UK Parcel Forwarding Explained

What is UK parcel forwarding?

UK parcel forwarding is a service that provides you with a UK delivery address. You shop with UK online retailers as normal and use that address at checkout. When your parcel arrives, it is forwarded on to your actual location.

Why people use parcel forwarding

Many UK retailers do not ship to Ireland or EU countries due to customs, VAT, or carrier restrictions. Parcel forwarding removes this limitation by keeping the delivery within the UK initially.

How parcel forwarding works in practice

1. Create an account
   You receive a UK delivery address linked to your account.
2. Shop with UK retailers
   Use your UK address at checkout.
3. Parcel arrives at the depot
   The parcel is logged into your dashboard with weight and size details.
4. Choose shipping and pay
   Select a courier option, pay securely online, and confirm dispatch.
5. Track delivery
   Tracking details are added so you can follow delivery to your door.

What you pay for

Parcel forwarding typically involves two costs:

• Membership: access to a UK delivery address and dashboard
• Shipping: paid per parcel when you choose a courier

With PostUK, shipping prices are shown before payment so you always know the cost.

Who parcel forwarding is for

Parcel forwarding is used by several different types of customer:

• Expats and British citizens abroad: people who have moved to Spain, Ireland, France, or elsewhere and still want to buy from UK shops they know and trust.
• International shoppers who can't access UK prices: UK retailers often have better pricing, wider stock, and brands not available in other countries.
• Amazon UK shoppers outside the UK: a large proportion of Amazon UK products are UK-delivery-only. A PostUK address removes that restriction.
• Regular buyers of UK supplements, fashion, or electronics: customers who order frequently and benefit from a permanent UK address rather than one-off international options.

Is parcel forwarding legal?

Yes — completely. You are using a legitimate UK address for delivery. There is nothing deceptive or illegal about using a forwarding service. The parcel is received at a real UK address and then shipped internationally. All customs declarations are completed accurately when forwarding.

What about customs and duties?

When forwarding to EU countries (Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, etc.), UK parcels are treated as imports. This means:

• EU VAT may be charged on the declared value at the destination country's standard rate (e.g. Spanish IVA at 21%, German MwSt at 19%)
• Customs duty applies to goods valued over €150
• Customs handling fees may be charged by the courier (typically £5–£12)

PostUK completes accurate export documentation. For a full explanation, see the UK customs and duties guide.

What is parcel consolidation?

If you order from multiple UK retailers, your parcels can be held at the PostUK depot and combined into a single shipment. This is called consolidation. Instead of paying forwarding costs for three separate parcels, you pay one cost for one combined parcel — which is almost always cheaper. See the parcel consolidation guide for details.

Common questions

Can I use my PostUK address for any UK shop?

Yes. Your PostUK address works with any UK retailer that delivers to UK addresses — Amazon, ASOS, Next, John Lewis, Boots, Sports Direct, and hundreds more.

Do I need to be in the UK to sign up?

No. You sign up online from anywhere. Your UK address is created immediately and you can start using it right away.

How long can parcels be stored at the depot?

Parcels are held at the depot while you decide on forwarding. There is no strict storage limit for active accounts, though very long-term storage may incur a fee — contact us if you need extended storage.

What countries does PostUK forward to?

PostUK forwards worldwide. Most orders go to Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Australia, the UAE, Canada, and the USA. Other destinations are available — use the Quick Quote tool to check your country.