If your business involves posting anything in December, such as products, customer gifts, samples, paperwork or just Christmas cards to your best clients, this is the week to get organised. Parcel volumes surge from now on, and the difference between 'arrives in time' and 'sorry it’s late' is often a couple of days.

Here are the key UK last posting dates for Christmas 2025, plus a few quick moves to protect your reputation.

The Royal Mail last posting dates you need

Royal Mail’s recommended final dates for delivery in the UK before Christmas Day are:

• Second Class and Second Class Signed For: Wednesday 17 December 2025

• Royal Mail Tracked 48: Friday 19 December 2025

• First Class and First Class Signed For: Saturday 20 December 2025

• Royal Mail Tracked 24: Sunday 21 December 2025

• Special Delivery Guaranteed: Tuesday 23 December 2025

Royal Mail also repeats a simple point every year: these are recommended dates and can change depending on volume or disruption. Post as early as you can.

If you post overseas

International cut offs vary by country and service, and they're already tight for some destinations. If you ship abroad, check the live country list before promising anything.

Three things SMEs with postal needs should do this week

Set a clear 'last order date' for customers

Do not leave it vague. Pick a date that gives you a reasonable buffer. Then state it everywhere: website banner, checkout, order emails, socials.

A simple line works:
'Order by [date] for UK delivery before Christmas. After that, we can't guarantee it'll arrive in time'

Over-communicate, before anyone complains

Late parcels rarely lose you a customer. Silence does.

Use a short update like:
'We're posting daily. Delivery networks are busy, so please allow extra time. If you're worried about an order, reply here and we'll be happy to help'

It sounds calm, and it stops panic spirals.

Track anything high value or time sensitive

If the item costs a lot, is a gift or is business critical, use a tracked service and share the tracking link straight away. Royal Mail and consumer advice round-ups both flag that tracked options reduce disputes in the peak rush.

One last note on promises

If you're tempted to offer 'guaranteed Christmas delivery' right up to the wire, do a quick gut check. Is it a promise you can actually keep, end to end, in a week where couriers are at or beyond capacity? If not, dial it back now. Customers forgive honesty. They don't forgiven broken promises.