Business Support Guide

'Dangerous goods' are articles or substances which are capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. Existing regulations prohibit sending nearly all dangerous goods in the mail. Prohibited items (such as explosives and corrosive liquids) must never be sent in the post.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Department for Transport (DfT) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have agreed new rules with Royal Mail Group for sending small quantities of specific consumer items in the mail. The change means that customers will be able to post toiletry and medicinal aerosols, nail varnishes, perfumes and aftershaves to UK addresses. They also mean customers can continue to post alcohol up to 70 per cent ABV and electronic items sent with or containing lithium batteries within the UK.

The updated set of rules will limit the risk posed by those items when sent in the post. Customers posting such items will need to comply with volume, quantity, packaging and labelling requirements. 

You can view the Classification labels below, and find more information on Dangerous Goods and restrcited items on our dedicated page.

Explosives

Fireworks, sparklers, flares, ammunition

Gases

Aerosols (e.g. air fresheners), camping, gas cylinders, cigarette lighters, butane refills in hair straighteners

Flammable Liquids

Cigarette lighters, perfumes, alcoholic beverages with high alcohol content (>24% ABV), nail varnish remover, fuel in any car parts or used garden machinery (e.g. chainsaw with petrol)

Flammable Solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases 

Matches, firelighters, 'Chinese lanterns' containing solid fuel

Oxidising substances; organic peroxides

Bleach, car repair kit hardener

Toxic and infectious substances

Pesticides, weedkillers, poisons

Radioactive material

Smoke alarms, luminous dials

Corrosive material

Battery acid, drain cleaner, mercury (for example in a barometer)

Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

Lithium batteries, lead acid batteries (for example car batteries), batteries for golf buggies, motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters

We take great care of every item that passes through our system and you can help us by making sure yours is properly wrapped and packed.
Even small items such as a pen or a keyring need adequate wrapping to prevent damage by our mechanised sorting equipment.
To make the job easier, we sell a range of postal packaging online or at our Envoy House branch, whilst our retail team can advise you on appropriate cover options and the best postal service for a timely delivery.

See the guidelines below:

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 are not packed in their original box.  For Electronic cigarettes, each package must contain no more than two assembled e-cigarettes and should be securely packed to prevent movement in the outer packaging.

Compact discs, DVDs and vinyl records
If you are sending only one DVD or CD, place in plastic or cardboard sleeve and use an appropriately sized envelope or jiffy bag. If the disc is of particular importance or a vinyl record, sandwich it between two pieces of thick cardboard at least 25mm (1 inch) larger in area all round than the actual item. Then wrap in brown paper and seal with strong tape. If you are sending more than one item, pack them together in a box with cardboard between each layer. Use plenty of soft packing on all sides to stop them moving. Mark your package ‘DO NOT BEND’.

Recording tapes and audio and video cassettes
Padded bags are usually adequate, 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 with a separate label showing your name and address attached to each one. 

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 and for larger quantities, place in a strong box with plenty of extra packing all round.

Sharp implements
Sharp items such as scissors, knives and chisels may be sent by post only if sharp edges and points are adequately covered with a suitable protective material strong enough to ensure that the contents do not pierce the outer packaging to prevent damage to other packages or injury to anyone handling the package. Wrap each item with cushioning material. Place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

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.

Toys and games
The manufacturer’s box is not usually designed to cope with being sent through the post. Always put such items into a strong cardboard box and both wrap and seal well.

Musical instruments
Always use an extremely 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.  Musical instruments are not insured for breakages.

Suitcases
Suitcases can be sent if left unlocked.

Perishable articles
We strongly recommend Special Delivery for perishable articles, which in general should be sent by letter post. The packaging should be able to withstand a journey of up to 48 hours. They must be suitably sealed to prevent leakage or tainting of other items such as in sealed vacuum packs. A strong corrugated board box or purpose designed polystyrene pack is recommended, and the name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.  Packages must be clearly labelled 'PERISHABLE'.

