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As the UK steps into another year, Royal Mail has announced a significant price revision across its domestic and international services.
Effective from April 2025, these updates impact everything from letter postage to tracked international parcels.
Whether you’re a business owner managing regular shipments or an individual sending occasional parcels, staying informed about the Royal Mail price increase 2025 is essential for avoiding surprises at the counter.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the new prices, explains key changes, and provides a complete overview of what to expect when sending mail throughout the UK and abroad.
Royal Mail Price Changes in 2025
The 2025 Royal Mail pricing overhaul affects a broad spectrum of mailing services, reflecting the evolving costs of logistics and global shipping infrastructure. From standard letters to heavyweight international parcels, users will notice noticeable changes in postage fees.
This year’s increase has been influenced by several factors, including fuel prices, inflation, network investment, and a higher volume of tracked mail, which demands additional infrastructure and customer service support.
Services that have undergone pricing updates include:
- Domestic First and Second Class Letters
- Royal Mail Tracked® 24 and 48 Services
- Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®
- International Tracked, Signed, Tracked & Signed, and Economy
- Online and retail postage services
Royal Mail continues to incentivise users to adopt online channels such as Click & Drop®, offering lower prices compared to over-the-counter rates at Post Office branches.
What Will be the New Prices for Domestic Services in the UK?
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm®
Royal Mail’s premium guaranteed next-day service has seen adjustments, particularly in weight-based pricing. All Special Delivery items come with varying levels of compensation.
| Weight | Up to £750 | Up to £1,000 | Up to £2,500 |
| 100g | £8.15 | £11.15 | £18.15 |
| 1kg | £10.35 | £13.35 | £20.35 |
| 20kg | £22.55 | £25.55 | £32.55 |
Note: All prices are VAT-exempt.
Royal Mail Tracked® Services – Tracked 24 & Tracked 48
Both Tracked 24 (faster) and Tracked 48 (economical) services offer full tracking and optional SMS/email notifications.
| Size | Weight | Tracked 24 | Tracked 48 |
| Large Letter | 1kg | £3.60 | £2.70 |
| Small Parcel | 2kg | £4.29 | £3.45 |
| Medium Parcel | 10kg | £7.90 | £6.80 |
| 20kg | £12.60 | £10.80 |
Tracked with Signature and Tracked with Age Verification services are also available with added layers of security and verification, ideal for regulated goods.
Updated UK Size & Weight Guide for 2025
Knowing correct dimensions ensures your item is priced appropriately:
- Letter: 24cm x 16.5cm x 0.5cm | Up to 100g
- Large Letter: 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm | Up to 750g
- Small Parcel: 45cm x 35cm x 16cm | Up to 2kg
- Medium Parcel: 61cm x 46cm x 46cm | Up to 20kg
For cylinders and tubes: Length + twice the diameter must not exceed 104cm.
International Mailing Prices and Updates
International Tracked Services
Fully tracked and available for over 55 countries via Click & Drop®, the International Tracked service includes compensation of up to £50 (with optional upgrade to £250).
Example Prices for Small Parcels (Europe Zone 1):
| Weight | Price |
| 250g | £8.75 |
| 1kg | £10.75 |
| 2kg | £11.75 |
Prices vary by region (Europe Zones 1–3 and World Zones 1–3). For example, Canada (World Zone 1) small parcel up to 2kg is now £23.85, while Australia (World Zone 2) is £25.10.
International Tracked & Signed
Provides full tracking with delivery confirmation and signature on arrival.
Example Prices for Large Letters (Europe)
| Weight | Price |
| 100g | £9.95 |
| 500g | £11.20 |
| 750g | £11.70 |
World Zone rates vary from £11.15 to over £19 depending on location and weight.
International Signed
Tracked within the UK, signed upon delivery overseas, this service reaches over 155 countries.
- Small Parcel to Europe (1kg): £14.00
- Small Parcel to World Zone 2 (2kg): £33.70
International Untracked (Standard)
A reliable, low-cost solution for non-urgent items.
| Destination | 1kg Price |
| Europe Zone 1 | £10.35 |
| World Zone 1 | £20.00 |
| World Zone 3 | £22.85 |
Includes compensation up to £20.
International Economy
Ideal for printed materials and non-urgent shipments:
- Small Parcel (2kg): £20.20
- Large Letter (750g): £10.25
- Letters can be sent only outside Europe.
What Are the Prohibited and Restricted Goods?
To ensure the safety of postal workers, the public, and international transport carriers, Royal Mail enforces strict rules regarding what can and cannot be sent through its network. These regulations are based on both national legislation and international postal agreements and apply to domestic and international shipments.
Certain items are completely prohibited, meaning they are not allowed in any form under any circumstances. Others are restricted, meaning they may be sent only if specific conditions are met, such as quantity limits or special packaging requirements.
Sending prohibited or non-compliant items can result in confiscation, return to sender, or in serious cases, legal action. This is especially important when posting internationally, where goods must also comply with the destination country’s import laws.
