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How to Send a Parcel Abroad From India in 2026: Documents, Banned Items, Customs and Tracking

ID proof, customs forms, banned items, India Post vs private couriers — and how to track an international parcel.

By CheckMyOrder Editorial TeamPublished Last reviewed 4 min read

Quick answer To send a parcel abroad from India you need: a government ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport or voter ID — Aadhaar isn't mandatory), a customs declaration (CN22 for small gifts, CN23 for bigger or commercial parcels) with an honest description and value, and for anything commercial, an invoice. Book with India Post International Speed Post (EMS) — usually cheapest, up to 35 kg for most countries — or a private courier like DHL, FedEx, UPS or Aramex for faster door-to-door delivery. Never send cash, flammables, loose batteries or perfumes. Track it on CheckMyOrder.

हिंदी में: विदेश पार्सल भेजने के लिए पहचान पत्र, कस्टम फ़ॉर्म (CN22/CN23) और सही कीमत लिखें। स्पीड पोस्ट (EMS) आम तौर पर सस्ता है; DHL/FedEx तेज़ हैं। नकद, ज्वलनशील चीज़ें और बैटरी न भेजें।

Sending a parcel abroad from India: documents, banned items, India Post vs private couriers

Step 1: Check what you can send

Rules come from two places: India (export/postal rules) and the destination country (import rules). Something allowed to leave India can still be refused at the other end.

Usually not allowed Usually restricted (check first) Usually fine
Cash, cheques, gold/jewellery (many services) Medicines (prescription + quantity limits) Clothes, books, documents
Flammables, fireworks, aerosols Homemade food, sweets, spices (country rules vary) Packed, labelled dry snacks (if destination allows)
Perfumes and nail polish (dangerous goods by air) Electronics with built-in batteries Handicrafts, rakhis, photos
Loose lithium batteries, power banks Seeds, plants, meat, dairy Gifts with an honest value
Drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods Liquids (oil, pickles, ghee)

India Post publishes an official list of prohibited articles. For food and medicines, check the destination country's customs website — Australia, New Zealand and the US are especially strict about food.

Step 2: Prepare the documents

  • ID proof of the sender — Aadhaar, PAN, passport or voter ID. The Department of Posts has clarified Aadhaar is not mandatory; any valid ID works.
  • Customs declaration — the counter gives you the form:
    • CN22 for small, low-value items (gifts, samples).
    • CN23 for bigger or higher-value parcels.
    • Describe items specifically ("2 cotton kurtas, 1 book"), not "gift" or "personal items", and write the real value. Under-declaring can get the parcel held or returned.
  • Invoice — needed for anything sold (business shipments) and helpful for gifts.
  • Recipient's full address and phone number — customs and the delivery company will call them.

Step 3: India Post or a private courier?

India Post — International Speed Post (EMS) Private express (DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex)
Price Usually lower Higher
Speed Several days to a few weeks Often 3–7 working days
Weight Up to 35 kg for most countries (lower for some) Higher limits for heavy shipments
Booking Any big post office Their outlets, agents or pickup
Customs help Basic Brokerage support, often paid
Tracking Yes, end to end for EMS Yes, detailed

Rule of thumb: documents, gifts and non-urgent parcels → Speed Post. Urgent, high-value or business shipments → private express. Compare: DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex.

Step 4: Pack for a long journey

International parcels are handled many more times. Use a new, strong box, cushion every side, seal liquids twice (if allowed), and put a copy of the address inside the box too. See how to pack a parcel.

Step 5: Duties and taxes at the other end

The receiver usually pays import duty/taxes in their country. If they refuse, the parcel can be returned or destroyed. Some private couriers let you prepay duties — useful for gifts.

Step 6: Track it

  • Your receipt has the tracking number (EMS numbers look like EE123456789IN).
  • Paste it into CheckMyOrder — it's detected automatically. Once it's handed to the destination country's post, the same number often keeps working there.
  • "Held at customs" is normal for a few days. If someone calls or messages asking you to pay customs through a link, it's a scam — check it on our SMS scam checker.

Videsh parcel kaise bhejein? (Hinglish)

  1. Kya bhej sakte hain — check karein: cash, perfume, battery, patakhe nahi. Khane ki cheezein destination country ke rules par depend karti hain.
  2. ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/passport) aur customs form (CN22/CN23) mein sahi cheez aur sahi keemat likhein.
  3. Speed Post (EMS) sasta hai, DHL/FedEx tez hain.
  4. Receipt ka tracking number CheckMyOrder par paste karke track karein.

FAQ

Is Aadhaar compulsory to send a parcel abroad?

No. An ID proof is required, but the Department of Posts has said Aadhaar isn't mandatory — PAN, passport or voter ID also work.

Can I send homemade sweets or pickles abroad?

Sometimes. Many countries restrict homemade food, dairy and oils. Check the destination country's customs rules and declare food clearly.

Who pays customs duty — me or the receiver?

Usually the receiver. Some private couriers let you prepay duties when booking.

How heavy can an international Speed Post parcel be?

India Post lists a general maximum of 35 kg for EMS, but many countries have lower limits — check the country table at the counter.

Sources