Sending a parcel overseas may sound difficult—customs, packing, documents, charges… it can be confusing. But don’t worry! With the right courier partner and proper planning, you can ship internationally from India smoothly and securely.
Whether you’re sending gifts to family abroad, products to customers, or commercial samples for business, this step-by-step guide will help you ship international parcels with ease.
Step 1: Choose a Reliable International Courier Service
The first and most important step is selecting the right courier partner.
Here’s what to look for:
Trusted brands or logistics partners (like UPS, DHL, FedEx, Aramex, etc.)
Doorstep pickup from your location
Package tracking facility
Customs clearance support
Affordable shipping rates & quick delivery time
Step 2: Check Country-wise Shipping Restrictions
Every country has specific import rules. Before shipping, check if the item is allowed.
Common prohibited or restricted items include:
Liquids, perfumes, batteries (in some countries)
Flammable items, alcohol, medicines
Fresh food, seeds, meat, dairy products
Currency, gold, precious stones
Your courier partner can help you confirm what’s allowed and what documents are needed.
Step 3: Pack Your Parcel Safely
Proper packaging ensures your parcel reaches safely without damage. Follow these packing tips:
Use a strong cardboard box or bubble mailer.
Add bubble wrap, foam, or thermocol inside.
Seal all edges with good-quality packing tape.
Clearly write the receiver’s full address and contact number.
Attach a shipping label on top of the package.
For fragile or expensive items, ask your courier service for professional packing assistance.
"Safe delivery isn’t luck, it’s the result of proper planning, packing, and the right courier partner.”
Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents
International shipping requires a few basic documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| KYC (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport) | To verify sender’s identity |
| Commercial Invoice | Required for goods being sold or exported for business |
| Proforma Invoice | Used for gifts, personal items, or product samples without sale value |
| Packing List | Details of the items inside the parcel (quantity, weight, description) |
| Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23) | Mandatory document for international customs clearance |
| Authorization Letter (if required) | Allows the courier company to handle customs formalities on your behalf |
Step 5: Declare Accurate Value for Customs
You must declare the correct value of the goods being shipped.
This helps in calculating:
Customs Duty in the destination country
Insurance coverage (in case of loss/damage)
Avoiding parcel hold or penalties
Tip: Never under-declare the value—it may cause parcel delays or customs seizure.
Step 6: Choose a Shipping Plan (Economy / Express)
Courier services usually offer two main options:
| Service Type | Best For | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Express Shipping | Urgent documents, gifts, business deliveries | 3–6 business days |
| Economy Shipping | Heavy parcels, non-urgent shipment, budget-friendly deliveries | 7–15 business days |
Step 7: Track Your Shipment
Once the parcel is dispatched, you’ll receive a tracking number. You can:
Track the parcel on the courier company’s website
Get SMS or email updates on parcel status
Share tracking details with the receiver
This keeps you informed until the delivery is complete.
Step 8: Understand Customs Duty at Destination
The receiver may have to pay customs duty or taxes depending on the country’s import rules. Charges depend on:
Type of product
Item value
Country regulations
Some courier services offer “Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)”, where charges are prepaid by the sender. Ask if this service is available.
Why Send International Parcels with Trillo Express?
At Trillo Express (DTDC Azhikode), we make international shipping easy with:
- Doorstep pickup from Kannur, Azhikode & nearby areas
- Partnership with trusted global courier networks
- Documentation support for customs clearance
- Secure packaging assistance
- Affordable shipping rates & family-friendly service
- Tracking updates until delivery
