Colissimo tracking

What is Colissimo?

Colissimo is the parcel delivery service of La Poste Group, France's historic postal operator. Launched in 1989, this carrier has gradually established itself as the undisputed leader in parcel delivery to individuals throughout France. With several hundred million shipments processed each year, Colissimo holds a central position in the French logistics landscape and serves as the preferred partner for e-retailers and individuals for their daily shipments.

Colissimo's history began in the late 1980s, when La Poste decided to create a dedicated parcel service with an unprecedented promise at the time: guaranteed delivery timelines. In May 1989, the Colissimo brand officially launched, introducing guaranteed delivery timelines for packages in France for the first time, with compensation provided if deadlines were missed. This innovation marked a major turning point in French postal services, as La Poste accepted contractual commitments on delivery speed.

Over the decades, Colissimo has evolved and modernized to support business transformations and meet new consumer expectations. The explosive growth of e-commerce starting in the 2000s propelled the service to new heights, transforming it into a major industrial player capable of handling massive parcel volumes. Constant investments in automated sorting infrastructure, computer tracking systems, and distribution networks have allowed Colissimo to maintain its leadership position against growing competition.

• Founding date: 1989, with the introduction of France's first guaranteed delivery timelines for parcels
• Parent company: La Poste Group, a French public enterprise providing postal and financial services
• Headquarters: Paris, France, at La Poste's historic headquarters
• Annual volume: More than 500 million parcels processed each year, with significant peaks during holiday periods
• Infrastructure: 18 industrial parcel sorting platforms distributed across France
• Contact points: More than 17,000 access points including post offices, Pickup relay stations and automated lockers

Colissimo's market positioning relies on several distinctive strengths. First, its unparalleled territorial coverage allows it to reach even the smallest municipalities in France, from major cities to the most remote villages. Second, its membership in La Poste Group gives it particular legitimacy and trust among users, accustomed for generations to postal services. Finally, its diverse service portfolio addresses all needs, whether urgent domestic shipments, deliveries to overseas territories, or international shipments to over 200 countries.

Which countries does Colissimo deliver to?

Colissimo provides remarkably extensive geographic coverage, both nationally and internationally. In mainland France, the carrier serves all municipalities without exception, from major urban areas to the most isolated rural zones. This universality of service is one of the legacies of La Poste's public service mission, which guarantees access to postal services regardless of where people live.

Distribution occurs six days a week, Monday through Saturday, excluding public holidays. Colissimo mail carriers and delivery personnel travel daily across the territory to ensure parcels reach their recipients. In densely urban areas, multiple delivery routes may be organized each day to handle large volumes. In less populated areas, the mail carrier's route incorporates parcel distribution alongside traditional mail, ensuring daily presence even in the most remote locations.

Beyond mainland France, Colissimo extends its coverage to all French overseas territories. Overseas departments and regions such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Reunion, and Mayotte are served regularly. More distant overseas collectivities, particularly French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon, also benefit from regular connections adapted to geographic remoteness constraints. Specific services have been developed for these destinations, with standard and economical offerings accounting for longer transit times.

• Mainland France: Complete coverage of all 36,000 French municipalities, including Monaco and Andorra within the distribution area
• Overseas Zone 1: Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy
• Overseas Zone 2: New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna and French Southern and Antarctic Lands
• European Union: Delivery to all 27 member countries plus Switzerland, United Kingdom and Norway
• International: More than 230 countries and territories served worldwide

Internationally, Colissimo relies on the global postal network and Universal Postal Union agreements to deliver parcels to their final destinations. Concretely, a Colissimo parcel sent abroad is transported by La Poste to the border, then handed to the destination country's postal operator who handles final delivery. Thus, a shipment to the United States is handled by USPS (United States Postal Service), a parcel to Germany is processed by Deutsche Post, and a shipment to Japan is delivered by Japan Post.

This international cooperation guarantees seamless service continuity for senders and recipients. Parcel tracking remains accessible throughout the journey thanks to information exchange between different postal operators. Strengthened partnerships with certain countries even allow guaranteed timelines and premium services to be offered for the most popular destinations in Europe, North America and Asia.

