parcel is in.
Track your parcel

Why might my parcel arrive later?

The expected delivery time depends on the route your parcel takes. Sometimes additional checks or transport steps are required. This may cause your parcel to arrive later than planned.

Which factors can cause delays?

For example:

  • customs checks outside the EU,
  • transport by aeroplane or lorry,
  • delivery by a local delivery partner.
  • It is often busier around public holidays.

We dispatch parcels to some countries daily, but to others less frequently. If you hand in your parcel just after a departure, it may take a little longer before it is on its way.

Questions?

See our frequently asked questions and answers below.

Frequently asked questions