Item has left the overseas International Processing Centre

What this status means

The parcel has been processed at a sorting centre outside the UK and has now left it. It is on its way towards the UK, usually by air or road freight. Royal Mail shows this line when the sending country's postal operator scans the parcel out of its international processing centre and passes it on for export.

Is my package delayed?

No, this message by itself is normal. It is a routine step for any parcel coming from abroad. International legs often have few scans, so the tracking can stay quiet for longer than the previous steps while the parcel travels. That alone is not a sign of a problem.

What happens next

The parcel travels to the UK and is scanned on arrival, usually at a Royal Mail international hub. It then goes through customs processing, which may add a scan or two, before moving into the domestic network for delivery to your address.

What you can do

• Wait and keep checking the tracking. The next update normally appears once the parcel reaches the UK.
• Be ready for possible customs charges, depending on what the parcel contains and its value. Royal Mail will tell you if anything is due.
• If the tracking has not changed for longer than usual, ask the seller first, as they hold the shipping records.
• When you contact the seller or Royal Mail, have your tracking number and order details ready.