Liquids, Perfumes and Nail Varnishes
Liquids and ‘wet’ foods must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner, such as a sealed polythene bag and with tape. They must be surrounded with absorbent material and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from breakage. Volume must not exceed 1 litre per item. No more than two items in any one parcel.  Mark as ‘FRAGILE’ when sending glass bottles. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.  Place in a suitable rigid outer container.  For nail varnish volume per item must not exceeed 30ml and no more than four bottles can be sent in any one package no package should exceed 120mls.  An ID8000 label must be applied.  Accepted for sea despatch only.  Packages must be brought to the attention of a member of staff and a 'DO NOT FLY' sticker will be applied.  In addition for perfumes and aftershaves volume per item must not exceed 150ml and no more than four perfumes can be sent in any one package.

Strong-smelling substances
These should normally be sent by parcel post. They must be packed so as not to soil or taint other parcels. Container lids must fit tightly and be sealed with adhesive tape and the item sealed in a waterproof bag, contained within a strong box and adequately wrapped.

Aerosols
Valves must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents during transport.  Aerosols must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage.  Volume per item must not exceed 500ml.  No more than two aerosols can be sent in any one package.  An ID8000 label must be applied.  The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.  These must be presented at a Guernsey Post branch.

Asbestos
Samples of asbestos may be posted only when sent as a sample fixed in a resin, plastic or glass matrix.  Surround with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap.  The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Batteries - new alkaline, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air and zinc chloride batteries sent without equipment/devices (including household AA and AAA batteries, D, C, 9V)

Must be new and sent unopened in their original retail packaging.  Surround with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap.  The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Batteries - new wet, non-spillable
Batteries must comply with Special Provision 238 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.  Model Regulations (please check with the manufacturer or distributor).  No more than one battery in any one package.  Maximum weight 1.5kg.  Item must be protected against short circuit (by the effective insulation of exposed terminals) and securely packaged.  Package must be marked "NOT RESTRICTED" and "SPA67 / SP238".  The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium ion/polymer batteries sent with equipment/devices -  (e.g. rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)
The maximum number of batteries allowed in each package is the minimum number required to power the equipment plus two spares.  The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.  Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.  Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.  Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.  Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden.  Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.  The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium ion cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be  followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information.  Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery.  Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit.  The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
Lithium battery handling label to be applied.  The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium ion/polymer batteries contained in equipment (e.g. rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)
Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in equipment.  The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.  Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.  Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.  Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden.  Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.  The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.  The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium metal/alloy batteries sent with equipment (e.g. non-rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)
The maximum number of batteries allowed in each package is the minimum number required to power the equipment plus two spares.  The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.  The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery.  Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.  Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.  Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.  Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden. Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.  The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium metal cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information.  Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery. Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit.  The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.  Lithium battery handling label to be applied.  The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium metal/alloy batteries contained in equipment or connected to equipment/devices (e.g. non-rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)
Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in equipment.  The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.  The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery.  Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.  Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.  Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.  Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden.  Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.  The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.  The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Christmas Crackers
Can only be sent in there made up form in their original retail packaging. The snap or 'banger' must be removed from parcels intended for British Forces Post Office (BFPO).

Environmentally hazardous substances
Pack in a leak proof or sift proof inner and protect by cushioning material in rigid outer packaging.  Samples must not exceed 5 litres/5kgs

Gases including flammable, non-flammable, toxic and compressed gases (including new, used and empty gas cylinders, butane, ethane, refills for lighters, fire extinguishers and scuba tanks, life jackets, nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide canisters including culinary foaming devices & soda stream)
All flammable compressed gases are prohibited* e.g., blowlamps; butane; lighters and refills containing flammable liquid or gas; ethane; gas cylinders for camping stoves; hydrogen; methane and propane.  All toxic compressed gases are prohibited* e.g., chlorine, fluorine etc.  All non-flammable compressed gases are prohibited* e.g., air bags; scuba tanks, carbon dioxide; fire extinguishers; neon and nitrogen.  Empty cylinders that are sealed so that residual gas under pressure are prohibited, only those cylinders which are open to the atmosphere for inspection are permitted.

