To send parcels from the UK to Spain is rather simple when you know the steps involved. If you are shipping a personal gift, business goods, or larger packages, packing properly and adhering to shipping regulations will give you assurances that your parcel will reach its destination safely and on time.
This guide takes you through the most important steps, from selecting a courier service to customs regulations.
Choosing a Courier Service.
The first step in sending a parcel to Spain is to choose a reliable courier. There are many logistics companies which offer their services worldwide, but each of them has their own delivery times, prices, and services.
The delivery time for standard shipping is usually between 3-7 business days, but the package can be delivered by express courier in only 1-2 days. Be sure to look for more than one courier to pick the most suitable according to your needs and budget. Choosing a courier that offers tracking services is favorable as it will allow you to keep track of your parcel and hence you will be free of any additional tension.
Preparing Your Parcel for Shipping.
Sturdy packaging plays a significant role in reducing the risk of breakage during the transportation phase. In the case that the box/package fits precisely the item or if the space is occupied by compatible cushioning material (e.g., bubble wrap, foam) move will be minimized. A package should have the flap sealed and the tape applied both around the sides and corners to reinforce the assembly before proceeding with labeling. Parcel your item and mark it with your and the receiver’s contact information, full names, and addresses. As a result of proper packaging, damage likelihood is minimized along with the delivery efficiency being affected positively.
Customs Documentation and Fees.
In light of the fact that the UK has left the EU, parcels that are delivered from the UK to Spain must have the necessary shipping documentation. In general, you may be required to fill in a declaration form that contains information pertaining to the type, value, and the intended use of the parcel (e.g. “gift” or “merchandise”). Besides this, the customer might be requested to levy VAT and customs taxes if the parcel contains a value greater than €150. It is prudent to keep the customer aware of any potential import charges in case of a surprise on delivery.
Sending or receiving multiple parcels to Spain may become repetitive, so you might want to employ a UK to Spain parcel forwarding service. These services are optimal for organizations that send multiple or bulk shipments, as they cover every step of the process and make customs compliance and documentation much easier and faster.
Calculating Shipping Costs.
Shipping expenses are based on factors such as package weight, size, and destination. Most couriers provide online calculators that compute the costs according to the given data. Besides the basic shipping cost, the recipient will also be required to pay customs duty and VAT. For high-value parcels, insurance may be an additional option to choose from, as many carriers offer it as an extra service.
Tracking and Delivery.
Most of the time couriers provide tracking numbers which enables you to keep a check on your parcel’s route along with it. Tracking not only helps you and the recipient to know when the package is likely to come but also to deal with possible snags. Make sure you have shared the tracking information with the recipient to keep them up to date on the parcel’s status.
Managing Potential Delays.
Though the shipping from the UK to Spain usually goes smooth, still sometimes it can be delayed. Customs clearance of high worth items especially can be the major cause of the delivery time caressing down. Public holidays both in one of the countries and during the peak season such as the Christmas season will influence the transit times. You can practically eliminate the likelihood of such an eventuality by enrolling in the express services if you’re dispatching goods with time deadlines.
Restricted and Prohibited Items.
Spain bars the importation of certain goods such as fresh foods, dangerous materials, and specific animal products as the perishable ones mentioned above.
Be sure to check with your courier company before sending your items if your items are banned or not to avoid any complications.
Usually, every courier displays a banned items list so that your dear one will also stay away from any international shipping rules breach.
Final Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience.
Sending parcels can occasionally become a problem for people transferring their consignments from the UK to Spain if the procedures are not followed.
Opting for a dependable courier, secure packaging, and using appropriate labeling are main factors that can contribute towards a smooth delivery of the parcel afterward. Don’t forget to be careful with the customs documentation and import fees in order to help the recipient through the uphill road of avoiding voluminous procedures or costs. From sporadically giving away or transforming, this method eliminates the basis of troubles.
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