PostNL is the Netherlands' leading postal and logistics company, processing and delivering letters and parcels to private addresses and businesses throughout the Netherlands, and to customers in Europe and the rest of the world. Listed on Euronext Amsterdam, PostNL employs approximately 36,000 people and delivers approximately 1.1 million parcels every working day. In addition to domestic parcel delivery, PostNL operates international postal services on behalf of over 30 countries via its Eurogistics network. Track at PostNL.nl/tracktrace or call 088-868-6161.
Track PostNL Package
Track PostNL parcels and letters in the Netherlands and internationally. Get real-time delivery status for PostNL domestic and international shipments.
PostNL Tracking
Key facts about PostNL
PostNL tracking uses both
PostNL tracking uses both UPU S10 format and a proprietary 3S-prefix barcode system.
PostNL is the dominant
PostNL is the dominant carrier in the Netherlands, delivering to 7+ million addresses daily.
Parcels that
Parcels that cannot be delivered are left at a PostNL service point or parcel locker.
PostNL delivers Monday-Saturday in
PostNL delivers Monday-Saturday in the Netherlands; Sunday delivery is available in some areas.
PostNL Tracking Statuses Explained
Use the last visible scan to decide whether to wait, track more closely, or escalate.
| Status | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Aangemeld / Pre-advised (Notified) | The sender has registered the shipment with PostNL and a label has been created, but PostNL has not yet physically received or scanned the parcel. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Zending ontvangen (Shipment Received) | PostNL has received the parcel from the sender at a PostNL acceptance point or sorted it themselves. The parcel is now in PostNL's custody. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| In verwerking (In Processing) | The parcel is being processed at a PostNL sorting centre. PostNL is allocating it into the delivery schedule based on location and estimated delivery time. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Gesorteerd (Sorted) | The parcel has been sorted at a PostNL depot and placed in the delivery process. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Op transport naar sorteercentrum (In transit to sorting centre) | The parcel is being transported to a PostNL sorting centre. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Verwerkt in sorteercentrum (Processed at sorting centre) | The parcel has been processed at a PostNL sorting centre and is ready for onward transportation. | Monitor the next scan event. |
PostNL Tracking Number Formats
Identify your tracking number type before entering it into the search box above.
PostNL Domestic / EU (3S Barcode)
3SABCD3427702Starts with '3S' or '2S', followed by 1-4 letters (range) and 6-9 digits. Total length: 13 or 15 characters.
Used for domestic Netherlands parcels and EU-destined parcels. The range portion (1-4 letters) is customer-specific.
PostNL International (S10 / UPU Format)
LA599196732NL2 alpha service type code + 8 digits + 1 check digit + 'NL' country code. Total: 13 characters.
Used for non-EU international parcels. Service type codes include: CC (Non-EU parcels), CD, CP, LA (International Mail), UE, RI. All end in 'NL'. Also written as e.g. RA123456789NL for registered air mail.
How to Track a PostNL Package
Follow these steps to get real-time status on any PostNL shipment.
Find your PostNL tracking code in your shipping confirmation email or on the label
Open https://www.postnl.nl/tracktrace or https://www.postnl.be/tracktrace
Go to https://www.postnl.nl/tracktrace or https://www.postnl.be/tracktrace.
Enter the barcode and your postal code (for domestic deliveries)
Click 'Volgen' (Track) to see the status and expected delivery time
Download the PostNL app for live notifications and delivery management
Common PostNL Tracking Problems
Expand each issue for the cause, what to do, and when to call PostNL directly.
Tracking not updating for several days
Cause
Parcels moving between sorting centres are not always scanned at every step. Updates slow down over weekends and public holidays.
What to do
Allow 1-2 extra business days, especially after weekends or Dutch/Belgian public holidays. Check tracking at tracking.postnl.nl.
Escalate when
If no update after 5 business days (domestic) or 10 business days (international), contact PostNL or the sender.
Parcel stuck at customs for more than a week
Cause
International shipments may be held by customs for inspection, duty assessment, or due to incomplete documentation. New EU VAT regulations and local customs backlogs can compound delays.
What to do
Check tracking for specific customs instructions. If duties are owed, you may need to pay them online or at the post office. Contact PostNL international support for guidance.
