Sending a parcel to family abroad, documents to a university or samples to an overseas customer is straightforward once you know what the courier needs. This guide walks through the process from start to finish.
1. Check what you can send
Every country restricts some items. Commonly prohibited or restricted items include:
- Liquids, aerosols, perfumes and anything flammable
- Loose lithium batteries and power banks
- Currency, jewellery and precious metals
- Perishable food, seeds, plants and medicines without a prescription
- Anything the destination country bans — rules differ by country
If you are unsure about an item, ask before booking. It is much easier than having a shipment held at customs.
2. Keep your documents ready
For a personal shipment (gifts, personal effects), couriers usually need:
- A copy of the sender’s ID for KYC — Aadhaar, passport, PAN or voter ID
- The receiver’s full address, postal code and phone number
- A simple invoice listing each item and its value
For a commercial shipment (selling goods or sending samples to a business), you will typically also need a commercial invoice, your GST details and an Import Export Code (IEC). Your courier partner will confirm the exact paperwork for your shipment.
3. Pack it properly
International parcels are handled many times and travel by air. Use a sturdy corrugated box, wrap fragile items individually, fill empty space so nothing moves, and tape all seams. See our packing guide for details.
4. Understand how the price is calculated
International courier rates depend on three things:
- Destination country — rates are grouped into zones.
- Chargeable weight — the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight (L × B × H in cm ÷ 5000). Use our volumetric weight calculator to check.
- Service speed — express services cost more than economy.
Import duties and taxes in the destination country are usually paid by the receiver unless you agree otherwise.
5. Compare couriers and book
DHL, FedEx, UPS and Aramex all offer international express from India, and prices vary by lane. With ENVOI you can compare international courier rates in one place, book online and have the parcel collected from your door.
6. Track until delivery
After pickup you receive an AWB (tracking) number. Share it with the receiver so they can follow the shipment and prepare for any customs contact.