International shipping between the UK and Spain is very common due to business ties, tourism, and people moving between the countries. As neighbors in Europe, shipping between the two is relatively straightforward. However, there are still important factors to consider including choosing a carrier, proper packaging, navigating customs forms and regulations, purchasing insurance, tracking the package, and handling any delivery issues. This guide will walk through the entire process step-by-step.
Choosing a Shipping Carrier
Are you trying to send parcel to spain from the UK? you can choose between standard postal services or private courier companies. The main options include:
- UK Happy Post
- Royal Mail
- Parcelforce
- DHL Express
- FedEx
- UPS
- Spanish postal service Correos
Compare rates between the different carriers. Private couriers are generally faster with more tracking visibility and insurance options, but also cost more. Transit times range from 2-4 days for expedited protein parcel service down to 2 weeks or more for standard mail.
Consider the size, weight and contents of your package as well when choosing a shipping method and carrier. There may be restrictions, customs fees, or special documentation required depending on the specifics of what you are shipping.
Rates From Popular Service Providers
| Shipping Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| UK Happy Post | £6.25 – £20.93 |
| Royal Mail | £10.39 – £20.93 |
| DPD | £12.50 – £35.00 |
| Parcel2Go | £5.61 – £25.00 |
| FedEx | £15.00 – £45.00* |
| UPS | £13.00 – £40.00* |
| DHL | £14.00 – £50.00* |
| Hermes | £9.50 – £30.00* |
| Send My Bag | £20.00 – £55.00* |
Packing Your Shipment
Use a sturdy box or mailing envelope that is appropriate for the package contents. Pad all items with enough cushioning material like bubble twraps, foam, or paper to protect your contents from damage. Items should not shift around inside the box.
Seal the package securely with strong tape that cannot be easily tampered with. Do not wrap external packaging in brown paper or additional labels or markings that could come off in transit and confuse customs officials.
Attach a customs form and shipping labels with the recipient’s full address including post code from Spain. This ensures proper special delivery. Printing the forms and labels directly from your chosen carrier website streamlines the process.
Customs Rules and Regulations
All commercial shipments require a completed customs declaration form itemizing package contents and their value. This form is provided by your shipping carrier and must travel with the package itself. Personal shipments below a certain value threshold may not require formal customs forms depending on the carrier.
Certain items have special import restrictions or taxes applied in Spain such as alcohol, tobacco pipes, perfumes, electronics, etc. Be aware of importation rules for your specific package contents to avoid complications. In some cases you may need extra documentation from the recipient authorizing the shipment.
Insurance and Liability
Lost, damaged, delayed, or stolen packages are risks especially with international shipping. Purchase insurance directly from your carrier to protect the value of your contents. Compare rates from postal insurance, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc to find the best rate for your needs and budget.
The carrier you choose accepts basic liability for loss or damage. However claims processes can be lengthy and reimbursement may be less than full value. Having your own separate insurance is highly recommended when shipping valuables or important items.
Tracking and Delivery Processes
Make use of online tracking tools to monitor the progress of your package when possible. While in transit, your package goes through multiple transporters as it works its way through the logistics network between countries. Tracking information tends to lag behind actual progress. Be patient if tracking seems stuck in one place for long periods.
Once in Spain, the Correos postal service makes final delivery. Average transit times range from 3-7 days from the UK to major Spanish cities depending on the service selected. Plan accordingly and communicate with recipients on approximate delivery dates.
If you do not have scans indicating proper delivery within a reasonable timeframe, initiate trace inquiries with the originating carrier to locate the package and determine next steps. Sometimes international packages require extra handling that extends transit times.
Summary With the proper carrier selection, packaging, customs forms, insurance coverage, and proactive tracking, you can feel confident shipping your package from the UK to its destination in Spain. Just be sure to follow all guidelines and transit times can be relatively quick and hassle-free. Reach out for help from carrier customer support if anything seems amiss during the shipping process.
