Change in PostNL Surcharge Criteria 2025
PostNL applies specific surcharges for parcels that deviate from standard processing criteria. On this page, you can find all the information about the different surcharges and their associated criteria. This way, you can avoid surprises on your invoice.
On the PostNL Surcharges page, you’ll find an overview of all applicable surcharges.
Surcharge for Non-Standard Handling and Heavy Non-Standard Handling
A package will incur the Non-Standard Handling surcharge if it meets one or more of the criteria listed in the “Surcharge Criteria” table. This surcharge is applied when a package cannot be processed through the sorting machine without manual assistance—for example, due to instability or protruding parts. Non-standard handling may delay the delivery time of your package.
Additionally, the Heavy Non-Standard Handling surcharge applies to packages that exceed the maximum weight (see the “Surcharge Criteria” table). Both surcharges can be applied individually or in combination.
Note: If a package exceeds 50 dm³, an Additional Large Package Surcharge may also apply.
Large Package Surcharge (Domestic Packages, Netherlands/Belgium Packages & EU Packages)
Larger packages take up more space during transport, which leads to higher costs. That’s why PostNL charges a surcharge for packages from 50 dm³ and up. Only the highest surcharge within this category will be applied.
This surcharge can be applied separately or in combination with the Non-Standard Handling and/or Heavy Non-Standard Handling surcharges.
Maximum Parcel Dimensions Exceeded Surcharge
When a parcel exceeds the maximum allowed dimensions (see the “Surcharge Criteria” table), a Maximum Parcel Dimensions Exceeded surcharge will be applied.
In this case, the surcharges for Non-Standard Handling, Heavy Non-Standard Handling, and Large Packages will not apply. For parcels sent under the EU, Easy Return Service, or Non-EU categories, the parcel will be returned to the sender.
What does QLS do to help?
- For Parcel Service clients: QLS ensures that surcharges are correctly applied based on PostNL’s criteria.
- For Fulfilment clients: QLS processes and labels parcels according to the correct surcharge categories to avoid extra costs and delays.
What can you do yourself?
- Check the dimensions and weight of your parcels before offering them for shipment.
- Make sure you’re familiar with the criteria for non-standard handling and large parcels.
Need more information? Contact your account manager at QLS for any questions or support.
Surcharge Criteria
| Parcel Types & Returns* | ERS (Easy Return Service) International Returns | Non-EU Parcels | ||
| Standard Processing | Size | Minimum: 10 x 10 x 1 cm Maximum: 95 x 70 x 58 cm |
Minimum: 10 x 10 x 1 cm Maximum: 95 x 70 x 58 cm |
Minimum: 10 x 10 x 1 cm Maximum: 95 x 70 x 50 cm |
| Weight | <23 kg | <23 kg | <20 kg | |
| Content | <50 dm3 | N/A | N/A | |
| Surcharge for Non-standard Handling | Size | Smaller than 10 x 10 x 1 cm Larger than 95 x 70 x 58 cm |
Smaller than 10 x 10 x 1 cm Larger than 95 x 70 x 58 cm |
Smaller than 10 x 10 x 1 cm Larger than 95 x 70 x 50 cm |
| Package contents | - Glassware, including wine bottles (if not packed in machine-suitable packaging), etc. - Flowers - Laboratory samples, X-rays - Contents are not fixed within the packaging (shifts around) |
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| Labels on the package | - 'Fragile' - 'Handle with care' |
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| Shape of the package | All tubes and other packaging shapes where the label cannot be processed horizontally | |||
| Addressing on the package | Address and barcode not placed on the largest side | |||
| Packaging of the package | Wood, metal, polystyrene, sealed packages, and films that make the packaging either rough or slippery (e.g., bubble wrap) | |||
| Surcharge for Non-standard Handling of Heavy Parcels | Weight | 23 kg < 31.5 kg (not applicable for EU parcels) | 23 kg < 30 kg | N/A |
| Large Parcel Surcharge | Parcel Volume | In tiers: >50 dm³, >100 dm³, >200 dm³ | N/A | N/A |
| Surcharge for Exceeding Maximum Parcel Dimensions | Size | > 175 x 78 x 58 cm | > 150 x 78 x 58 cm | > 150 x 70 x 50 cm |
| Weight | > 31,5 kg | > 30 kg | > 20 kg | |
*Business Parcels NL
Parcels EU
Parcels NL/BE
Returns Netherlands (to Home Address)
Returns Belgium – Netherlands
Returns Netherlands
(via Reply Number)