How long before royal mail return to sender

Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has a standard policy for handling undeliverable mail, including returns to sender. The time it takes for Royal Mail to return a parcel to the sender can vary depending on several factors, including the type of mail, the reason for return, and the efficiency of the sender's address.

Here are some general guidelines on how long it may take for Royal Mail to return a parcel to the sender:

1. Standard Mail: For standard mail items, such as letters and small packets, Royal Mail typically returns them to the sender within 2-4 weeks if they are unable to deliver them.
2. Parcels: For parcels, the return process can take longer, typically between 4-6 weeks. This is because parcels often require more processing and handling before they can be returned to the sender.
3. International Mail: For international mail, the return process can take even longer, typically between 6-12 weeks or more, depending on the destination country and the efficiency of the postal services involved.

It's worth noting that Royal Mail may also attempt to contact the sender to confirm the return address and any additional instructions before returning the parcel.

If you're concerned about a parcel that has been returned to sender, you can contact Royal Mail's customer service team to inquire about the status of your parcel and the expected return date.