Escalate when
If parcel remains at customs for more than 14 days without resolution, contact the sender who can liaise with PostNL directly.
Parcel shown as delivered but not received
Cause
Parcel may have been placed in letterbox, left with a neighbour, deposited at a PostNL service point, or delivered to the wrong address.
What to do
Check your letterbox, neighbours, and building entrance. Check the PostNL notification for the name of the PostNL point where it was deposited. File a report via PostNL's customer service.
Escalate when
If not found within 2 business days, contact PostNL for a formal investigation. Claims must be filed within 30 days of shipment.
Delivery attempt failed - parcel at PostNL service point
Cause
Recipient was not home and the parcel could not be left safely, so it was taken to a local PostNL partner shop or locker.
What to do
Check your tracking or the notification card for the exact PostNL point address. Collect within 7 calendar days with a valid ID.
Escalate when
If the parcel is not collected within 7 days it will be returned to the sender. Contact PostNL if you need an extension.
PostNL Shipping Services Compared
Compare PostNL service tiers and their typical delivery windows side by side.
Service options
PostNL Pakket
Standard domestic parcel delivery (next business day or specified date)
Everyday shipping 1 day
PostNL Aangetekend
Registered letter with tracking and signature
Everyday shipping Transit times vary by route
PostNL International
Tracked parcels and letters to EU and worldwide
Cross-border shipments Customs and route variability
Briefpost
Standard letters (untracked, 1-3 days)
Everyday shipping 1-3 days
PostNL Same Day
Same-day delivery in the Netherlands (select areas)
Everyday shipping 1 day
PostNL Delivery Times by Service
PostNL Pakket (domestic)
1 business day
Next business day (order before 3 PM)
PostNL Same Day
1 business day
Same day (order before noon in select cities)
PostNL EU parcels
domestic
2-4 business days
2-4 business days within the EU
International tracked
5-10 business days
5-10 business days depending on destination
Standard letter (Briefpost)
domestic
1-3 business days
1-3 business days within the Netherlands
PostNL Tracking FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about PostNL tracking and delivery.
01 How do I track a PostNL parcel?
Go to postnl.nl/tracktrace and enter the barcode (starting with 3S or following UPU S10 format) and your postal code.
02 What does 'Afgeleverd bij PostNL punt' mean?
It means your parcel was delivered to a PostNL service point because no one was home or it could not fit in your mailbox. Collect it within 7 days with your ID.
03 How long does PostNL take for domestic delivery?
PostNL delivers domestic parcels the next business day if sent before 3 PM. For same-day delivery, order before noon in selected cities.
04 Does PostNL deliver on Saturdays?
Yes, PostNL delivers Monday-Saturday in the Netherlands. Sunday delivery is available in some metropolitan areas.
05 What is the PostNL tracking number format?
PostNL uses '3S' prefix barcodes (e.g., 3SDEVC123456789NL) for domestic parcels, and UPU S10 format (13 chars ending in NL) for international tracked items.
06 Can I redirect my PostNL parcel to a different address?
Yes, use the PostNL app or the link in your notification to redirect to a different address or PostNL service point before the delivery attempt.
Get Help from PostNL
If the latest scan still does not make sense, contact PostNL directly with your tracking number ready.
Support hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-8 PM, Sat 8 AM-5 PM
About PostNL
PostNL was formerly part of TNT, which was created when the Dutch state postal company PTT Post and telecoms company PTT Telecom were privatised in 1994. In 2011, TNT split into PostNL (mail and parcel) and TNT Express (international express, later acquired by FedEx). PostNL is now an independent public company on Euronext Amsterdam. PostNL processes over 1 billion letters and 320+ million parcels annually and has expanded its parcel business significantly through e-commerce growth.
- Official site
- https://www.internationalparceltracking.com
- Track packages
- https://jouw.postnl.nl/track-and-trace/
- Support portal
- Open support →
- Network type
- National Post
- Country
- NL
- Region
- europe
- Coverage
- PostNL delivers to all 7+ million addresses in the Netherlands. International parcel service covers 230+ countries. PostNL Pickup has 4,000+ service points including lockers in the Netherlands.
- Support hours
- Mon-Fri 8 AM-8 PM, Sat 8 AM-5 PM
- Last verified
- Apr 30, 2026