Guns for sporting use (Guns intended for sporting purposes - including Section 1 and Section 2 firearms, lowpowered air guns and their component parts - may be sent in compliance with UK law and subject to domestic controls on the possession of firearms. The sender's name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging). These items can only be accepted to the UK via Parcelforce. Please note these items will not be returned to sender if undeliverable due to the Parcelforce International Dangerous Goods Policy.

For UK destinations:

Guns intended for sporting purposes - including Section 1 (e.g., hunting rifles) and Section 2 (e.g., shotguns) firearms, low-powered air weapons and their component parts - may be sent in compliance with UK law and subject to domestic controls on the possession of firearms. Antiques, deactivated and imitation firearms are also permitted. When sending deactivated firearms include proof of deactivation.  Items that appear to be prohibited weapons may be subject to additional checks and delays.  Use 1st Class as the minimum service. The senders name and address must be clear on the packaging. Low-powered air weapons which exceed the Royal Mail size restrictions are accepted by Parcelforce Worldwide, using express48 via the Post Office.  Guns must not be loaded.

For International destinations:

Guns intended for sporting purposes - including Section 1 and Section 2 firearms, low-powered air guns and their component parts - may be sent in compliance with UK law and subject to applicable export controls on the shipment of firearms.  Items that appear to be prohibited weapons may be subject to additional checks and delays.  Guns must not be loaded.  Air weapons with an integral gas cylinder that are de-pressurised can only be accepted. Air weapons with gas cylinders that are pressurised are prohibited.  Air weapons with a pressurised removable gas cylinder which is still attached are prohibited .  Sender's name and address must be visible on the parcel.  Must be packed in rigid outer packaging suitable for the gun size and weight, for example a fibreboard box, with sufficient inner packaging to prevent movement during transport.

Lighters empty, new or unused
Must unopened in their original retail packaging.  The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.  Lighters considered to contain residual fuel may be disposed of.

Paints, wood stains and enamels -water-based
Volume per item should not exceed 150ml.  Maximum four items can be sent in each package.  The items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner, such as a sealed polythene bag, so that any inadvertent leakage is contained within the outer packaging. Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from damage.  The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Radioactive material and samples that are not classified as dangerous goods in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) such as samples of granite rock.
Surround with cushioning material e.g., bubble wrap.  The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Vaccines
May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution.  Volume/mass per item must not exceed 50ml/50g.  All drugs and medical prescriptions can only be sent using Special Delivery, International Tracked or Signed Services.   The vaccines must be securely closed and placed in a leakproof liner such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids).  Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage.  The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Postal rates are calculated according to size, shape, destination and delivery options. Are you sending a letter, large letter, small, medium or large parcel?

To work out your postal costs please follow the four steps in our handy postage calculator here. 

You can offer different postal services to your customers, for example Signed For, International Signed & Tracked or Express Delivery. For a breakdown of special postal services visit our Express Post Services page.

Are you sending to the UK, to Europe or worldwide? When sending post to international destinations, please check the addressing standard of the country in question. Some countries have special requirements for certain destinations and items.

You can use our Special Delivery service, which includes a compensation option for lost or damaged items for items up to £2500 of value. To find out more about this service, please refer to our Special Delivery page.

From 1st July 2021 the low value consignment relief, on goods valued under €22 sold into Europe, will be discontinued. This means that all goods sold and exported into Europe from Guernsey will be subject to VAT regardless of their sale value.

For more detailed information, please visit our VAT Into Europe page.

Your customers might need to return some items, make sure you offer a comprehensive returns service that is easy to use.