How to pack a parcel for international shipping

A «Fragile» sticker is no substitute for protective packaging.

1. Wrap each item in several layers of bubble wrap.
2. Give extra protection to corners, handles and protruding parts.
3. Never stick tape directly onto the surface of the item.
4. Place the item in the centre of the box.
5. Leave a layer of protection on all six sides.
6. Fill the voids with dense cushioning material.
7. Make sure the item cannot move.

Plates, glass panels and other flat fragile items usually travel more safely upright, separated by rigid dividers.

The box-in-box method

1. Pack the item in an inner box.
2. Fill every void inside it.
3. Place it in a larger outer box.
4. Add protective material on all sides.
5. Seal both boxes separately.

Factory packaging is not always built to travel through a courier network on its own. It works better as the inner box.

1. Close the cap tightly.
2. Secure it with tape.
3. Put the container in a sealed bag.
4. Add absorbent material.
5. Use a second sealed bag.
6. Wrap the container in cushioning material.
7. Place it in a sturdy box.
8. Separate multiple containers with dividers.
9. Fill the voids completely.

Glass bottles must not touch each other or the walls of the box.

Do not rely on «This side up» arrows alone. The inner packaging must prevent leaks whatever position the box ends up in.

1. Use a strong inner bag.
2. Squeeze out the excess air.
3. Heat-seal the edge, or fold it over several times and tape it.
4. Put the first bag inside a second one.
5. Check that the bags cannot come open when turned over.
6. Place the goods in a rigid box.
7. Fill the voids.
8. Split a large volume into several smaller packs.

Never pour powder or granules straight into a cardboard box.

Before booking, check:

• whether the carrier accepts the goods
• whether import into the destination country is allowed
• whether certificates are required
• what temperature must be maintained
• how long the packaging holds the temperature
• whether your chosen coolant is allowed

For chilled food

• sealed food-grade packaging
• insulated container
• gel cold packs
• moisture-resistant outer box
• absorbent material

For frozen food

Dry ice may be required. It counts as regulated cargo and needs approval, special packaging and marking.

A container with dry ice must never be sealed airtight.

Do not use ordinary water ice without fully sealed protection.

Perishable goods are best sent early in the working week, and only once the carrier has confirmed the shipment is possible.

Check if your item can be shipped

1. Switch the device off.
2. Secure any moving parts.
3. Remove accessories and pack them separately.
4. Protect the screen and the corners.
5. Put the device in a bag to keep out moisture and dust.
6. Wrap the device in cushioning material.
7. Use a double box.
8. Make sure nothing can move inside the packaging.

For sensitive electronics use antistatic bags and materials.

Battery marking on shipments

A shipment with a lithium battery — built in or included — generally has to carry the lithium battery label with a UN number: UN 3481 for lithium-ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment, UN 3480 for batteries shipped on their own. Stick it on a flat side next to the shipping label; your courier service will confirm whether your shipment needs the marking.

First put clothing and textiles in a sturdy bag to protect them from moisture and dirt.

• a courier mailer — for light, soft garments
• a box — for footwear, bags, expensive clothing and bulky goods

Buckles, heels, zips and other hard fittings need extra protection so they cannot damage the fabric or the outer packaging.

Send documents in a rigid cardboard envelope or dedicated courier packaging.

1. Protect the books from moisture.
2. Wrap them in paper or bubble wrap.
3. Reinforce the corners.
4. Place them in a box that fits.
5. Fill the voids.

A few heavy books can tear a weak box apart. Split a large batch across several reinforced boxes.

Blades, metal edges, tools and other sharp parts must be completely enclosed in rigid guards.

A sharp object must never:

• move inside the packaging
• pierce the inner protection
• touch the wall of the box
• pose a danger when the box is opened