BPOST
SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND SPECIAL FEATURES WHAT TO CONSIDER WITH THE SHIPPING SERVICE PROVIDER bpost
What do you do when shipping with bpost should pay attention
Bpost, short for Belgian Post, is the leading provider of postal and logistics services in Belgium and plays a central role in national and international shipping. As a modern service provider, bpost offers much more than traditional letter delivery: The company has developed into an important player in e-commerce logistics and parcel delivery. With an extensive network of post offices, parcel machines and delivery options, bpost serves both private individuals and companies. The services range from the delivery of letters, parcels and registered mail to tailor-made logistics solutions for online retailers. In addition, bpost offers innovative services such as CO₂-neutral delivery, digital mail management and flexible collection and delivery options that are tailored to customer needs.
general information
Like many postal service providers, bpost is facing the challenge of dealing with a declining letter business, while at the same time increasing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly logistics solutions. The company is responding to these changes through digitization, automation and expanding its range of services. The investment in sustainable technologies and low-carbon supply chains shows that bpost wants to continue playing an important role in the postal and logistics sector in the future.
SERVICES
Different shipping methods
Standard delivery from bpost is the ideal choice for shipments that require reliability rather than speed. This service offers a cost-effective way to send letters and parcels securely within Belgium or internationally. Standard shipping shipments are delivered within a clearly defined time frame, with tracking options also available to easily track delivery progress. It is ideal for everyday mail that is not particularly pressed for time.
For particularly urgent shipments, bpost offers express delivery, which impresses with fast delivery times and top priority processing. This service guarantees next working day delivery within Belgium and enables expedited deliveries to many international destinations. Express shipments can be tracked with comprehensive tracking, so customers are always aware of the current status of their delivery. Express delivery is ideal for urgent documents or goods that need to arrive quickly and reliably.
Bpost offers a wide range of shipping services within Belgium. Customers can choose between standard and express options, depending on the urgency of their shipments. In addition, flexible delivery options are available, including delivery to the front door, collection at a post office or delivery to one of the numerous parcel machines in the country. bpost's national shipping is characterized by a high level of reliability and is supported by a dense logistics network, which ensures fast and efficient delivery.
bpost's international delivery enables private and business customers to send letters and parcels to over 220 countries worldwide. Through cooperation with international partners, bpost ensures smooth processing and a wide range of shipping options, ranging from cost-effective standard delivery to fast express deliveries. Customers benefit from transparent tracking options and a reliable service that brings their international shipments safely to their destination. International shipping from bpost is particularly attractive for e-commerce companies and private individuals who frequently process global shipments.
shipping information
When shipping with bpost, it is important to observe the permitted package sizes and weight limits, as these can vary depending on the shipping method and destination country. bPost offers various package sizes and weight classes for shipping parcels within Germany and internationally.
- XS package: up to a weight of 2kg The longest side must not exceed 150cm and the strap size may be max. 300cm
- Package S: between 2 and 5kg. The longest side must not exceed 150cm and the strap size may be max 300cm
- Package M: between 5 and 10kg. The longest side must not exceed 150cm and the strap size may be max 300cm
- Package L: between 10 and 20kg. The longest side must not exceed 150cm and the strap size may be max 300cm
- XL package: between 20 and 30kg. The longest side must not exceed 150cm and the strap size may be max 300cm
With bpost, parcels can be sent within Belgium starting at a price of 5,00€ (when shipped to a collection point). Internationally, parcels can be sent without tracking starting at 11,60€. Shipping prices at BPost vary depending on package size, weight, shipping destination (national or international) and the service selected (e.g. standard or express delivery).
PACKAGING GUIDELINES
Bpost has clear packaging guidelines which are intended to ensure that shipments reach recipients undamaged and on time. Careful packaging is crucial to ensure the safety of the goods during transport. These guidelines concern the choice of packaging material, the correct sealing of the shipment and the identification of sensitive contents.
- choice of packaging material
Bpost recommends choosing robust and sturdy outer packaging for every shipment. The packaging should be neither too big nor too small and sturdy enough to withstand loads during transport. For heavy or sensitive goods, it is recommended to use double-walled cardboard, which provides additional protection. Packaging that has already been used and shows signs of wear such as cracks or dents should be avoided as it is less stable and increases the risk of transport damage.
- Padding and protecting the content
The contents of the shipment should be protected from shocks using suitable cushioning materials — such as bubble wrap, foam or wrapping paper. bPost recommends upholstery sensitive goods in such a way that they have no room for movement within the package. There should be a gap of at least five centimeters between the contents and the packaging wall to provide protection against shocks and pressure.
- Seal the package correctly
Securely closing the package is another important point. It is advisable to secure the package connections with strong adhesive tape, especially at the edges and openings of the box. For heavy packages, wide, reinforced adhesive tape is recommended, which provides additional stability and prevents the shipment from being opened unintentionally. An “H” closure, which covers both the edges and the central surfaces, ensures optimum safety.