What are Colissimo's services and delivery timelines?

Colissimo offers a complete range of shipping services adapted to different needs of senders, whether individuals or businesses. Each offering combines specific characteristics in terms of timeline, delivery method and complementary options. The common thread across all Colissimo services remains systematic online tracking and basic insurance included in the price.

For shipments within mainland France, the standard Colissimo service constitutes the reference offering. It guarantees delivery within 48 business hours, or two business days after parcel deposit. This short timeline begins the day after the parcel is submitted to the post office or collection point, provided deposit occurs before the stated time limit. Business days counted exclude Sundays and public holidays, meaning a parcel deposited on Friday will typically be delivered the following Tuesday.

The sender can choose between two delivery methods. The no-signature option allows parcel deposit in the mailbox if dimensions permit, avoiding the need for the recipient to be present when the delivery person calls. The signature-required option requires the recipient's presence to accept the parcel against signature, providing proof of delivery and increased security for valuable shipments. If the recipient is absent for a parcel requiring a signature, a delivery notice is left indicating return or redelivery options.

• Colissimo France: Delivery within 48 business hours throughout mainland France, Monaco and Andorra, with tracking included
• Colissimo Overseas Standard: Shipments to overseas territories with typical timelines of 5 to 7 days depending on destination
• Colissimo Overseas Economy: More economical solution for non-urgent overseas shipments, with longer timelines
• Colissimo International: Delivery to over 230 countries with timelines of 3 to 15 days depending on geographic zone
• Colissimo Expert (businesses): Service with signature-required delivery and enhanced insurance options for e-retailers

International timelines vary considerably depending on destination. For Europe, particularly European Union countries, expect generally 3 to 5 business days. Destinations like Germany, Belgium, Spain or Italy are particularly well served with timelines often under one week. For more distant destinations like North America, Asia or Oceania, timelines extend 6 to 12 business days depending on customs formalities and air transport capacity.

Regarding weekend delivery, Colissimo provides Saturday distribution under the same conditions as other business days. However, no delivery occurs on Sunday or legal public holidays. For customers with more urgent delivery needs or specific time slots, La Poste Group offers complementary services through its Chronopost subsidiary, specialized in express delivery.

What are Colissimo's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Colissimo rates are structured according to several criteria: parcel weight, destination and delivery method chosen. The rate grid is updated annually, typically on January 1st, to account for changes in transportation and energy costs.

For shipments within mainland France, rates start at approximately 5 euros for parcels under 250 grams. Heavier parcels are charged according to a progressive grid by weight brackets. For example, a 500-gram parcel costs approximately 7 to 8 euros for home delivery, while the maximum rate for a 30 kg parcel can reach nearly 40 euros.

The choice of delivery method also influences final price. Delivery to a Pickup relay station or post office allows a 10 to 15% reduction compared to home delivery. This price difference is explained by the logistics optimization represented by consolidating parcels at a single pickup point, avoiding individual home routes and possible redelivery attempts if absent.

• Maximum weight: 30 kg for shipments within mainland France and to European Union countries, 20 kg for other international destinations
• Maximum dimensions: The sum of length and perimeter (2 times width + 2 times height) must not exceed 150 cm, with a maximum length of 100 cm
• Minimum format: The parcel must measure at least 15 cm x 10 cm to allow affixing the shipping label
• France 250g rate: Approximately 5 euros
• France 500g home delivery rate: Approximately 7 to 8 euros
• France 30kg home delivery rate: Approximately 35 to 40 euros

For international shipments, rates are organized by geographic zones. Zone A includes European Union countries and Switzerland, with rates starting around 15 euros for a 500-gram parcel. Zone B includes non-EU European countries and the Maghreb. Zone C includes distant destinations like North America, Asia and Oceania, with higher rates starting at over 30 euros for 500-gram shipments to the United States or Canada.

