International Tracked is Royal Mail's tracked service for parcels going abroad, offering end-to-end tracking and signature on delivery in most destinations. It costs more than International Standard, but for anything a customer has paid real money for, the tracking and compensation are usually worth the premium.
What International Tracked actually includes
International Tracked gives you tracking from acceptance in the UK through to delivery or attempted delivery, plus a signature in many countries. That's the meaningful difference from International Standard, which shows the item leaving the UK and then goes quiet. For customer service, being able to see exactly where a parcel is transforms how you handle 'where is my order' enquiries.
Pricing zones and weight bands
Like International Standard, International Tracked splits the world into Europe and Rest of the World zones, priced by format and weight. The tracked premium over Standard is proportionally largest on light items and narrows as parcels get heavier. For small parcels, the step up is often only a pound or two, which is easy to justify.
Compensation limits by service
International Tracked includes compensation for loss or damage up to a set limit that varies by destination, which is far higher than International Standard's basic cover. If you regularly send higher-value items abroad, check the specific limit for the country you ship to, because it isn't uniform worldwide.
Customs declarations and IOSS
International Tracked parcels still need a CN22 or CN23 customs form, generated automatically in Click & Drop. For orders to the EU under €150, the IOSS scheme lets you collect VAT at checkout and avoid the customer being charged again on delivery. Our customs forms guide covers IOSS and EORI numbers in more detail.
When the tracked premium is clearly worth it
If an item costs more to replace than the tracking upgrade, International Tracked is the rational default. It also protects you in marketplace disputes, where proof of delivery is often the difference between winning and losing a claim. For eBay and Etsy sellers in particular, tracked international postage is effectively mandatory for seller protection.
International Tracked vs International Signed
International Tracked is the modern replacement for the older International Signed service in most markets, combining tracking with a signature. Where both are offered, International Tracked is generally the better buy because full tracking is more useful than a signature alone, which only proves delivery, not where a parcel is mid-transit.
Printing and dispatching International Tracked parcels
International Tracked postage prints as a standard 100 × 150mm label with the barcode and destination address, plus the separate customs form. Because these labels carry more data density than domestic ones, a clean thermal print at the correct darkness setting matters, and it's worth a test print before your first real international batch.
Frequently asked questions
Does International Tracked need a signature? In most destinations International Tracked includes a signature on delivery, though some countries have temporarily relaxed this. Check Royal Mail's country guide for the specific destination.
What is the compensation limit for International Tracked? Compensation for loss or damage is capped at a value that varies by destination country, so check the limit for the specific country you send to before relying on it.
Can I buy International Tracked postage online? Yes, through Royal Mail Click & Drop. The label and customs form print together in a standard 100 × 150mm format.
Tracked labels that scan first time
International barcodes get scanned more often than domestic ones. A sharp 100 × 150mm direct thermal label reduces the chance of a failed scan mid-journey.
Shop 4×6 Labels