- Correct labeling
If the shipment contains sensitive or fragile content, this should be clearly visible on the outside with an appropriate sticker (“Be careful with glass” or “fragile”). bpost points out that although such information encourages careful handling, it does not guarantee particularly gentle transport. Good padding is therefore still essential. Bulky packages or packages that are not rectangular (e.g. rolls or very large objects) are treated as bulky goods at bpost and cost extra. Such packages should be securely packaged and marked so that they can be handled correctly in the depot.
- packaging for special requirements
BPost also offers special packaging solutions for special requirements, for example for shipping electronics, liquids or other sensitive goods. Customers can also purchase mailing bags, shipping boxes and boxes directly from BPost, which comply with the guidelines and are optimally designed for transport.
- Place the address label clearly
Place the address label in a prominent place and make sure that it is completely legible and not damaged. Remove old mailing labels or other labels to avoid confusion.
Customs & import regulations
When shipping internationally with bpost, customs and import regulations are crucial to ensure a smooth process. All shipments sent to Belgium must comply with applicable customs regulations. On arrival, customs will check the shipments and goods must be accompanied by a customs declaration with details of content, value and origin. bpost provides customs clearance that simplifies this process, although in some cases additional information may be required. Customs duties and import taxes apply to shipments from non-EU countries, with fees calculated based on the value, type and origin of the consignment. bpost informs the recipient of the costs to be paid in the Rule must be paid before delivery. There are no customs duties within the EU, but there are also certain regulations here. There are also prohibited and restricted goods that may not be shipped, such as drugs or dangerous substances. To ensure smooth customs clearance, all international shipments must be provided with a customs declaration and a tracking number. In summary, bpost ensures that international shipments are processed efficiently, and compliance with customs and import regulations is crucial to avoid delays.
Insurance and liability
Insurance and liability options vary depending on the shipping method and value of the package. National and international packages up to 500€ are insured for standard delivery, although bpost's liability is usually limited to the actual value of the goods. If the value of a package exceeds standard insurance coverage or higher coverage is required, customers can take out additional transport insurance. This insurance covers damage or loss during transport and offers extended protection for valuable or fragile shipments. bpost's liability for damaged or lost packages is generally limited to the specified value of the goods and the conditions set out in the contract. In cases where the customer has taken out insurance, bpost assumes responsibility in accordance with the insurance conditions. Certain exceptions must be considered, such as damage caused by improper packaging or inaccurate declarations. It is important that the sender and recipient check the shipment for possible damage upon receipt and report it immediately if necessary. bpost provides clear guidelines for dealing with damaged shipments and applying for compensation.
Shipping & delivery service
Delivery times at bpost vary depending on the shipping method, destination and service selected. For national shipments within Belgium, bpost usually offers delivery the next working day, although in some cases delivery is also possible within 1 to 2 working days, depending on the region and type of service selected. For international shipments, delivery times depend on the distance and destination country. Depending on the destination, standard delivery abroad can take between 3 and 10 working days, while express delivery enables significantly faster delivery, often within 1 to 3 working days, depending on the destination country. For parcel services with higher service levels, such as delivery with signature or special additional options, delivery times may also change, as these often require additional handling and security measures. Express or express shipments, on the other hand, are faster and offer the opportunity to receive parcels much faster. With bpost, specific delivery times may also vary for shipments that have to be picked up from parcel shops, as these depend on the opening times of the respective branches. In general, bpost strives for reliable and punctual delivery, although the exact delivery time can always be influenced by external factors such as holidays, weather conditions and seasonal peak loads.
bpost's shipment tracking enables customers to track the status of their shipments in real time at any time. As soon as a package has been shipped, the sender receives a tracking number that allows them to monitor the entire journey of the package online, from collection to delivery. This number can be entered on the bPost website or used in the bPost app to get detailed information about the shipment. Both the current location of the package and the expected delivery time are displayed so that the recipient is always informed.
For international shipments, bpost offers similarly precise tracking, with the status also updated in real time so that the customer is aware of the transport process and the time of delivery in the destination country. This service ensures transparency and offers both senders and recipients a high level of planning security. If there are any questions or problems during shipping, customers can directly access the shipment tracking to check the progress of their delivery and, if necessary, react quickly when resolving delivery issues.
Bpost offers a variety of delivery options that make shipping even more flexible and convenient. Depending on the needs of the sender and recipient, different delivery methods can be selected to ensure a smooth delivery. For national shipments within Belgium, standard delivery is usually the next working day. If necessary, however, delivery can also be made to a desired address different from the standard address, such as the recipient's workplace or another address where the recipient can be reached during the day.
For international shipments, bpost offers various options, including express delivery services, which enable significantly faster delivery, often within 1 to 3 working days, depending on the destination country. For shipments with a signature, the package is only handed over to the recipient, who must sign, which provides additional security during delivery. If required, parcels can also be made available for collection in a parcel shop so that the recipient can receive the delivery at a time that is convenient for them. The notification service ensures even more flexible delivery, which informs the recipient of the status of their shipment via SMS or e-mail, so that they know at any time when the package will be delivered or when they can pick it up at a parcel shop. Overall, bpost offers a wide range of delivery options that make the shipping process efficient and customer-friendly.