Examples of Prohibited Items:
| Category | Examples | Postal Rule |
| Flammable Items | Lighter fuel, petrol, nail varnish | Completely prohibited |
| Explosives | Fireworks, ammunition, party poppers | Completely prohibited |
| Gases | Butane, propane, compressed air | Completely prohibited |
| Weapons & Tools | Knives, imitation firearms, blades | Restricted or prohibited |
| Hazardous Materials | Corrosive substances, bleach, pesticides | Prohibited unless authorised |
| Batteries | Loose lithium batteries, power banks | Restricted – packaging rules |
| Alcohol & Perfumes | Perfumes, aftershaves, spirits | Limited to certain destinations only |
| Currency & Valuables | Banknotes, coins, traveller’s cheques | Prohibited in most cases internationally |
It is essential for all senders, particularly businesses dealing in eCommerce, to regularly consult Royal Mail’s guidelines. As rules change depending on destination, weight, and method of transport (air vs. surface), being informed helps avoid costly errors.
Packaging must also follow safety protocols, especially when sending restricted items under exemption (e.g. limited volumes of lithium batteries within electronic devices).
What Are the Customs Declarations and Data Requirements?
With evolving international shipping standards, accurate customs declarations and electronic data are now mandatory for most international mail sent through Royal Mail.
These rules have become more stringent due to global trade agreements, heightened security protocols, and regulatory shifts post-Brexit.
Whether you’re sending a personal gift or commercial goods, providing full and correct customs information is now a critical part of the mailing process.
Key Guidelines for Customs Compliance
The requirements for customs forms and electronic data submission depend on where the item is being sent from and to:
| Origin | Destination | Required Information |
| Great Britain (GB) | Any international country | Full customs declaration + electronic data |
| Northern Ireland (NI) | European Union (EU) | Electronic customs data only |
| Northern Ireland (NI) | Non-EU countries | Full customs declaration + electronic data |
Each customs declaration must include:
- Detailed description of each item in the package
- Item value and currency
- HS tariff code (optional for gifts but required for goods)
- Reason for export (e.g. gift, sale, sample)
- Sender and recipient contact details
Royal Mail provides CN22 and CN23 forms for physical customs declarations, depending on parcel value and weight. The CN22 form is required for items under £270, while CN23 is used for higher value goods.
For parcels generated through Royal Mail’s online services, these details are often integrated digitally and printed onto the shipping label.
Importance of Accurate Customs Data
Inaccurate or incomplete customs declarations can lead to:
- Delays at customs in the destination country
- Return to sender without refund
- Additional charges for the recipient
- Legal issues or permanent bans from international shipping services
For businesses, particularly those involved in cross-border commerce, using software platforms that integrate directly with Royal Mail’s systems can streamline customs form creation and reduce human error.
Maintaining compliance also helps avoid customer dissatisfaction caused by undelivered parcels or unexpected import duties. Customs transparency has become a key trust factor in online retail, particularly with non-UK buyers.
Comparison Table: Domestic & International Rate Changes (2024 vs. 2025)
| Service | 2024 Price | 2025 Price | Increase |
| 1st Class Stamp | £1.10 | £1.25 | +£0.15 |
| Special Delivery (1kg) | £9.85 | £10.35 | +£0.50 |
| Tracked 24 – Small Parcel | £3.90 | £4.29 | +£0.39 |
| International Tracked Letter | £7.85 | £8.10 | +£0.25 |
| International Signed Parcel 1kg | £13.20 | £14.00 | +£0.80 |
How Businesses and Individuals Can Prepare?
- Switch to Online Postage: Save money with online discounts through Click & Drop®
- Audit Mailing Practices: Send parcels more efficiently
- Use Tracked Options: Reduces the risk of loss and ensures visibility
- Check for Custom Rules: Especially when sending internationally
Conclusion
The Royal Mail price increase 2025 introduces new rates across the board, aimed at sustaining service levels in a changing economic environment. Whether you’re sending across the UK or internationally, it’s crucial to understand updated rates, customs requirements, and service options.
For full accuracy, always check the official Royal Mail 2025 Price Guide and stay ahead of mailing requirements to avoid disruptions.
FAQs About Royal Mail Price
Why has Royal Mail increased its postage prices in 2025?
The price hike reflects increased fuel, operational, and staffing costs as Royal Mail maintains service quality amidst a challenging logistics climate.
Are there discounts for online postage through Royal Mail?
Yes, online pricing through Click & Drop® is cheaper than Post Office rates for most services, especially Tracked and Special Delivery options.
What is the difference between Tracked 24 and Tracked 48?
Tracked 24 is a faster service typically delivering the next working day, while Tracked 48 delivers within two working days at a lower cost.
How are international zones determined by Royal Mail?
International destinations are categorised into Europe Zones 1–3 and World Zones 1–3 based on geography and delivery logistics.
What compensation is included with Royal Mail services?
Compensation varies by service. Most tracked services include £50–£150, while Special Delivery offers up to £2,500 depending on the paid tier.
Do I need to fill out a customs form for every international parcel?
Yes, except when sending from Northern Ireland to the EU. All other international parcels require a declaration and electronic data.
What items are restricted or prohibited from being posted?
Items like flammable substances, certain batteries, and sharp tools are prohibited. Full lists are available on the Royal Mail website.