Question 1

What can't I send

Accepted Answer

The current postal legislation forbids the sending of letters or parcels, both within Belgium or abroad, with the following contents:1. Dangerous goods:Dangerous objects are objects that, due to their shape, nature or packaging, can be dangerous for people or can damage other shipments, the equipment of bpost, or the goods of third-parties (including parcels). Some daily objects also cannot be sent with the post. These include lighters, perfume, manicure products, glue, paint, flammable liquids, spray cans, deodorants under pressure, hair dye and lithium batteries.There is a specific exception for lithium batteries. Read all about it in this overview. It&nbsp;also includes an overview of all dangerous goods.2. Prohibited items:Drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substancesWeapons, essential parts of weapons and ammunition, imitation firearms, knives, swords, daggers and any other sharp or cutting objectObjects, texts or general substances of which the import, export, production, circulation, distribution, use, possession, sale or transport are forbidden by lawObjects that include statements that contravene public order or common decency&nbsp;Shipments that mention forbidden destinations or contain forbidden goods according to commercial lawShipments that contain counterfeit goodsCoins, banknotes and bearer bonds (exception: personal cheques with a maximum value of €500 per parcel and a basic guarantee)Jewellery (exception: costume jewellery that does not contain gold, silver or gemstones, is not worth more than €500 per parcel and has a basic guarantee), works of art and collections or other valuable materials, including animal peltsParcels whose value is more than €5,000&nbsp;Some countries impose additional restrictions. Check the exceptions for China, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Portugal, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland.

Question 2

What kind of packaging or boxes does bpost offer?

Accepted Answer

All-in package (box + shipping label for a shipment within Belgium) that fits in letterboxesRegular boxes in different sizesGift boxes in different sizesPadded envelopesSee our packaging guide for tips on preparing your parcel.

Question 3

I want to send a large parcel within Belgium. Which sizes and weights are permitted?

Accepted Answer

The following conditions apply for a parcel within Belgium:The maximum weight is 30 kgthe longest side is max. 1.5 mthe total length of the sides is max. 3 m (1 x length + 2 x width + 2 x height)If you use a Parcel Locker, the following conditions apply:The maximum weight is 30 kg.The minimum size is 145 mm x 112 mm.The maximum size is 420 mm x 310 mm x 580 mm.The following rules apply for cylinders:Weight: maximum 30 kgLength: maximum 1.5 mDiameter: maximum 400 mmSee our packaging guide for tips on preparing your parcel.

Question 4

What are the dimensions of the different bpost parcels?

Accepted Answer

bpost packaging comes in different sizes. There is a suitable box for every parcel.See our packaging guide for tips on preparing your parcel.

Question 5

Where can I buy boxes and envelopes to send a parcel?

Accepted Answer

Post OfficePost PointParcel Point (depends on stocks in the shop)eShopSee our packaging guide for tips on preparing your parcel.

Question 6

Which documents do I need to send a parcel abroad?

Accepted Answer

For most European countries and territories you do not need to fill in any customs documents. The only thing you need is a shipping label. There are however some exceptions.&nbsp;For shipments to non-EU countries, you need to add the following documents:fill in the CN23 document completely and attach a copy (more information oncustoms documents):These fields must be completed on this document:SenderAddresseephone number and email address of the recipientHS code: Customs worldwide use the uniform HS code (Harmonized System) to identify goods. To find out which code you should use, please consult FPS Finance.Country of originShipment detailsAlways include two copies of the invoice or the pro forma invoice.For shipments with a value of more than €1,000 you should also add the Single Administrative Document.

Question 7

Can I send money?

Accepted Answer

You cannot send money as a parcel; you must send it as registered mail with a declared value. The same applies to valuable objects, jewellery and bearer bonds. You can also send registered mail with a declared value abroad, but only if the destination country offers that service.

Question 8

What are the size and weight restrictions for international parcels?