Certain merchandise is subject to shipping restrictions or prohibitions. Hazardous, explosive or flammable materials are strictly prohibited. Perishable items, live animals and exceptionally valuable objects (jewelry, cash, securities) are not accepted or are subject to special conditions. International shipments must comply with the destination country's customs regulations, which may impose additional restrictions on certain products such as food, medicines or electronic devices.

What are Colissimo's delivery options?

Colissimo offers great flexibility in parcel reception methods, allowing recipients to choose the option best suited to their lifestyle and constraints. This diversity of delivery options represents one of the service's key strengths, meeting the expectations of modern consumers who want to control when and where they receive their purchases.

Home delivery remains the most traditional reception method. The parcel is transported directly to the recipient's address by the mail carrier or a dedicated parcel delivery person. For shipments without signature, the parcel may be deposited in the mailbox if its dimensions permit, or left at a secure location agreed upon with the recipient. Parcels requiring signature require the recipient's presence or an authorized person to accept the shipment. If absent, a delivery notice is systematically left in the mailbox.

Delivery to a Pickup relay station is a particularly popular alternative for urban customers or people frequently away from home. The Pickup network includes over 7,500 partner retailers in France: tobacco shops, grocery stores, dry cleaners, florists and other local businesses that accept parcels on behalf of recipients. These relay stations typically offer extended opening hours, often until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, facilitating pickup after business hours.

• Home delivery: Direct delivery to the recipient's address, with or without signature depending on the option chosen by the sender
• Pickup relay station: Pickup at one of 7,500 partner retailers with extended hours, parcel held for 14 days
• Post office: Pickup at the post office counter chosen by the recipient, ideal for areas without relay stations
• Pickup Station automated locker: Lockers accessible 24/7 in certain cities, opening by code
• Mailbox delivery: For small parcels without signature, direct deposit with no need for presence

Pickup Station automated lockers represent the most flexible solution for recipients with busy schedules. These secure lockers, installed in train stations, shopping centers and parking areas of certain cities, are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The recipient receives a code by SMS or email allowing them to open the locker containing their parcel, without time constraints or human interaction. The parcel remains available for several days in the locker before being returned.

Redelivery rescheduling offers additional flexibility if no one is home at the first delivery attempt. Via the La Poste app, website or customer service phone number, the recipient can request a new home delivery attempt, change the delivery address or opt for pickup at a relay station or post office. This feature prevents unnecessary back-and-forth trips and allows adapting delivery to actual availability.

Notifications are a key element of the Colissimo experience. Throughout the parcel's journey, the recipient can receive email or SMS alerts informing them of shipment pickup, sorting center processing, delivery placement and actual delivery. These proactive notifications allow anticipating parcel arrival and organizing accordingly, thereby reducing delivery failures.

What should I do if my Colissimo parcel is lost or damaged?

Despite precautions taken by Colissimo throughout the logistics chain, a parcel may be lost, damaged or delivered late. In these situations, a complaint procedure allows the sender to obtain explanations and, if appropriate, compensation. It is important to understand the steps to follow and deadlines to meet to assert your rights.

First essential point: only the parcel sender can file a complaint with La Poste. This rule exists because the sender contracted for the transportation service and holds proof of deposit. If you are the recipient of a lost or damaged parcel, you must contact the sender (typically the seller in case of online purchase) so they can take steps on your behalf. The sender can then refund you or resend the product according to their commercial policy.

Complaint deadlines are governed by regulation. For a lost parcel, the complaint must be filed within 70 calendar days following parcel deposit. A parcel is considered lost when tracking has not been updated for at least 6 business days and delivery has not occurred. For a damaged parcel, the deadline is much shorter: the complaint must be filed within 3 calendar days following delivery, requiring the recipient to quickly verify contents and report any problems to the sender without delay.

