> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://sendcloud.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Parcels API overview

<Danger>
  **The [Create a parcel or parcels](/api/v2/parcels/create-a-parcel-or-parcels) endpoint in Parcels API v2 is now in maintenance mode and is closed to new users.**

  * If your Sendcloud account was created before April 13th 2026, you can continue to use the Parcels API v2 as normal.
  * New users should start with API v3 to access our latest features and improved
    performance.

  Read more about
  [maintenance mode](/docs/getting-started/api-version-guide), or check out the [migration guide for API
  v3](/docs/getting-started/migration-guidelines-for-api-v3).

  Endpoints in maintenance mode:

  * [Create a parcel or parcels](/api/v2/parcels/create-a-parcel-or-parcels) (`POST /parcels`)
</Danger>

At the core of the Sendcloud Shipping API is the **Parcels API**. Parcels are data objects which can be announced, and have a shipping method and shipping label assigned to them. You can also think of parcels as **shipments**.
You can use this resource to perform a number of activities:

* Create a parcel and immediately announce it
* Create a parcel and choose not to announce it (no shipping label is created)
* Update the details, or create a label, for an unannounced parcel
* Cancel an announced parcel

<Note>
  International parcels require more information than domestic parcels. Certain customs documents must be created when
  shipping to countries outside the EU. For Sendcloud to successfully generate these documents, all the necessary
  information must be available in your parcel request.{<br />}
  {<br />}Read more about [international shipping and its requirements](/docs/shipping/international-shipping).
</Note>