Do parcels sent by royal mail need sender address

According to Royal Mail's guidelines, the answer is:

Yes, parcels sent by Royal Mail typically require a sender's address.

Here's why:

  1. Tracking and delivery: A sender's address is essential for tracking and delivering your parcel. Royal Mail uses this information to identify the sender and deliver the parcel to the correct address.
  2. Return to sender: If the parcel cannot be delivered to the recipient, Royal Mail will return it to the sender's address. Without a sender's address, it would be difficult for Royal Mail to return the parcel.
  3. Compliance with regulations: Royal Mail is required to comply with regulations, such as the EU's Postal Services Directive, which mandates that postal operators provide a return address for all mail items.

That being said, there are some exceptions where a sender's address might not be required:

  1. International mail: For international mail, Royal Mail may not require a sender's address if the parcel is sent using a service that doesn't require tracking, such as airmail or surface mail.
  2. Special services: Some special services, like Royal Mail's "Special Delivery" or "Signed For" services, may not require a sender's address if the recipient's address is provided.

In summary, while there might be some exceptions, it's generally recommended to include a sender's address on your parcel when sending it through Royal Mail to ensure smooth delivery and tracking.