How long do they keep packages in royal mail

Royal Mail, like many other postal services, has specific guidelines for holding and processing packages. The length of time they keep packages can vary depending on several factors, including the type of service used, the package's origin and destination, and the package's contents. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Standard Delivery: For standard delivery, Royal Mail typically holds packages for 15 working days (Monday to Friday) before attempting to deliver them. If the package is not delivered within this timeframe, it will be returned to the sender.
  2. Signed For Delivery: For signed-for delivery, Royal Mail holds packages for 20 working days (Monday to Friday) before attempting to deliver them. If the package is not delivered within this timeframe, it will be returned to the sender.
  3. Special Delivery: For special delivery, Royal Mail holds packages for 30 working days (Monday to Friday) before attempting to deliver them. If the package is not delivered within this timeframe, it will be returned to the sender.
  4. International Mail: For international mail, Royal Mail typically holds packages for 20-30 working days (Monday to Friday) before attempting to deliver them. The exact holding period may vary depending on the destination country and the type of service used.
  5. Holding Period for Undeliverable Packages: If a package is undeliverable due to an incorrect address or other issues, Royal Mail will hold it for a maximum of 30 working days (Monday to Friday) before returning it to the sender.

Please note that these are general guidelines and may vary depending on specific circumstances. If you're concerned about the status of a package, you can contact Royal Mail's customer service team for more information.