International Speed Post: Features, Rates & Benefits

In today’s world, the need for reliable and efficient international shipping services is more important than ever. If you have a business and are looking to send products to foreign locations or customers, having a reliable postal service is important. International Speed Post, also referred to as EMS (Express Mail Service), is a premium service brought to you by India Post. It is quite popular among the masses for its fast delivery, cost-effectiveness, and tracking services for documents and merchandise. This blog will further explore the features, benefits, and rates of international speed post service with some tips on how you can use it effectively for business or personal needs.

What is an International Speed Post?

International speed post, also known as Express mail service, is a high-speed international postal service offered by the Department of Post in India. It is designed to provide fast and reliable delivery of packages or documents to different destinations across the globe. India Post has collaborated with other postal administrations and companies providing courier services to ensure efficient and secure delivery to more than 200 foreign destinations.

Features of International Speed Post Service

A range of features makes international speed post service an attractive and efficient option for both personal and business usage. Some of the key characteristics include:

1. Delivery time: International Speed Post is famous for its quick delivery time compared to standard international delivery services. Depending on the package’s destination country, the delivery time can range from 3 to 7 business days.
2. Tracking services: One of the best features of the international speed post is that it provides tracking services. India Post provides a unique tracking number, using which senders can get real-time updates on the progress and location of the package, advanced tracking and tracing facility.
3. Global reach: The international speed post service covers a wide network, allowing businesses to send packages or documents to more than 200 locations around the globe.
4. Insurance options: For extra security and protection, there are insurance options available with international speed post deliveries. In case of any damage or delay due to negligence, loss, or theft, the customers can avail of the insurance coverage provided.
5. Customs clearance guidance: In international speed post-delivery, you can also add customs clearance assistance while booking. This will ensure that your documents are correct and in compliance with the destination country’s regulatory requirements.
6. Special handling of sensitive or fragile goods: Customers can opt for extra care and special handling services provided by International Speed Post-delivery in case a sensitive or fragile item is being shipped. The staff will take care of the goods or package throughout its journey.
7. Temperature-controlled shipping services: The international speed post also offers temperature-controlled shipping options for the shipment of food products, pharmaceuticals, or other temperature-sensitive products.
8. Affordability: International speed post is a premium service provided to customers, but it does not cost a fortune for them to get something delivered.
9. Proof of delivery: This feature is like add-on protection and security in international speed post delivery as it offers proof of delivery to the recipient through a sign, contact details, etc. This feature is useful while shipping important and valuable shipments.
10. Value-added services: India Post provides several value-added services with the international speed post facility. This includes various shipping options, delivery methods, special packaging, warehousing, etc., to meet customers’ different needs.

Rates for International Speed Post

The cost or rate of delivering an item through international speed post depends on different factors including destination country, weight and dimensions of the package, type of the package, delivery route, etc. International delivery from India has some common steps or structure for deciding the rates, a breakdown of it is mentioned below:

1. Zone-based rates: International Speed post delivery rates are commonly structured as per the destination zones. Countries are categorised into specific zones and the rates differentiate from one zone to another. For example:
   • Zone 1: Neighbouring countries
   • Zone 2: Asia and the Far East
   • Zone 3: Europe and the Middle East
   • Zone 4: USA, Canada, Australia
   • Zone 5: Rest of the world

2. Weight-based rates: The weight and dimensions of the package are also important factors in calculating the international shipping rate.
3. Additional charges: Additional services opted by the customer add up to additional charges. For example – If you have opted for extra services like insurance, customs, taxes, special handling, packaging, etc., it will account for additional charges.

If you want to have an estimate of international shipping charges, you can calculate it by using our rate calculator of International Speed Post for 220+ countries and territories.

