What can you send abroad in a parcel: rules, prohibitions, and useful tips
02.04.2026A practical guide to the contents of an international parcel - from permitted items to prohibited goods
Sending a parcel abroad is nothing complicated. You just need to pack your things in a sturdy cardboard box, provide the delivery address, and send the shipment. Before you do this, however, it is worth familiarising yourself with the transport rules applicable in a given country and in your chosen courier company. So check what you can send abroad and what is on the list of prohibited items in parcels!
Shipping within the EU vs outside the EU - the most important differences
Not only does each carrier have its own terms and conditions, but the regulations specific to individual countries can also differ. If you do not follow them, your parcel may be stopped at the border or even sent back to you. What should you keep in mind?
Shipping within the European Union is usually simpler. Parcels can move between member states without customs clearance. In most cases, you just need to pack the shipment properly and declare its contents during registration.
Shipping outside the European Union (e.g. to Ukraine, the UK, or the USA) may involve additional formalities. You need an exact description of what is in the parcel and a precise determination of its value. Shipments are generally subject to customs clearance, and if they are commercial or exceed set limits - they require payment of customs duty.
What can you send abroad?
You will easily send both personal belongings and small gifts abroad. However, make sure they meet the transport conditions.
The items most frequently sent abroad include:
Clothes and textiles - you can send clothing, shoes, towels, or bedding abroad. It is best to pack them in plastic bags or secure them with additional protective packaging.
Cosmetics and perfumes - cosmetics in sealed packaging are allowed. It is worth securing them additionally with bubble wrap to avoid damage.
Food products with a long shelf life - sweets, coffee, or tea are often sent abroad. These products should be factory-sealed and properly secured.
Remember that the applicable regulations may vary depending on the specific country. Before shipping, check the current prices and delivery conditions of your chosen transport company.
➡️ Familiarise yourself with the current Meest Post price list.
What are you not allowed to send in parcels abroad?
Some items are completely banned in courier transport. This mainly applies to dangerous goods or items subject to legal restrictions.
The lists of prohibited items in parcels most commonly include:
flammable and explosive materials,
weapons and ammunition,
drugs and illicit substances,
live animals,
certain chemicals and hazardous materials.
➡️ Before sending a parcel, check the list of prohibited items at Meest Post.
How do you prepare an international parcel for shipping? A step-by-step guide
Proper preparation of the parcel before shipping reduces the risk of its damage and transport problems. How do you do it step by step?
Choose a sturdy cardboard box tailored to the contents.
Secure fragile items with bubble wrap or fabrics.
Fill the empty spaces in the cardboard box.
Tape the box thoroughly with strong tape.
Place a legible label with the recipient's address on the box.
After preparing the shipment, you can send it online or at a selected drop-off point.
➡️ Find a Meest Post drop-off point in your area.
Checklist before sending a parcel abroad
Before you send a parcel abroad, check:
if the contents of the parcel are allowed in transport,
if the products have been well secured,
if the cardboard box is durable and tightly closed,
if the recipient's address is correct,
if the contents have been described properly.
After sending the shipment, you can check its status on an ongoing basis.
➡️ Track your parcel.
How to correctly describe the contents of an international parcel?
An exact description of the contents is especially important when shipping outside the European Union. Instead of general notes, provide specific names of individual products in the form.
Example:
❌ instead of "gift" → ✅️ "book", "mug", or "perfume"
Also remember to provide the number of items being sent. Thanks to this, the parcel will pass the inspection faster and will not be stopped at the border.
Most common mistakes when sending parcels
Many problems in international transport result from simple mistakes when packing or sending parcels. Most often it is about:
sending prohibited items,
poor packaging or lack of parcel filling,
imprecise description of the shipment's contents,
incorrect or incomplete recipient's address.
By avoiding these mistakes, you will significantly increase the chance of a quick and problem-free delivery.
What are you allowed to send in an international shipment? Summary
Before sending a parcel abroad, always carefully familiarise yourself with the regulations applicable in a given country and the terms and conditions of the selected carrier. Thanks to this, you will avoid problems with customs clearance and delivery delays.
If you plan to send a parcel to family or friends abroad, check the cost of its delivery at www.meestpost.com.