The return and return options at bpost offer an easy and efficient way to return packages, whether due to an exchange, return or order errors. Especially for online shoppers, this service is an important part of the shopping experience, as it allows returns to be processed easily. Customers can return their items quickly and easily with a return label, which in many cases they can receive directly from the seller or request online via bpost. The return can either be made by post, by dropping off the package at a BPost branch, or using the bpost pick-up service, which picks up the package directly from the customer. This flexibility makes returns much easier and saves time, as the customer does not have to go to the post office separately. For international returns, bpost also offers various solutions to process returns cost-effectively and easily.
Another advantage of bpost's return options is shipment tracking, which allows customers to monitor the status of their return in real time and ensure that the goods are returned without any problems.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Shipping costs for prohibited or restricted items
Some prohibited or restricted items are subject to specific customs regulations. This may result in additional customs fees, processing fees, or documentation costs to meet legal requirements. These shipments may also take longer to process.
If a shipment contains prohibited or restricted items that are either illegal or violate the regulations of the destination country, bpost can confiscate the shipment and, in the worst case, destroy it.
This is done in accordance with legal requirements and to prevent crime, such as shipping drugs, weapons or other dangerous materials.
Shipping prohibited or improperly declared items may result in legal consequences, including fines or penalties for the sender, depending on destination country regulations and international shipping regulations.
What are dangerous goods and prohibited objects?
Dispatch of lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are only allowed if they are securely installed and packaged in the device. conditions:
• Max 4 cells or 2 batteries per pack.
• Lithium-ion: max. 20 Wh per cell, 100 Wh per battery.
• Lithium metal: max. 1 g lithium per cell, 2 g per battery.
• Only tested and intact batteries are allowed. Defective or damaged batteries are prohibited.
Examples of accepted devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops (integrated battery), cameras, drills. Not accepted: e-bikes, power banks, external laptop batteries.
Some countries (such as Italy) do not accept lithium batteries — please check first. Other types of batteries, such as alkaline manganese or NiMH, can be shipped securely packaged without devices.
Landmark Global allows some dangerous goods to be transported exclusively by road in accordance with ADR regulations for limited quantities (chapter 3.4).
Application process:
1. Request a form: Download the “Dangerous Goods Request Form” from the customer portal or contact your account manager.
2. Fill out the form: Send it to your account manager with the safety data sheets (SDS) of the products.
3. Verification: Landmark Global and partners are checking whether shipping is possible.
4. Approval: If the test is positive, you will receive permission for transportation.
Preparing the broadcast:
1. Packing:
• Dangerous goods must be packaged in robust, secure packaging with internal containers.
• Maximum 30 kg gross per package.
• Liquids require sufficient filling space and must be sealed in a leak-proof manner.
• Packaging must be secured with suitable filling material.
2nd marking:
• Each package must have the ADR “Limited Quantities” symbol (at least 50 x 50 mm).
• The sender and recipient addresses and orientation arrows (for liquids) must be attached.
Prohibited dangerous goods:
The shipment of certain classes of dangerous goods is excluded, including:
• Class 1 (Explosive): fireworks, ammunition.
• Class 2 (gases): camping gas, spray cans.
• Class 3 (flammable liquids): alcohol > 24%, gasoline, paints.
• Class 4 (Flammable Solids): matches, magnesium.
• Class 5 (oxidant): bleach, disinfectant.
• Class 6 (Toxic): Arsenic, pesticides, contaminated medical waste.
• Class 7 (radioactive): Medical isotopes.
• Class 8 (Corrosive): acids, mercury.
• Class 9 (Other): Magnetized goods, dry ice.
Examples of prohibited items:
Aerosol cans, batteries (defective or unsafe), ammunition, toxic chemicals, explosive materials, flammable liquids, or solids..
contact
Telephone customer service
bpost's customer service is the central point of contact for all general questions relating to sending parcels, letters or other postal services. You can contact customer service by calling +32 (0) 2 201 11 11 if you are calling from Belgium. Alternatively, you can email your request to info@bpost.be.
Online contact:
There is also a contact form available on the official bpost website, which enables you to address your request specifically and directly to customer service. bpost is active on various social media platforms to get in touch with customers and provide quick support. You can reach BPost customer service via Facebook using the handle @bpost .be. You can ask questions or clarify concerns on Twitter at @bpost_help. If you're looking for visual impressions of BPost services or have any questions, you can also get in touch with the team via Instagram (@bpost_be). Social media is a quick way to get answers to common questions.
If you are looking for a BPost branch near you to drop off, pick up or use other postal services, you can do so via the BPost website. There you will find a branch search that allows you to quickly find the nearest branch in your area. These branches also offer you personal advice and assistance with all issues related to sending or receiving shipments.