Country Wise Estimated Air Parcel Tariff

Here are the country-wise air parcel tariffs:

Benefits of International Speed Post

Choosing international speed post for your overseas delivery needs provides multiple benefits, like:

1. Reliability and security: International Speed Post is known for its reliability and security with multiple features like tracking, proof of delivery, insurance, etc. With such benefits, you can make sure that your goods or packages are in safe hands.
2. Speedy delivery: The main advantage of international speed post is that it delivers fast in case of urgent and time-sensitive shipments.
3. Tracking services: They provide you unique tracking IDs, with the help of which you can track your shipments from the moment they are dispatched to the time they are delivered. This increases the transparency between the customers and India Post.
4. Customs guidance: One important benefit of international speed post delivery service is that they provide customs assistance to customers, including documentation and clearance guidance as per international regulations.
5. Global Reach: With a network of 200+ foreign destinations, the international speed post ensures that your package is delivered safely around the world. Products can be delivered to clients in almost any country or region.
6. Small Products Can Be Delivered By Post To Most Zones: The International Speed Post is a reliable and effective means to send your items to overseas locations. Moreover, it is quite affordable compared to private shipping and courier services.
7. Insurance options: India Post also provides insurance options to ensure that your packages are safe and that you will be compensated in case of damages or loss.  

Steps to use International Speed Post efficiently

Using the international speed post service is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the procedure of sending speed post:

1. Packing: Securely pack the item in sturdy boxes or envelopes with bubble wrap or padding.
2. Preparing documents: Prepare all the documents required for shipping and customs clearances. Ensure that each paperwork or certificate is prepared to avoid any delays or issues.
3. Labelling: Label the package clearly with the recipient’s address and contact information. Also, add the return address on the label to ensure it returns to you in case it is not delivered or has any other issues.
4. Visit/ Book the Order: You can either take your package to the nearest post office or book a pickup. They will weigh the package and let you know the applicable rates based on its destination and weight.
5. Choose additional services (if required): You can also choose any additional services like insurance coverage, special handling, special packaging, etc., as per your requirements.
6. Pay and dispatch: You will have to pay the fees applicable to deliver the package and get it dispatched from the origin.
7. Tracking the package: Once the package is dispatched, you will get a tracking number, which can be used to track its status, location, and estimated delivery times.
8. Delivery confirmation: When the package is delivered, it will update you that it is delivered with proof of delivery to the recipient.

To use International speed post services, there are some customs forms and regulations that must be adhered to for an efficient process. The regulations and customs forms may change as per different destinations, but here are some you must be aware of and prepared for:

Customs forms required:

1. Customs declaration form:
   • CN 22: This form is for sending packages with a value less than a specific amount, usually approximately INR 27,000. It contains basic information about the package’s contents.
   • CN 23: This form is for packages of higher value. 

2. Commercial invoice: This document contains detailed information about the shipment, such as its value, description, and quantity of items. It is required for all non-document shipments and their customs clearance process.
3. Performa invoice: It has similar detailed information as a commercial invoice, but it is used for non-commercial items when the shipment is not for sale.
4. Declaration form: Some countries require a declaration form for regulatory and statistical purposes, depending on the value and nature of the goods.
5. Certificate of origin: This document is important for verifying the country of manufacture of the goods and determining applicable taxes and duties.

 Important regulations:

1. Restricted items: Every country has certain items that are prohibited and cannot be shipped under any condition. There are also restricted goods that can only be transported with specific permits.
2. Accurate information: It is important to provide accurate and complete information on all the customs forms and documents to avoid any delays or fines.
3. Tax payment: The customer will be required to pay taxes on the arrival of the shipment in the destination country.
4. Packaging requirements: It is important for a package to meet international packaging and shipping standards to ensure that the products are secured during transportation.
5. Labelling: The package should have the correct labelling, including the address of the sender and recipient, contact information, etc.

With ShiprocketX you can deliver your international shipments across 220+ countries with the help of top international courier partners including International Speed Post. ShiprocketX ensures that you ship with minimum documentation and get complete shipment visibility without any hidden charges. 

Conclusion

International speed post service is important for businesses to thrive in a fast-paced world where speed, reliability, and global reach matter. Such a delivery service not only makes sure that your packages arrive on time to the recipient but also gives you peace of mind by providing multiple features. Understanding the different aspects of international speed post delivery can maximise its benefits for your business. As global commerce is evolving and continuing to expand, international speed post remains a key factor in providing cross border deliveries, increasing connectivity around the world, and supporting economic growth. 

Subscribe to our newsletter

Be the first to receive exclusive offers and the latest news on our products and services directly in your inbox.