Royal mail christmas surcharge

The Royal Mail Christmas surcharge!

Every year, Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, introduces a special surcharge on certain postal services during the holiday season. This surcharge is designed to help cover the increased costs and demand for postal services during Christmas.

Here are the details:

What is the Royal Mail Christmas surcharge?

The surcharge is an additional fee added to the standard postage rates for certain services, including:

  1. First Class Mail (up to 100g)
  2. Second Class Mail (up to 100g)
  3. Special Delivery Guaranteed (up to 100g)
  4. International Standard (up to 100g)

When does the surcharge apply?

The surcharge typically applies from mid-November to mid-January, covering the peak holiday season.

How much is the surcharge?

The surcharge amount varies each year, but it's usually around 5-10p per item, depending on the service and weight.

What services are exempt from the surcharge?

Some services are exempt from the surcharge, including:

  1. Large Letter and Parcels (over 100g)
  2. International Tracked and Signed
  3. International Signed
  4. International Parcel Plus

How can I avoid the surcharge?

To avoid the surcharge, you can:

  1. Use a heavier weight or larger size envelope or parcel
  2. Choose a service that's exempt from the surcharge (e.g., International Tracked and Signed)
  3. Send your items earlier in the year, before the surcharge period starts
  4. Consider using alternative postal services or courier companies

Important notes: