SENDING GIFTS INTERNATIONALLY
What you need to know when sending gifts abroad with Fascord Express. Avoid customs delays, understand inspection rules, and secure frictionless delivery.
WHEN SENDING GIFTS ABROAD, KEEP THIS IN MIND
Please check what items you cannot send to avoid disappointment. Parcels containing prohibited goods will be refused or returned at your expense.
GIFT-WRAPPED ITEMS ARE OPENED
In line with UK Aviation Security Regulations, all parcels, including gift-wrapped boxes, sealed cards, envelopes, and documents will be opened for manual inspection by a qualified Fascord employee, then resealed as carefully as possible. We strongly recommend using open gift bags.
MULTIPLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
You can send a maximum of 2 electronic devices per parcel (such as mobile phones, laptops, or battery-operated toys). These items must be powered down, secured against movement, and packed in strong, rigid packaging to prevent short circuits or accidental activation.
RECEIVER PAYS DUTIES & TAXES
Customs, duties, and import taxes are always payable by the receiver, even when sending gifts. Check with Fascord Customer Support, as some gifts may be delivered tax-free if the total contents value falls below the receiving country's specific duty-free threshold.
MOST COMMON PROHIBITED ITEMS
These popular gift items are either dangerous goods under international transport legislation, or compromise the safety of our air courier network.
No Cash / Money
Sovereign coins, paper currency, checks, bank drafts or monetary instruments.
No Jewellery > £4,000
Precious metals, stones, or high-value personal jewelry over the set threshold.
No Liquid Perfume
Flammable perfumes, aftershaves, and aerosols are classified as hazardous cargo.
No Narcotics / CBD
Illegal drugs, cannabis-derived goods, CBD oils, or counterfeit substances.
No Cigarettes / Tobacco
Strict import duties and transport regulations apply to all tobacco goods.
No Fresh Flowers / Plants
Perishable organic matters and plant biosecurity hazards.
CONTENT DESCRIPTIONS MATTER
We cannot accept vague descriptions. All items inside your parcel need to be listed with exact quantities and the replacement value of each. Study these examples to guarantee standard customs clearance:
| Unacceptable Content Label | Acceptable Declaration Example |
|---|---|
| ✕ “Gift / Present” | ✓ “1x Knitted Woollen Sweater (£45.00)” |
| ✕ “Electronics” | ✓ “1x Refurbished Apple iPhone 13 (Value: £350.00)” |
| ✕ “Toiletries” | ✓ “2x Organic Shea Butter Hand Creams (£12.50 each)” |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about packing, duties, courier inspections, and timing for international gifts.
How do I send a gift internationally with Fascord Express?
To send a gift, you can drop your package off at your nearest Fascord Express Service Point, book a courier parcel collection online via our Quote Tool, or contact our team by phone. Be sure to check customs rules and declare contents accurately.
What items are strictly prohibited as gifts internationally?
Sovereign cash, gold/precious jewellery exceeding £4,000, flammable perfumes, fresh plants, tobacco, counterfeit goods, and CBD products are strictly prohibited and cannot be transported.
Can I send gift-wrapped items?
No, we strongly recommend using open gift bags. In line with UK Aviation Security Regulations, all parcels (including gift-wrapped boxes, cards, and sealed envelopes) will be opened for manual inspection by a qualified employee, and then resealed as carefully as possible.
Will my gift parcel be opened for customs inspection?
Yes. Fascord Express prioritises safety. All parcels, gifts, documents, and cards are subject to manual inspection and/or X-ray imaging by trained airport or depot personnel to ensure they do not contain restricted or hazardous items.
Who pays customs duties and taxes for gift parcels?
Customs duties and tax fees are always payable by the receiver, even when sent as a gift. Please check the recipient country’s tax-free threshold to see if the value falls below the duty-exempt limit.
How many electronic devices can I send in one parcel?
You can send a maximum of 2 electronic devices per parcel (such as mobile phones, tablets, or laptops). They must be powered off, secured against internal movement, and packaged in a strong, rigid outer box to prevent short circuits.
What happens if I send a prohibited item as a gift?
Parcels containing prohibited items will be refused at collection, confiscated at the depot, or in some regulatory cases, destroyed. You may also be subject to fines or carriage holds.
How do I avoid customs clearance delays when sending a gift?
Avoid vague single-word descriptions like "present" or "gift". Provide an exact itemised list with quantities, material compositions (e.g. "1x 100% Cotton Shirt"), and correct replacement values.
Are there size or weight limits for gift shipments?
Yes, standard courier parcels have a weight limit of 30kg per individual item. For oversized, heavy, or palletised shipments, please consult our Large & Heavy Cargo desk.
Can the receiver track the gift shipment online?
Absolutely. Once booked, a 10-digit tracking code (e.g. FAS-12345678) is generated. Both you and the receiver can monitor live courier transit status in real-time on our home tracking page.
Ready to Send Your Gift?
Calculate custom courier rates, select a convenient local Drop-Off Point, or book collection at your office.