Accepted Answer

For home deliveries:The length of the longest side must be no more than 1.5m.The sum of all dimensions must not exceed 3m: 1x length + 2x width + 2x height ≤3m.The maximum weight is 30kg.Benefit from the Economy tariff for smaller, lighter parcels that weigh no more than 2kg, provided the longest side does not exceed 60cm and the sum of all dimensions is 90cm or less. This tariff also applies to rolls that are no more than 60cm long and 20cm in diameter.For deliveries to pick-up points:France:Pick-up point:The length of the longest side must not exceed 120cm.The sum of all dimensions must be no more than 150cm (1x length + 1x width + 1x height)Maximum weight of 30kgParcel Locker:Maximum dimensions of 64x38x39cmMaximum weight of 25kgLuxembourg :Pick-up point:The length of the longest side must not exceed 150cm.The sum of all dimensions must be no more than 300cm (1x length + 2x width + 2x height)Maximum weight of 30kgParcel Locker:Maximum dimensions of 75x44x61cmMaximum weight of 30kgThe Netherlands:Pick-up point:Maximum dimensions of 80x50x40cmMaximum weight of 20kgMaximum volume of 150dm3 (a capacity of 150l)Parcel Locker:Maximum dimensions of 60x35x35cmMaximum weight of 20kg

Question 9

Do I have to send my parcel in a bpost box?

Accepted Answer

You can use your own box or a bpost box to send your parcel. Choose a strong box and protect the contents with padding material.See our packaging guide for tips on preparing your parcel.

Question 10

Which countries do not require customs documents if I want to send a parcel?

Accepted Answer

The countries in the European Union:No customs documents are needed for the following countries of the European Union:AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkGermanyEstoniaFinlandFranceGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyCroatiaLatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaThe NetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaSloveniaSlovakiaSpainCzech RepublicSweden&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Since 1st January 2021, customs documents are required for the United Kingdom.Territories not covered by EU rulesThere are some areas that are within the territory of the European Union, but that are not part of the EU fiscal territory. If you are sending a parcel to one of these territories that are not covered by EU rules, you will also need to include customs documents.Territories not covered by EU rules:Åland IslandsAndorraBüsingenCampione D'italiaCanary IslandsCeutaChannel IslandsDOM (Departements d'Outre-Mer)GibraltarHeligolandIsle of ManLake LuganoLivignoMelillaMonacoMountain AthosSan Marino&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Question 11

Can I buy a pre-stamped box?

Accepted Answer

You can buy pre-stamped packages in the eShop, in Post Offices and Post Points. This already has a shipping label that you can fill in yourself for shipments within Belgium. &nbsp;You can purchase the following pre-stamped packages from bpost:Minipack small up to 1 kg (max: 19.5 cm x 27.5 cm x 4 cm)Minipack medium up to 1 kg (max: 21 cm x 34 cm x 4 cm)The Fashion Bag: handy for shipping clothing and textiles.See our packaging guide for tips on preparing your parcel.

Question 12

When do I pay to import costs for a parcel?

Accepted Answer

As the sender, you don't pay import costs. If you send a parcel to a country outside the European Union, then the addressee must pay import duties, VAT, any other fees, and fees for the customs formalities. These fees depend on local customs regulations.

Question 13

How do I prepare my parcel for a foreign destination?

Accepted Answer

Place your shipment in a strong box and fill the box with filler material like old newspapers. You can use your own box or a bpost box.Seal the box with tape. Make sure that there are no labels on the box from a previous shipment.Check whether the box falls within the permitted dimensions. The longest side may be maximum 1.5 m and all sides together may be maximum 3 m. Your parcel cannot weigh more than 30 kg.These preparations are the same if you want to send a parcel within Belgium, within the EU and outside the EU. The shipping costs differ.

Question 14

Must I wrap my parcel in a special way if I want to send it abroad?

Accepted Answer

Special wrappings are not necessary. It's important that the contents are safe and snug in a box sealed with tape. You can use your own box or a bpost box. If you reuse a box from a previous shipment, remove all labels and stickers because they may cause confusion.

Question 15

Can I write the address on my parcel in my own language?

Accepted Answer

To speed up the clearance (outside the EU) and delivery of your parcel, it's best to use English, French or an official language in the destination country.

Question 16

Where can I buy several packages at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Post OfficePost PointParcel Point (depends on stocks in the shop)eShopSee our packaging guide for tips on preparing your parcel.

Question 17

Why does bpost register the data of my international parcels electronically?

Accepted Answer

bpost is required to register the data of international parcels electronically since 1 January 2021. The requested information depends on the type of shipment and its destination. This information was formerly requested via paper forms. Now it is done digitally, resulting in the following advantages:improved distribution quality of the shipmentssimplified customs formalities

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17 questions
for the keyword « Preparing a parcel »