For customers ordering from online pharmacies in India, understanding the shipping process, timelines, and tracking can help manage expectations and reduce anxiety about order fulfillment. Here’s a detailed look at how the system works from the moment an order is placed to when it arrives at your doorstep, focusing on common shipping options like EMS (Express Mail Service), RM (Registered Mail), and ITPS (India Post Tracking Service).
Order Processing and Dispatch
Order Confirmation: Once an order is placed, the online pharmacy verifies the prescription and confirms the order. This process can take from a few hours to a couple of days depending on the pharmacy’s verification process and order volume.
Packing and Shipping: After confirmation, the pharmacy packages the order. The package is then taken to a shipping service provider, typically India Post, which handles most international shipments from India.
Shipping Methods and Initial Tracking
Registered Mail (RM): This is a cost-effective shipping method that provides proof of mailing and delivery without in-depth tracking details. Packages sent via RM are handed over to India Post, and a tracking number is issued. However, the tracking number may take a few days to activate as the package needs to be processed through the postal system .
Express Mail Service (EMS): EMS is a faster option provided by India Post for international shipments. It offers more detailed tracking compared to RM. The tracking number is provided once the package is processed, but similar to RM, it may take time for the tracking information to become active online .
India Post Tracking Service (ITPS): ITPS is not a separate shipping method but a system to track packages handled by India Post, including those sent via EMS and RM. Tracking updates are available on the India Post website .
Transit to the Airport and International Shipping
From Pharmacy to Airport: Once the package leaves the pharmacy, it travels to the nearest major international airport (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi). Here, the last scan happens, indicating that the package has been processed for international departure .
Flight Availability: Post-COVID-19, flight availability can affect how quickly packages are shipped internationally. Packages may need to wait for a cargo space on a flight, which can delay shipping times .
Arrival and Customs in the Destination Country
Entry into the Destination Country: Upon arriving in the destination country, such as the USA, the package is handled by the local postal service (e.g., USPS in the USA) and goes through customs. This is where significant delays can occur, especially if the package is selected for inspection .
Customs Clearance: Customs processing times can vary greatly—from a few days to several weeks. During this time, tracking updates may not be available, which can cause concern among customers .
Final Delivery: After clearing customs, the local postal service updates the tracking information and handles the final delivery. It’s common for the tracking to only update when the package is out for delivery .
Tips for Customers
Patience is Key: Understand that international shipping involves multiple steps and parties, and delays can happen .
Check Tracking Regularly: Keep an eye on the tracking information provided by the online pharmacy and be aware that there might be gaps in updates due to the reasons mentioned .
Contact Customer Service: If there are significant delays or if the tracking information hasn’t updated for an unusually long time, reaching out to the pharmacy’s customer service can provide further insights and assistance .
By understanding these steps and the typical flow of international shipping from India, customers can better manage their expectations and reduce concerns about the timing and arrival of their orders.
References:
- “Understanding International Shipping with India Post.” India Post. Retrieved from https://www.indiapost.gov.in
- “Registered Mail Service.” India Post. Retrieved from https://www.indiapost.gov.in
- “Express Mail Service (EMS).” India Post. Retrieved from https://www.indiapost.gov.in
- “How EMS Works.” Universal Postal Union. Retrieved from https://www.upu.int
- “India Post Tracking Services.” India Post. Retrieved from https://www.indiapost.gov.in
- “Shipping Processes Explained.” India Post. Retrieved from https://www.indiapost.gov.in
- “Impact of COVID-19 on International Shipping.” International Air Transport Association (IATA). Retrieved from https://www.iata.org
- “USPS Customs Clearance Process.” U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Retrieved from https://www.cbp.gov
- “How Customs Works.” U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Retrieved from https://www.cbp.gov
- “Common Causes of Delays in International Shipping.” U.S. Postal Service. Retrieved from https://www.usps.com
- “Tracking and Managing International Shipments.” U.S. Postal Service. Retrieved from https://www.usps.com
- “Customer Patience in International Shipping.” U.S. Postal Service. Retrieved from https://www.usps.com
- “Tracking Gaps in International Shipping.” Universal Postal Union. Retrieved from https://www.upu.int
- “Contacting Customer Service for Delays.” India Post. Retrieved from https://www.indiapost.gov.in
