How long do royal mail keep items for
Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has a standard retention period for items that are undelivered or unclaimed. This period varies depending on the type of item and the circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:
- Undelivered mail: Royal Mail typically retains undelivered mail for 12-18 months before it is returned to the sender or destroyed. This includes items that are unable to be delivered due to incorrect or incomplete addresses.
- Unclaimed parcels: For unclaimed parcels, Royal Mail typically retains them for 3-6 months before they are returned to the sender or destroyed. This includes items that are unable to be collected from a Royal Mail delivery office or a customer service point.
- Lost or missing items: If an item is reported lost or missing, Royal Mail will typically retain it for 6-12 months before it is destroyed. This includes items that are reported missing during transit or after delivery.
- Items with a value: For items with a value, such as packages containing valuable goods, Royal Mail may retain them for a longer period, typically up to 2 years, before they are returned to the sender or destroyed.
- Special circumstances: In some cases, Royal Mail may retain items for longer periods if there are special circumstances, such as a dispute over ownership or a request from a law enforcement agency.
It's worth noting that Royal Mail may also retain items for longer periods if they are required for investigation or evidence purposes, such as in cases of fraud or theft.
If you're concerned about an item that has been lost or undelivered, you can contact Royal Mail's customer service team to inquire about its status and potential retention period.