How long do royal mail keep recorded parcels

Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, typically retains recorded parcels for a certain period of time before they are destroyed or disposed of. The exact retention period may vary depending on the type of service used and the contents of the parcel. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Standard Recorded Delivery: Royal Mail typically retains recorded parcels for 12 months from the date of posting.
2. Signed For Delivery: For parcels sent using Signed For Delivery, Royal Mail retains the parcel for 12 months from the date of delivery.
3. Special Delivery Guaranteed: For parcels sent using Special Delivery Guaranteed, Royal Mail retains the parcel for 12 months from the date of delivery.
4. International Tracked and Signed: For international parcels sent using International Tracked and Signed, Royal Mail retains the parcel for 12 months from the date of delivery.

It's worth noting that Royal Mail may retain parcels for longer periods in certain circumstances, such as:

• If the parcel is the subject of a dispute or investigation
• If the parcel contains valuable or sensitive items
• If the parcel is part of a larger investigation or inquiry

If you need to retrieve a recorded parcel that has been lost or damaged, you should contact Royal Mail as soon as possible to report the issue. They will investigate and may be able to provide a replacement or compensation.

It's also important to keep a record of your parcel's tracking number and any relevant documentation, as this can help facilitate the retrieval process.