• Deadline for lost parcel complaint: Maximum 70 days after deposit, a parcel is considered lost after 6 business days without tracking update
• Deadline for damaged parcel complaint: 3 calendar days after delivery, photos of damage essential
• Who can complain: Only the parcel sender, the recipient must go through them
• Complaint channel: laposte.fr website Customer Service section, phone 3631, or postal mail
• Response deadline: La Poste has maximum 2 months to respond to the complaint

To file a complaint, several channels are available. The simplest method is to visit laposte.fr, in the Customer Service section, then select "File a complaint" in the Colissimo section. An online form guides the sender through the different steps and allows attaching necessary supporting documents. It is also possible to contact customer service by phone at 3631 (free service and call, available Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), or send a letter to Service réclamation Colissimo - 99999 LA POSTE.

Regarding compensation, Colissimo automatically includes basic insurance in all shipments. In case of loss or damage, the sender benefits from fixed compensation of 23 euros per kilogram for domestic shipments, and approximately 33 euros per kilogram for international shipments. Additional insurance options allow better coverage of valuable items. The paid fixed insurance R1 (50 euros) or R2 (200 euros) offers fixed coverage regardless of weight. Ad Valorem insurance allows insuring the actual value of contents up to 1,000 euros, in 100-euro increments.

If La Poste's response does not satisfy you or if no response is provided within the legal 2-month deadline, you can contact the La Poste Group mediator. This free process must be initiated within one year of the initial complaint. The mediator examines the file impartially and provides an opinion within 2 months. As a last resort, if no agreement is reached, the dispute can be brought before the small claims court (for disputes under 10,000 euros) or the district court.

Does Colissimo handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Colissimo allows shipping parcels to over 230 countries and territories worldwide, making this service a major player in international logistics. International shipments, however, are subject to specific rules, particularly regarding customs formalities, which the sender must understand to avoid any delays or parcel blockage at the border.

For shipments within the European Union, formalities are simplified thanks to the single market. Parcels circulate freely between member countries without systematic customs control, except for certain regulated products (alcohol, tobacco, medicines). No customs declaration is required for shipments between individuals or standard commercial transactions. This fluidity makes European destinations the easiest and fastest to reach.

Conversely, for shipments to countries outside the European Union, customs formalities are required. The sender must complete a customs declaration (CN23 form for parcels) describing the parcel contents, value and origin. This declaration is affixed to the parcel and allows destination country customs services to assess any applicable duties and taxes. A commercial invoice or pro forma invoice must accompany merchandise shipments to facilitate customs clearance.

• European Union + Switzerland: No customs formalities for most shipments, free circulation of goods
• Non-EU countries: CN23 customs declaration mandatory, commercial invoice recommended
• Required documents: Customs declaration, invoice indicating merchandise value and nature, specific certificates depending on products
• Customs fees: Recipient's responsibility in most cases, variable depending on country and merchandise nature
• Additional delays: Customs controls may add 1 to 5 days to standard delivery timeline

Customs fees and import taxes are generally the recipient's responsibility. When a parcel arrives in the destination country, local customs services examine the declaration and determine if duties must be paid. The recipient is then contacted to settle these fees before being able to collect their parcel. The amount of duties depends on the nature of merchandise, its declared value and the importing country's regulations. Some countries apply exemptions for low-value shipments or gifts between individuals.

Colissimo does not handle customs clearance on the recipient's behalf, unlike certain express services that offer "DDP" (Delivered Duty Paid) formulas where all fees are prepaid by the sender. The sender must therefore inform their recipient of the possibility of additional fees to be paid upon arrival. If the recipient refuses to pay duties, the parcel may be returned to the sender or destroyed according to local regulations.

Certain products are subject to export or import restrictions or prohibitions depending on countries. Food items, plants, animal-origin products, medicines and electronic devices may require special authorizations or be completely prohibited. It is strongly advised to verify the destination country's regulations before shipping a parcel to avoid its seizure or return. La Poste provides information on restrictions by country on its website, but the sender remains responsible for complying with applicable rules.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Colissimo parcel online, different statuses appear to inform you of the shipment's progress at each key stage of its journey. These messages, updated in real time each time the parcel is scanned, allow you to know precisely where your package is and anticipate its delivery. Here are the main Colissimo tracking statuses and their meaning: