Wrapping and Packaging
Make sure your items are packed safely and securely
Some general tips for safe and secure packaging are:
- Use padded envelopes for sharp edges or odd shapes
- Make sure any outer containers are strong enough for their contents
- Make sure fragile items don't touch either each other, or the side of the container
- Fill out containers with cushioning material like bubble-wrap or polystyrene chips
- Put a return address on the item
- Put a contact name, address and telephone number inside
- Seal securely with nylon or vinyl tape along all edges and openings
- Flatten any sharp edge from staples or metal fastenings, and cover with tape
- Use a 'FRAGILE' sticker, if necessary
You can also use the tables below to help you pack your post properly. Royal Mail's mandatory packaging requirements are marked in red.
Browse topics from A to C, D to K, L, M to O or P to Z
A to C
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Item
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Preparation
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Packaging
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Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of less than 70%
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Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with an absorbent material like sawdust or newspaper.
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Fibreboard or polystyrene.
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Batteries
(except lead acid batteries) |
Only send batteries in their retail packaging.
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Surround with cushioning material and place in a suitable outer container.
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Books
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Small books: padded envelope. Larger books: corrugated fibreboard book pack, giving 2.5cm clearance at each end.
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Cash or money
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Do not write or indicate in any way that cash or coins are enclosed within the package.
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Cash should not be visible through the envelope.
Coins should not be sent in an envelope. Package them securely in a rigid container.
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Computer disks, audio and video cassettes, CDs and DVDs
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Wrap cushioning material, at least 2cm thick, around each item.
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A rigid, purpose made container. We recommend that you use screened envelopes for computer disks.
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Item
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Preparation
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Packaging
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Drugs for medical or scientific purposes - must only be sent by medical practitioners in an emergency
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Pack in a strong inner container.
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Clearly mark the sender's name and address on the outer wrapping.
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Films |
Seal in polythene with address details clearly visible. |
Pack loosely in a padded envelope and seal securely. |
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Fish, fruit, meat and other perishables |
Items must clearly be marked PERISHABLE. |
Must be sent First Class as a minimum requirement. |
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Flowers |
Pack in layers separated by tissue paper. Use waterproof wrapping if the package includes damp moss or vials of water. |
Strong corrugated board box or purpose made polystyrene pack. |
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Keys |
Attach a label with a contact name and telephone number. |
Padded envelope. |
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Item
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Preparation
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Packaging
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Leaflets and
brochures |
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Up to 1cm thick: padded bag, heavy-duty cardboard envelope or polythene shrink-wrap.
Up to 5cm thick: corrugated paper, thick paper or polythene shrink-wrap.
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Liquids and creams
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Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with an absorbent material like sawdust or newspaper.
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Fibreboard or polystyrene.
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Living creatures
(such as insects used to feed exotic pets) |
Please contact us for more information.
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Item
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Preparation
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Packaging
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Magazines and
newspapers |
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Up to 1cm thick: padded bag, heavy-duty cardboard envelope or polythene shrink-wrap.
Up to 5cm thick: corrugated paper, thick paper or polythene shrink-wrap.
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Magnets
(such as audio/video magnetic tape or the magnets in loudspeakers) |
Wrap cushioning material, at least 2cm thick, around each item.
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Mark the sender's name and address clearly on the outer wrapping.
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Maps, plans and
drawings |
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Rigid cardboard or plastic tube. The max. length is 90cm.
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Item
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Preparation
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Packaging
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Powders and fine grains
(such as tea or coffee) |
Place inside a strong container such as strong polythene bag and seal securely with tape. Place inside a second container and seal again.
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The double-wrapped item should be placed in a rigid corrugated box.
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Prints, framed
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Wrap cushioning material, at least 5cm thick, around each item. Place between thick board or polystyrene giving 2.5cm clearance at each end.
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Wrap in corrugated or brown paper.
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Prints, unframed
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Wrap in tissue paper.
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Place in a heavy duty cardboard envelope, seal and clearly mark package PHOTOGRAPHS
- DO NOT BEND. |
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Records
(vinyl discs) |
Place between thick card and surround with cushioning material.
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Wrap in strong paper, seal with tape and clearly mark package RECORDS
- DO NOT BEND. |
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Scissors, knives and other sharp items
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Wrap heavy cardboard around all sharp points and edges.
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Water-based paints
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Volume should not exceed 150ml.
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Surround with cushioning material and place in a rigid container.
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