Written by the Quick Path India visa and logistics team, reviewed by Abdul Khader, Founder and Principal Consultant.
Sweets for Deepavali, Eid gifts, a favourite podi, a few new shirts, an important document: families in Thanjavur district send parcels to relatives abroad all year. Some arrive perfectly. Others are delayed, opened at customs or charged far more than expected. This guide explains how international courier really works, so your parcel arrives on time and within budget.
How international courier charges are calculated
Couriers charge by the chargeable weight, which is the higher of two numbers:
- Actual weight: what the box weighs on the scale.
- Volumetric weight: the space the box takes. For most express services it is length × width × height in centimetres ÷ 5,000.
Example: a box of 50 × 40 × 30 cm has a volumetric weight of 50 × 40 × 30 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg. Even if it only weighs 7 kg on the scale, you pay for 12 kg. So a big box of light clothes can cost more than a small heavy box of sweets.
Tip: use the smallest strong box that fits, and do not leave empty space.
The price also depends on the destination (the Gulf is usually cheaper than Europe or the Americas), the service (express or economy) and the contents.
Documents you need
- Your ID proof (Aadhaar or passport copy). International shipments need sender KYC.
- Receiver's full address with postal code and a working phone number. Many deliveries fail because the receiver's number is wrong.
- A list of contents and approximate value, which goes on the customs declaration. Declare honestly: under-declared parcels can be held.
- For commercial goods: an invoice, packing list and an Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
How to pack home-made food so it arrives safely
- Send only dry, long-lasting items: sweets, murukku and other snacks, podi and spice powders.
- Seal every item: use vacuum-sealed or double zip-lock bags, then a sealed plastic container.
- Label the contents in English (for example, "rice flour snacks, 1 kg").
- Avoid glass jars. Avoid anything with a lot of oil or liquid, such as some pickles, which can leak and damage the whole parcel.
- Pack food separately from clothes, and fill gaps so items cannot move.
Items you usually cannot send by courier
Every country has its own rules, but these are refused or restricted almost everywhere:
- Liquids and gels in large quantities, and anything that can leak
- Perfumes and attar (they contain alcohol and are treated as dangerous goods)
- Batteries, power banks and devices with loose lithium batteries
- Lighters, matches, aerosols and anything flammable
- Cash, gold, jewellery and other valuables
- Medicines without a prescription; and some medicines are banned in certain Gulf countries even with one
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seeds and plants
- Tobacco and alcohol
When in doubt, ask before you pack. Opening a sealed parcel at the counter to remove one item costs everyone time.
Customs and duty at the destination
Every international parcel is checked by customs in the receiving country. Personal gifts of low value often pass without duty, but above certain limits the receiver may have to pay duty or tax before delivery. Gulf countries are strict on medicines and certain food items. Accurate declarations and proper packing are the best way to avoid delays.
How long will it take?
Express courier to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore and Malaysia usually reaches within a few working days after pickup. Europe, the UK and North America take a little longer. Economy and cargo services are slower but cheaper for heavy shipments, such as personal effects when someone is moving abroad.
A quick checklist before you hand it over
- Receiver's address and phone number checked twice.
- Your ID copy ready.
- Contents listed with value; no prohibited items.
- Food sealed and labelled; box strong and full.
- Box measured, so you know the chargeable weight.
Sending something abroad from Madukkur, Pattukkottai or anywhere in Thanjavur district? Quick Path packs it properly, compares services for the best price and gives you tracking. Get a quote on WhatsApp or read about our international cargo service.
Frequently asked questions
How is volumetric weight calculated for international courier?
For most express couriers, volumetric weight is length × width × height in centimetres divided by 5,000. You are charged for whichever is higher, the actual weight or the volumetric weight.
Can I send pickles abroad by courier?
Oily or liquid pickles are often refused because they can leak, and some countries restrict them. Dry, well-sealed foods such as sweets, snacks and spice powders are usually accepted when packed properly.
Can I send perfume or attar by courier?
Generally no. Perfumes and attar contain alcohol and are treated as dangerous goods, so most courier services do not accept them in normal parcels.
Who pays the customs duty on a parcel sent abroad?
Usually the receiver pays any import duty or tax at delivery, depending on the destination country, the contents and the declared value.
Rules, fees and timelines change. This guide is general information; always confirm current requirements with the official source or with us before applying.