Posting prohibited items

Nobodylistens · 13 November 2019 at 1:01PM

Hi all, apologies if this is not in the right place, but I am a bit puzzled as to how I am supposed to send something that is on the prohibited list for all couriers including the Royal Mail.

The most obvious answer, is not to do so, I know, but I know this is an item that is being sent hundreds, if not thousands, of times a day, so what gives?

I am talking, in this case, about aftershave.

It is not permitted to post any flammable liquid, including alcohol and aftershave. It is not a matter of you won't be covered if anything happens to it, it is just not allowed.

So, how do Fragrance Direct and all the other online perfume sellers, manage?

I have sold a bottle which I want to send, it is carefully wrapped, but, you can hear the liquid moving if you tip the parcel up. I don't know how to stop that, although, of course, that is a moot point if I can't even post it.

My local post office staff always want to know what is in my parcels - I swear sometimes they are just being nosy, because they often comment on why people are buying that etc - so what do I do? Lie? What should I tell them it is? Especially if they can hear the liquid moving. If I tell the truth then they definitely can't take it.

Aaargh! Any thoughts, please? (Other than don't send it, because I have already covered that)

A.Penny.Saved · 13 November 2019 at 1:24PM

There must be carriers who will deliver it.
I sometimes order from APCPure and there are also companies who deliver spirits so it must be possible with the correct delivery company using the correct delivery plan.

The APCPure deliveries are marked on the outer box that they contain potentially harmful material. They usually use APC overnight BTW therefore it might be worth checking them out. I am fairly certain that they have also used Parcelforce on some occasions but I am not 100% certain as to the precise contents possibly strong ie 35% hydrogen peroxide before it became a restricted item only saleable to companies came into force ie not for public sale. That order was extremely heavy several (might of been 3) large boxes each of 4 by 5 litre plastic bottles.

martindow · 13 November 2019 at 2:28PM

Companies can arrange to send items with RM that would not be allowed for individuals.

They definitely can't be sent internationally but I think perfumes and aftershaves are restricted rather than prohibited in the UK providing they are under 150ml and in the original packaging. They must be declared at the counter in a PO so they can be appropriately labelled.

This page
https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/uk-what-can-i-send
has a link to a leaflet with the details.

soolin · 13 November 2019 at 3:09PM

Not all,perfumes and aftershaves are banned from RM within the U.K., so check your amounts and read the restrictions. Until recently I had a perfume that I could send two of in one box but not three as it exceeded the liquid amounts

Nobodylistens · 13 November 2019 at 4:42PM

Thanks chaps, I did check the post office website for prohibited items before posting but, weirdly, they just said all perfume or aftershave, except for perfumed lotions. Following your link above gave me more, including the quantities allowed. Whether the jobsworths at my local branch will agree is another matter. Sadly they are often wrong.
It definitely isn't going abroad so at least that's okay.
Thanks again for your help. Much appreciated x

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
Volume per item must not exceed 150ml.
No more than four items in any one parcel.
Must be sent in its original retail packaging, placed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage.
An ID8000 label must be applied (see example ID8000 label).
The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter.

payandisplay · 13 November 2019 at 4:56PM

I sometimes post prohibited items. I just lie!

ThinkingOfLinking · 13 November 2019 at 7:01PM

As far as I'm aware, Hermes will let you send perfumes...although they're far from ideal.

Hermia · 13 November 2019 at 8:33PM

Nobodylistens wrote: »

Thanks chaps, I did check the post office website for prohibited items before posting but, weirdly, they just said all perfume or aftershave, except for perfumed lotions. Following your link above gave me more, including the quantities allowed. Whether the jobsworths at my local branch will agree is another matter. Sadly they are often wrong.
It definitely isn't going abroad so at least that's okay.
Thanks again for your help. Much appreciated x

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
Volume per item must not exceed 150ml.
No more than four items in any one parcel.
Must be sent in its original retail packaging, placed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage.
An ID8000 label must be applied (see example ID8000 label).
The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter.

I have never had a problem at a PO so hopefully you will be okay. I just ask them for the "perfume sticker" cause I can never remember the official name and confirm it's in the original packaging and under the allowed amount.

in_the_Cotswolds · 13 November 2019 at 9:42PM

I've delivered perfumes and aftershave sent by Boots, Superdrug etc. If they can post it I'm sure you can.

soolin · 13 November 2019 at 11:23PM

in_the_Cotswolds wrote: »

I've delivered perfumes and aftershave sent by Boots, Superdrug etc. If they can post it I'm sure you can.

as above, a company can make arrangements with a courier for safe carriage of stated goods that an individual can't. Just because a global company can send something, doesn't mean we all can.

Ms_Chocaholic · 13 November 2019 at 11:26PM

It is permitted for a non-business customer to send aftershave via Royal Mail, you just need to adhere to their terms and conditions.

Posting prohibited items

Comments

Categories

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free