Packing advice
Electrical equipment
For computers, televisions, mobile phones and MP3 players (or similar) the original transit box should be used as it will contain specially designed packaging. No compensation will be paid for items damaged in transit that were not packed in their original boxes.
Compact discs, DVDs and records
If you are sending only one DVD, CD or record, sandwich it between two pieces of thick cardboard at least 25mm (1 inch) larger all round than the item itself. Then wrap this in brown paper and seal it with strong tape. If you are sending several, pack them in a box with cardboard between each layer. Use plenty of soft packing on all sides to stop them moving. Mark the package “DO NOT BEND”.
Recording tapes, audio cassettes and video cassettes
Padded bags are sometimes suitable, but if the item is particularly important or valuable, use a strong box with plenty of packing all round.
Films
Put them in a strong envelope, having attached a label to each showing your name and address.
Photographic prints
Use a special envelope strengthened with card or put some strong card into a manila envelope, making sure that it is bigger all round than the prints. Mark the envelope “DO NOT BEND”.
Maps, plans, drawings, etc.
These should be rolled up and placed in strong cardboard tubes, securely sealed at both ends.
Paper goods
For a few sheets an ordinary envelope will suffice. For small quantities use a padded bag. For larger quantities, place in a strong box with plenty of extra packing all round.
Sharp implements
Scissors, knives, chisels, etc., may be sent by post only if sharp edges and points are adequately covered with a suitable protective material (strongly attached) so that they cannot cause injury or damage to other packages or anyone handling the package.
Umbrellas and fishing rods
Place between two strips of rigid material larger than the item itself and wrap and seal well. Alternatively you could use a plastic tube - water pipes and drainpipes are ideal.
Toys and games
The manufacturer’s box is not designed to cope with being sent through the post. Always put such items into a strong cardboard box, wrap and seal well.
Musical instruments
Always use a very strong box with plenty of soft packing to prevent movement. Loose parts such as the bridge on a violin should be removed and packed separately.
Suitcases
Suitcases can be sent if left unlocked.
Perishable articles
Generally perishable articles should be sent by letter post. Container lids must fit tightly and be sealed with adhesive tape. Then seal the item in a waterproof bag before putting it in a strong box and adding the outer wrapping. Such articles must be clearly marked “PERISHABLES”.
Liquids
Liquids and ‘wet’ foods must be completely waterproofed, with all containers being securely sealed and wrapped in corrugated fibreboard or similar. For bottles, use approved wine/spirit packs or individual cushioning material.
Strong-smelling substances
These should normally be sent by parcel post. They must be packed so that they will not soil or taint other parcels. Container lids must fit tightly and be sealed with adhesive tape. Then seal the item in a waterproof bag before putting it in a strong box and adding the outer wrapping.
Powders and fine grains (tea, coffee, etc.)
These should normally be sent by parcel post. They must be packed so that they will not soil or taint other parcels. Container lids must fit tightly and be sealed with adhesive tape. Then seal the item in a waterproof bag before putting it in a strong box and adding the outer wrapping.
Fruit and vegetables
Hard fruits such as apples and pears should be individually wrapped in paper and packed in a strong box with plenty of protective packing all around. Soft items such as grapes and strawberries must be packed so that no moisture can leak out. Use a strong box with an internal wrapping of polythene, greaseproof paper, etc. Mark the parcel “FRUIT - WITH CARE”.
Sending foodstuffs to the United States
Anyone wishing to send manufactured foodstuffs to the USA must complete online documentation, prior to it being posted, to pre-advise US Customs of its arrival. The legislation applies to all manufactured food and drink for human or animal consumption posted to the US, from all countries around the world.
You must obtain a prior notification reference number from the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) this can only be done electronically from www.access.fda.gov. Once the necessary forms have been completed and submitted you will be allocated a reference number. You must then include this number on the customs declaration form, which must accompany the package. The FDA estimates that requesting a reference number via the web should take no longer than 15 minutes. This facility is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free of charge. If you require assistance using the online pre-notification system please contact Customer Services on 711720.
Guernsey Post has been instructed not to accept items that do not bear a notification number. Failure to comply with these new regulations, either by not providing a prior notice reference number, or providing an inaccurate description of the food being sent will result in the package being returned to sender (if it has a return address) or destroyed when it reaches the US.
The only exemption is food made by an individual at home sent as a personal gift to an individual in the US, but to avoid delay and inconvenience all homemade items must be clearly marked as such.
To find out more about these regulations you can contact the FDA at www.fda.gov.
Flowers
Pack them in a strong cardboard box with tissue paper between layers. Use soft packing material to stop the flowers moving about. If any sort of moisture-retaining substance is used to keep them fresh, it must be enclosed in a plastic bag so that it does not leak.
Living creatures
Live bees, leeches and silkworms can be sent through the post but must be enclosed to avoid all risk of injury to anyone handling the item or damage to other packets. Certain parasites and destroyers of noxious insects intended for the control of the latter can be sent only by or between officially recognised institutions. Other harmless living creatures such as mealworms, earthworms, ragworms, lugworms, caterpillars, maggots, etc., may also be sent.