How to Ship an iPad (Global Guide – Safe, Legal and Stress-Free)

Whether you’re sending an iPad to a friend, shipping it abroad, mailing it for repairs, or selling it online, the process can feel intimidating. iPads are slim but fragile, and because they contain lithium batteries, they have special packaging and shipping requirements that apply worldwide.

This guide explains how to ship an iPad safely, how to package it, how much it usually costs, which couriers you can use in different regions, and the rules you must follow whether you’re shipping inside your own country or internationally.

Can You Ship an iPad?

Yes — globally, iPads can be shipped by post, courier or air freight, as long as:

• The lithium battery is installed inside the device
• The device is properly packaged
• The shipment meets the carrier’s rules

Loose or removed lithium batteries are banned almost everywhere.

Couriers That Allow iPad Shipping (Worldwide)

United States

• USPS
• UPS
• FedEx

United Kingdom & Europe

• Royal Mail (UK domestic only for lithium batteries)
• Parcelforce
• DPD
• DHL Express
• GLS
• Hermes/Evri
• PostNL / La Poste / Correos depending on country

Australia & New Zealand

• Australia Post (accepted with restrictions)
• NZ Post
• Sendle
• DHL Express
• Toll
• CouriersPlease

Asia

• Japan Post
• China Post (with lithium restrictions)
• Singapore Post
• Hong Kong Post
• DHL Express
• SF Express
• LBC Express (Philippines)

No matter the country, all major carriers allow iPad shipping as long as it meets packaging and lithium-battery rules.

The Best Way to Ship an iPad Safely (Global Standard)

1. Use a strong iPad shipping box

You can use the original Apple box inside a larger protective box — but never ship the original box alone.
If you don’t have it, choose:

• A rigid cardboard box
• Double-walled corrugation
• Extra room for padding

2. Wrap the iPad thoroughly

To prevent screen cracks:

• Wrap it 2–3 times in bubble wrap
• Protect the corners
• Add a screen protector if available

3. Cushion the inside of the box

Use at least 5 cm of padding around all sides:

• Air pillows
• Foam inserts
• Bubble wrap
• Kraft paper

This is required for both domestic and international shipping.

4. Seal correctly

Use strong parcel tape and apply it in an “H-pattern” across all seams.

Does the iPad Need a Lithium Battery Label?

It depends on your region and carrier:

Most of the world (EU, UK, Asia, Oceania)

If the battery is installed, most domestic couriers do not require special labels — but the package must withstand pressure, impact and heat.

International shipping

A lithium-battery-in-equipment label may be required for air transport.

United States

USPS may require a small lithium warning mark for some services, but not all.

Always check your courier’s “Lithium Battery Shipping Rules” page.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship an iPad?

Pricing varies massively depending on region, courier and distance, but typical ranges are:

Domestic shipping (any country)

€10–€25 (EU)
£7–£20 (UK)
$10–$20 (US)
A$12–A$25 (Australia)
¥1000–¥2500 (Japan)

International shipping

€25–€70 (EU → US/Asia)
£30–£65 (UK → Worldwide)
$30–$85 (US → International)
A$35–A$80 (Australia → International)

Heavier packaging, insurance and tracking will increase the price.

Can You Ship an iPad in Its Original Box?

Yes — but only if you place it inside another box.
The original box offers minimal protection during transit and is not designed for postal or courier handling.

How to Ship an iPad Internationally (EU, UK, US, Asia, Oceania)

International shipping requires:

• Battery installed inside the iPad
• Strong double-boxed packaging
• No loose lithium batteries
• Proper customs declaration (e.g. “Used electronic device – tablet computer”)
• Accurate value (if it’s insured or it’s crossing a customs border)

Some countries charge VAT or duty on imported electronics — warn your recipient in advance.

Best Practices for Shipping an iPad Worldwide

✔ Choose tracked shipping

Cheap untracked services are risky for high-value electronics.

✔ Add insurance

Always insure up to the value of the iPad.

✔ Use a padded tablet sleeve

Extra screen protection reduces breakage risks.

✔ Avoid shipping right before major holidays

Delays are extremely common in December, Lunar New Year, Golden Week and Eid periods.

✔ Don’t pack chargers loosely

Wrap charging cables separately to avoid scratches.

Shipping an iPad via USPS, Royal Mail, Australia Post & Other Carriers

USPS

You can ship an iPad via USPS domestically or internationally, but follow lithium rules and declare the item honestly.

Royal Mail (UK)

iPads are allowed UK domestic only.
For international, use Parcelforce or DHL.

Australia Post

iPads may be sent domestically and internationally with batteries installed.

DHL Express (Worldwide)

Best option for fast, reliable international delivery.

DPD/GLS (EU)

Ideal for EU–EU shipments with full tracking.

Quick Summary: The Best Way to Ship an iPad

• Wrap the iPad securely in bubble wrap
• Use a strong iPad shipping box (or double-box it)
• Add thick cushioning
• Seal tightly
• Declare lithium batteries correctly
• Ship via a tracked, insured service

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to ship your iPad safely whether you live in New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Sydney, Singapore, Dubai or Tokyo.