# PostNL Tracking: Complete Guide

> Track PostNL parcels and letters in the Netherlands and internationally. Get real-time delivery status for PostNL domestic and international shipments.

- **URL**: https://trackingadvice.com/carriers/postnl/
- **Carrier website**: https://www.internationalparceltracking.com
- **Region**: europe
- **Last verified**: 2026-04-30

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.

## Quick facts

| Fact | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| 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 Number Formats

| Service | Format | Example | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PostNL Domestic / EU (3S Barcode) | Starts with '3S' or '2S', followed by 1-4 letters (range) and 6-9 digits. Total length: 13 or 15 characters. | 3SABCD3427702 | Used for domestic Netherlands parcels and EU-destined parcels. The range portion (1-4 letters) is customer-specific. |
| PostNL International (S10 / UPU Format) | 2 alpha service type code + 8 digits + 1 check digit + 'NL' country code. Total: 13 characters. | LA599196732NL | 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

1. **Find your PostNL tracking code in your shipping confirmation email or on the label**: Find your PostNL tracking code in your shipping confirmation email or on the label.
2. **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.
3. **Enter the barcode and your postal code (for domestic deliveries)**: Enter the barcode and your postal code (for domestic deliveries).
4. **Click 'Volgen' (Track) to see the status and expected delivery time**: Click 'Volgen' (Track) to see the status and expected delivery time.
5. **Download the PostNL app for live notifications and delivery management**: Download the PostNL app for live notifications and delivery management.

## PostNL Tracking Statuses Explained

| Status | Meaning | What to do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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. |  |
| 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. |  |
| 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. |  |
| Gesorteerd (Sorted) | The parcel has been sorted at a PostNL depot and placed in the delivery process. |  |
| Op transport naar sorteercentrum (In transit to sorting centre) | The parcel is being transported to a PostNL sorting centre. |  |
| Verwerkt in sorteercentrum (Processed at sorting centre) | The parcel has been processed at a PostNL sorting centre and is ready for onward transportation. |  |

## PostNL Shipping Services Compared

| Option | Best for | Main tradeoff | Typical cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PostNL Pakket | Everyday shipping | 1 day | Quote-based |
| PostNL Aangetekend | Everyday shipping | Transit times vary by route | Quote-based |
| PostNL International | Cross-border shipments | Customs and route variability | Quote-based |
| Briefpost | Everyday shipping | 1-3 days | Quote-based |
| PostNL Same Day | Everyday shipping | 1 day | Quote-based |

## PostNL Delivery Times by Service

| Service | Time | Geography | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PostNL Pakket (domestic) | 1 day |  | Next business day (order before 3 PM) |
| PostNL Same Day | 1 day |  | Same day (order before noon in select cities) |
| PostNL EU parcels | 2-4 days | domestic | 2-4 business days within the EU |
| International tracked | 5-10 days |  | 5-10 business days depending on destination |
| Standard letter (Briefpost) | 1-3 days | domestic | 1-3 business days within the Netherlands |

## Common PostNL Tracking Problems

| Issue | Cause | What to do | When to escalate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Tracking not updating for several days | Parcels moving between sorting centres are not always scanned at every step. Updates slow down over weekends and public holidays. | Allow 1-2 extra business days, especially after weekends or Dutch/Belgian public holidays. Check tracking at tracking.postnl.nl. | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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 | Parcel may have been placed in letterbox, left with a neighbour, deposited at a PostNL service point, or delivered to the wrong address. | 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. | 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 | Recipient was not home and the parcel could not be left safely, so it was taken to a local PostNL partner shop or locker. | Check your tracking or the notification card for the exact PostNL point address. Collect within 7 calendar days with a valid ID. | If the parcel is not collected within 7 days it will be returned to the sender. Contact PostNL if you need an extension. |

## PostNL Tracking FAQs

### 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.

### 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.

### 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.

### Does PostNL deliver on Saturdays?

Yes, PostNL delivers Monday-Saturday in the Netherlands. Sunday delivery is available in some metropolitan areas.

### 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.

### 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.

### How do I pick up a PostNL parcel at a service point?

Go to the PostNL service point shown on your delivery notification. Bring your ID and the notification (digital or paper). Parcels are held for 7 days.

### Why is my PostNL tracking not updating?

Allow 24 hours after handover. If there is no update after 48 hours, contact PostNL customer service at 088-868-6161.

### How do I file a PostNL claim for a missing or damaged parcel?

File a complaint at postnl.nl/klantenservice within 7 days of the expected delivery date. Provide your tracking code and shipment details.

### What is PostNL Aangetekend?

PostNL Aangetekend is the registered mail service -- tracked delivery requiring a signature at the door, with compensation for loss or damage.

## Get Help from PostNL

- **Phone**: 088-868-6161
- **Hours**: Mon-Fri 8 AM-8 PM, Sat 8 AM-5 PM
- **Help**: https://www.internationalparceltracking.com

## 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.

## Sources

- [PostNL official Track & Trace](https://tracking.postnl.nl/track-and-trace/), PostNL
- [PostNL international parcel tracking](https://jouw.postnl.nl/track-and-trace/), PostNL
- [PostNL International Parcel Tracking site](https://www.internationalparceltracking.com), PostNL
- [PostNL International postal tracking](https://postnl.post/), PostNL
- [PostNL Developer Portal - Barcode webservice documentation](https://developer.postnl.nl/integration-with-postnl/api-overview/send-and-track/barcode-webservice/), PostNL