This review is specific to International Parcel / Cargo services offered by India’s Postal Department.
I am using this service from past 6 years. Among other options available in the market - the charges from the India Post is the lowest and reliable. The customer experience depends on post office to post office. Sometimes it is down-right frustrations to delightful customer experience. Let me share the latest as on today - 21Mar2025, as I had to speed-post a parcel of Indian masala / unique food items to Australia for my daughter’s personal use. Every visit brings some surprises. This time it was introduction of HS Codes and mapping of parceled items to theses HS codes. Fortunately, the internet was working fine and I was able to quickly get the required codes and complete my work in 15 mins. I suggest the following to help folks who are sending parcels to their beloved ones staying abroad. Please verify postal guidance applicable for the country you are sending in the portal details provided below.
Following are minimum requirements to package your items:
#1- Make sure to visit https://indiantradeportal.in and identify all your items that are being parceled with their respective ITC-HS Codes. Use the search option by entering related words in’Product description’ window. Note them in a paper and quantities you are parceling.
#2 - Package your items in an appropriate Box / Container that does not show any advertisements or seller’s name. I re-use the cardboard boxes I get from Amazon/Flipkart. Simply paste a white/brown paper all around the box. The sender and receiver address & contact details are put in a transparent cover and pasted to the parcel box.
#3 - Carry your Aadhar photocopy, pen, transparent cello-tape with you to the post office.
#4- At the postal counter - the clerk will provide two printouts(forms) after entering all your details. You will be asked to write the HS Codes and respective quantities, and sign the paper.
#5- You have a choice to parcel normal mode(takes more time) or Speed-post(faster and more reliable). Normally - I send thru Speed post and happy about the delivery time and charges levied. The charges are very reasonable when compared to charges for the same package by other private segment operators.
#6 - Make sure that you get the receipt. Note down the tracking number. You can track the progress of your shipment at https://indiapost.gov.in. You will also get a SMS notification on successful delivery of your parcel to the recipient.
I have seen people being sent back if the package displays any product name, advertisements, supplier names etc. I faced the similar situation when I went in for the first time. I hope this review helps.
Must visit websites:
http://www.indiantradeportal.in
http://www.indiapost.gov.in