Packaging Guidance

The 'Do's' & 'Do Nots' When Packaging Your Parcel

The following information has been supplied courtesy of DHL:

When Packaging your parcel, you should:

• Choose the size of the package according to its content. Under-filled boxes are likely to collapse; overloaded ones may burst.
• Always use high quality materials for your shipments. Consider strength, cushioning, and durability when selecting your wrapping supplies.
• Choose boxes made of corrugated cardboard, with good quality outer liners. Use heavy-duty double-layered board for valuable items.
• Make use of cushioning materials, especially to stop your packaging contents from moving.
• Use strapping, when suitable, as a good way to seal and secure your box. Use strong tape if a strapping machine is not available.
• Put fragile goods in the centre of a package; ensuring they don't touch the sides. Your item should be well cushioned on all sides.
• Ensure liquids are stored in leak-free containers, packed with a lightweight, strong, internal material (for example, Styrofoam) and sealed with a plastic bag. Always remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.
• Seal semi-liquids, greasy or strong-smelling substances with adhesive tape, then wrap in grease resistant paper. Always remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.
• Place powders and fine grains in strong plastic bags, securely sealed and then packed in a rigid fibreboard box.
• Use "arrow-up" label for non-solid materials.
• Repack your gifts properly. Many goods sold in attractive packaging may not be suitable for shipping.
• Use triangular tubes not round tube-type cylinders to pack rolled plans, maps and blueprints.
• Remember always to pack small items in flyers appropriately.
• Protect your data discs, audio and video-tapes with soft cushioning material around each item.
• Complete the address clearly and completely, using uppercase letters when handwriting labels to improve readability for DHL personnel.
• When shipping sharp items, such as knives or scissors, ensure that you fully protect the edges and points. Heavy cardboard is suitable for this. Fix the protective material securely so that it cannot be accidentally removed in transit.
• Always use cardboard dividers when sending flat, fragile material (such as vinyl records).
• When re-using a box, remove all labels and stickers. Ensure that the box is in good shape and not worn out.
• Do not use any boxes that have hazardous labels or symbols on them.
• Please ensure that all hazardous symbols are removed if you are reusing old boxes or packaging. Parcels containing these symbols will be stopped by the courier and may incur fines.

When Packaging your parcel, you should not:

• Use bags made of fabric or cloth.
• Over seal your package. Remember that all shipments can be opened by customs authorities for inspection.
• Use cellophane tape or rope to seal your shipment.
• Consider "Fragile" and "Handle with care" labels as a substitute for careful packaging. They are only appropriate for information purposes.

Guidance when sending Wooden Packaging, Pallets or Crates

When sending wooden packaging, pallets or crates please note some countries require the wood to be heat treated prior to sending. Wood packaging materials must be debarked prior to being heat treated or fumigated to meet ISPM 15 regulations. The debarking component of the regulation is to prevent the re-infestation of insects while lumber is sitting to be manufactured, or even after it has been manufactured. If this requirement is not met, this could incur delays, fines and possibly declined entry into the country due to the threat made to local eco systems by foreign insects or disease.

Please see the following link for information on which countries have this requirement in place - Forestry.gov.uk.

Please note, the above does not apply when sending anything made of MDF or plywood.