No movement on my parcel to India

[mattytman]

Hi guys,

I've read almost every thread on here that is in any way similar to my current predicament.

Tracking Number is RU811962443GB. The track details via RM provide this information:

Your item, posted on 05/02/18 with reference RU811962443GB has been received at our international mail centre and is being made ready for despatch overseas.

I've contacted Royal Mail on the phone -- they can't help at the moment. They said to wait until March 12th and, if my parcel still has not arrived in India, I can claim for a lost item.

I've contact them via Twitter and was politely told the same thing.

What seems a little 'different' about my current problem is that the tracking information doesn't seem to even suggested it has been given a 'mail category'. I paid over £19 to get it shipped. I wrote a customs form detailing the contents. It was a Valentine's parcel of gifts. A few cards, two children's tee shirts, a book, a keyring (securely fastened). And I bubble wrapped loose items inside in order to keep the parcel secure. It just about fit neatly into the 'Small Parcel' category. It weighed 1.37 kg.

I have previously sent three parcels to India, all of which were ISF. Via the indiapost.gov website, I was able to track their progress. What concerns me this time is that the parcel seems to have no 'Mail Catergory' and nothing in terms of a 'Next Destination'. It doesn't even say 'TO' India.

Do I assume this is stuck in Heathrow Customs and will (eventually) make it's way through the system?

Here are the screenshots from the various tracking websites. I'm honestly not expecting magic wand answers from anyone. Just a little educated guess as to if this is 'normal' if it were held up in UK Customs?! Many thanks guys.


India Post -- No 'Location', 'Mail Category' or 'Next Office'

Screenshot (16).png

Parcel Monitor -- 'In Transit'

Screenshot (15).png

IPS -- Location (blank). Mail category (Unknown). Next Office (Unknown).

Screenshot (13).png

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The Royal Mail tracking site says its an International Signed for item. That may mean that India Post won't scan it till it arrives at its destination, at least thats how we do their reciprocal items, and our own "Signed for" items.

In the UK signed for items aren't typically tracked until the delivery point, it may be the same for India.

[mattytman]

The Royal Mail tracking site says its an International Signed for item. That may mean that India Post won't scan it till it arrives at its destination, at least thats how we do their reciprocal items, and our own "Signed for" items.

In the UK signed for items aren't typically tracked until the delivery point, it may be the same for India.

Thanks TrueBlueTerrier. Is it normal for it not be assigned a mail category or next destination? That's my main concern. All my other ISF parcels have arrived in their alloted 5-7 working days. But this one has already been 9. It is a bigger parcel, though. Many thanks again.

[Snaggletooth]

Do I assume this is stuck in Heathrow Customs and will (eventually) make it's way through the system?

No, outward parcels don't pass through UK customs.

What does happen at this stage of the process is that RM check the contents against the International Dangerous Goods regulations and the list of banned items for the receiving country. If you look at the India page on the Royal Mail website (https://www.royalmail.com/india" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and check under 'restrictions' you will find the following:

• Silk.
• Raw silk. See # entry below
• Silk fabric. See # entry below
• Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric
• Wool fabric. See # entry below.
• Cotton
• Raw cotton and cotton. See # entry below.
• Cotton man-made fibre.
Consumer goods
Not permitted to be imported except against a licence or in accordance with a Public Notice issued on this behalf.
• Other vegetable textile fibres, paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn
• Coir (fibre/yarn/fabric).
# Not permitted to be imported except against a licence or in accordance with a Public Notice issued on this behalf.

To put that another way, India do not allow fabric of many types into the country, at least not without the appropriate permit attached to the parcel. Royal Mail are probably doing their duty here, trying to work out if the contents of your parcel contravene the above regulation. Even if the t-shirts aren't covered by the above, they may need to have a darn good look at them to make sure. This tends to take time.

[mattytman]

Snaggletooth... this makes so much sense! Thank you. Yes. They were wrapped in birthday paper inside the parcel...so I'm guessing they'll be opened and inspected.

I know we have our faults here, but I'm proud of security procedures etc. I see no problem in it at all.

Can you perhaps tell me one more thing?! If one item contravened the India set regulations...would RM remove that item and send the parcel to India...or send the whole package back to me?

I will be sending more things to India throughout the year so this information really is so helpful. You're all legends. Thank you

• Silk.
• Raw silk. See # entry below
• Silk fabric. See # entry below
• Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric
• Wool fabric. See # entry below.
• Cotton
• Raw cotton and cotton. See # entry below.
• Cotton man-made fibre.
Consumer goods
Not permitted to be imported except against a licence or in accordance with a Public Notice issued on this behalf.
• Other vegetable textile fibres, paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn
• Coir (fibre/yarn/fabric).
# Not permitted to be imported except against a licence or in accordance with a Public Notice issued on this behalf.

To put that another way, India do not allow fabric of many types into the country, at least not without the appropriate permit attached to the parcel. Royal Mail are probably doing their duty here, trying to work out if the contents of your parcel contravene the above regulation. Even if the t-shirts aren't covered by the above, they may need to have a darn good look at them to make sure. This tends to take time.