How long does the royal mail keep parcels
The Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has a standard retention period for parcels, which varies depending on the type of service used and the value of the item. Here are some general guidelines:
- Standard Parcels: For standard parcels, the Royal Mail typically retains them for 12 months from the date of posting. After this period, they may be destroyed or disposed of.
- Signed For Parcels: For signed-for parcels, the Royal Mail retains them for 12 months from the date of delivery. If the parcel is not collected within this timeframe, it may be returned to the sender or disposed of.
- Tracked Parcels: For tracked parcels, the Royal Mail retains them for 12 months from the date of delivery. If the parcel is not collected within this timeframe, it may be returned to the sender or disposed of.
- High-Value Parcels: For high-value parcels (those valued at £500 or more), the Royal Mail retains them for 12 months from the date of delivery. If the parcel is not collected within this timeframe, it may be returned to the sender or disposed of.
- Special Delivery Parcels: For Special Delivery parcels, the Royal Mail retains them for 12 months from the date of delivery. If the parcel is not collected within this timeframe, it may be returned to the sender or disposed of.
It's worth noting that these retention periods may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the parcel and the agreement between the sender and the Royal Mail. Additionally, if a parcel is undeliverable or cannot be returned to the sender, it may be disposed of after a reasonable period.
If you're concerned about the status of a parcel or want to retrieve a parcel that's been retained by the Royal Mail, you can contact their customer service team for assistance.