Packing advice
Wrap and pack
We take great care of every item that passes through our system and you can help us by making sure that it is properly wrapped and packed. Even small items such as pens, keyrings etc. should be wrapped well enough to ensure they are not damaged by our mechanised sorting equipment. To help you achieve the perfect parcel we sell a full range of postal packaging materials at our Smith Street and Envoy House branches.
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A bag or a box?
- For small items such as books a padded bag is often sufficient but if you think it needs more protection put it in a box: stiff cardboard boxes like those recycled by supermarkets recycle are often ideal. Make sure your box is big enough to take the item with room to spare, then pack that extra space all around with plenty of cushioning. Scrunched-up newspapers, kitchen towels or tissue papers are quite effective and corrugated paper can be good too. Even better are polystyrene chips or bubble-wrap but whatever you end up using make sure that you use plenty of it! And if there are parts that stick out - teapot spouts, handles, etc. - make sure that they are properly supported. Fragile items including glass and china pieces should be sent by parcel post only with the appropriate level of insurance.
- Mark the package "FRAGILE" if it contains anything that could be broken in transit. Unfortunately we cannot take responsibility for damage caused to items that are badly or insufficiently protected. It is your responsibility to pack your item correctly and to mark it if it needs special handling.
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Seal it well
- Seal the package securely with strong, wide tape. If you wrap it using extra paper or plastic make sure it is strong enough and again seal well with tape. As an extra precaution it your package can also be tied with string but if you do this please keep the ends short. If you use staples please ensure there are no dangerous ends that might cause injury to anyone handling the package.
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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.
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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 in brown paper and seal with strong tape. If you are sending several DVDs/CDs 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".
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Recording tapes, audio cassettes and video cassettes
- Padded bags are often suitable but if the item is particularly important or valuable use a strong box with plenty of packing all round.
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Films
- Put them in a strong envelope, having attached a label showing your name and address on each one.
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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".
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Maps, plans, drawings, etc.
- These should be rolled up and placed in strong cardboard tubes, securely sealed at both ends.
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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.
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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.
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Umbrellas and fishing rods
- Place between two strips of rigid material larger than the item itself and wrap and seal well. Alternatively use a plastic tube - water pipes and drainpipes are ideal.
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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.
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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.
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Suitcases
- Suitcases can be sent if left unlocked.
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Perishable articles
- Generally perishable articles should be sent by letter post and you are strongly recommended to use Special Delivery. Container lids must fit tightly and must 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".
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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.
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Strong-smelling substances
- Normally these should 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.
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Powders and fine grains (tea, coffee, etc.)
- Normally these should 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.
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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 - HANDLE WITH CARE".
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Sending foodstuffs to the United States
- Anyone wishing to send manufactured foodstuffs to the USA must complete online documentation, prior to posting, 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. You must obtain a prior notification reference number from the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and 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 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 by giving 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
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Flowers
- Pack in a strong cardboard box with tissue paper between layers. Use soft packing material to stop the flowers moving around. If any type of moisture-retaining substance is used to keep the flowers fresh, it must be enclosed in a plastic bag that does not leak.
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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 intended for the control of noxious insects 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.
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Surcharge
- Guernsey Post reserves the right to raise a surcharge for underpaid mail (£0.50 surcharge plus twice the underpaid amount). This surcharge will be sought from the addressee upon delivery.
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Please note:
- Customers are advised that all mail is subject to inspection by H.M. Customs.
- Specific restrictions & regulations may be applicable in the receiving country.