How to Ship a High-Value Parcel (€8,000 - €100,000) : An Operational Guide for Professionals

High-end medical prostheses, precision instruments, contemporary works of art, exceptional jewelry, scientific equipment... Shipping goods from €8,000 to €100,000 in Europe is not something you can improvise. A professional approach differentiates successful delivery from costly loss.

According to a study by the European Express Association (2024), 3.2% of high-value packages are subject to an incident during international transport, mainly due to preparation failures rather than transport problems. This operational guide arms you with the protocols used by industry leaders to secure their critical shipments.

Phase 1: Risk assessment & classification

The European Risk Matrix

Before shipping, analyze your shipment according to these 4 critical dimensions:

Geographic risk

• Zone A (France, Germany, Netherlands): Mature logistics networks, 0.8% claims ratio
• Zone B (Spain, Italy, Belgium): Solid infrastructure, 1.4% claims ratio
• Zone C (Eastern Europe, Balkans): Reinforced handling recommended, 2.9% claims ratio

Product risk

• Compact & Dense (jewelry, watches): High theft risk, maximum discretion
• Fragile & Technical (medical instruments): Risk of breakage, specialized packaging
• Voluminous & Precious (works of art) : Expert handling, dedicated transport

Mandatory Preliminary Documentation

This file should always be completed before packing:

1. Certificate of Value: Independent appraisal less than 6 months old
2. HD photos: 360° of the object + characteristic details (serial numbers, markings)
3. Original invoice or certificate of authenticity
4. Technical data: Dimensions, weights, materials, specific vulnerabilities

This documentation will be used for the insurance of your high-value parcel but also for choosing the right packaging.

Phase 2: Packaging to European standards

Protocol EN 15552: Reference standard

European standard EN 15552 defines packaging standards for the transport of valuable goods. Here's how it applies in practice:

External cardboard

• Minimum triple flute: strength 440 kg/m² (BCT test)
• Dimensions: Never more than 80% of internal capacity (vital space for wedging)
• Discreet marking: Avoid any distinctive sign (logo, "fragile", value).

Professional shimming

• Custom-cut polyurethane foam: density 35kg/m³ minimum
• Antistatic plastic film: Mandatory for precision electronics
• Double packaging: rigid case + outer cardboard box ("parcel within a parcel" principle)

Internal Resistance Test

Apply the IATA-recommended 1.2m Drop Test to validate your packaging:

• Drop 1.2m sealed package on concrete
• 6 faces + 3 edges + 3 corners (12 tests in all)
• No visible damage to the object

Carry out this test systematically before the first shipment of a new type of product.

Phase 3: Discretion and Anonymization strategies

The "3 Anonymities" rule

1. Visual Anonymity

• Plain cardboard without company logo
• No mention of "jewelry", "art", "medical".
• Label with shortened name: "A. Durand" instead of "Atelier Durand Joaillerie".

2. Declarative anonymity

• Lower declared value (legally authorized if you take out external insurance)
• Generic description: "Metal accessory" for a watch, "Measuring equipment" for an instrument

3. Anonymity Logistics

• Shipment from an address other than the storage location
• Collection by courier rather than post office drop-off
• Avoid predictable time slots (same day, same time every week)

Déclaration Légale vs Déclaration Transport

Important legal point: You can legally declare a lower value to the Carrier if you take out external insurance to cover the difference. This practice, common in the industry, considerably reduces the attractiveness of your parcel.

Visit our analysis of legal requirements to master this crucial point.

Phase 4: Carrier selection based on technical criteria

Professional Evaluation Grid

Priority Technical Criteria

• Hub transit time: less than 24h in central hub (reduce handling)
• Personnel training: High-value handling certification (e.g. IATA Dangerous Goods)
• Advanced tracking: real-time GPS + automatic alerts
• Own network vs. subcontracting: Favoring integrated networks

Comparative analysis Europe (2025)

Certification Required: EN ISO 28000

Demand EN ISO 28000 (Supply Chain Security Management) certification from your Carrier . This standard guarantees :

• Procedures for securing valuable assets
• Specialized training for handling personnel
• Plant monitoring systems

Phase 5: Tracking Technologies and Delivery Options

Real-time GPS tracking: the new standard

For shipments > €20,000, invest in stand-alone GPS beacons:

• Temperature/Chock: Monitoring transport conditions
• Instant Alerts: Road deviation, unauthorized opening
• Complete history: Proof in the event of a dispute

Recommended suppliers:

• Sigfox IoT for Europe (99.8% coverage)
• LoRaWAN for dense urban areas

Secure remittance options

For individual customers

• Delivery with Signature + ID: Standard minimum
• Confidential Code: Shared only with the recipient
• Restricted hours: 9am-5pm weekdays (trained personnel only)

For Professionals

• Hand delivery Manager: Signature of manager only
• Secure premises: Avoid general receptions or secretariats
• Double Check: Identity + Order Form

Phase 6: Crisis management

Early Warning Protocol

Alarm signals requiring immediate action :

• Delay > 24h without explanation from Carrier
• Unjustified route change
• GPS signal loss > 2h
• Attempted delivery to the wrong address

Immediate actions

H+0: Alert detected

1. Direct contact for destination agency manager
2. Block delivery if integrity in doubt
3. Activation of internal crisis unit

H+2: Climbing

1. Regional management Carrier
2. Insurer notification(Claisy procedure here)
3. Alert end customer if necessary

H+24: Legal measures

1. File a complaint if theft is suspected
2. Expertise contradictoire
3. Customer crisis communication

The European Emergency Network

Build up your network of emergency partners in each country:

• Expert Judiciaire: Condition report in case of dispute
• Bailiff: International proceedings
• Local insurer: Correspondent of your main insurer

Operational Checklist: The 12 Control Points

Conclusion: The difference between Amateur and Professional

Shipping a parcel from €8,000 to €100,000 is not an amplified version of a conventional shipment. It's an industrial process requiring rigor, anticipation and technical expertise.

The difference between a professional and an amateur? The professional applies protocols where the amateur improvises. They document their processes where amateurs trust them. They anticipate crises where amateurs suffer them.

Your reputation and profitability depend on this systemic approach. With the tools and methods in this guide, you can turn every critical expedition into a controlled success.

To complete your protection arsenal, discover how to choose the right insurance for your high-value parcels and our comparison of 2025 insurance solutions.

Appendices

Emerging Technologies : The Future of Secure Shipping

Blockchain and Certification

Smart Contracts revolutionize traceability:

• Digital certificate: Unalterable proof of authenticity
• Chain of Custody: Every manipulation recorded
• Automatic insurance: automatic triggering of claims

Claisy is currently developing blockchain solutions to automate compensation for high-value parcels.

Predictive Artificial Intelligence

AI transforms risk prevention:

• Pattern analysis: Identifying high-risk routes
• Route optimization: automatic avoidance of sensitive areas
• Predictive maintenance: Anticipating vehicle breakdowns

Professional resources :

• European Express Association - Security 2024 study
• Standard EN 15552 - Transport packaging
• IATA Standards - Packaging Guidelines
• ISO 28000 - Supply Chain Security