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Pack your items correctly

Whilst you are welcome to use your own envelopes and packaging, articles sent internationally suffer climate extremes for extended periods, and Australia Post may refuse to accept articles which are not adequately packaged.

Australia Post also offers a range of prepaid mailing envelopes, padded bags, satchels, boxes, and packing material which you are able to purchase at Australia Post retail outlets.

If you are packing your own items, our packaging guidelines will help ensure your article is accepted and will travel safely.

Definition of adequate packaging

The payment of a compensation or insurance claim for a parcel depends on the use of adequate packaging. Australia Post approves the range of Postpak protective products available at Australia Post retail postal outlets, as adequate packaging.

Australia Post may refuse to accept a parcel when a Postpak product is used if:

  • the Postpak product is inappropriate to its contents and is used or fastened incorrectly
  • the Postpak product had been used previously
  • the contents are fragile, such as fine glassware or clay figures and are inadequately protected by insufficient internal shock absorbing material such a Postpak bubblewrap
  • the contents are likely to perish or become physically offensive during the ordinary course of carriage
  • there is a specific packaging requirement - such as for liquids and poisons, and the sender has not met these requirements

Sending Gifts

To expedite delivery when sending gifts, please ensure that you include a full description on the consignment note.

Please note that the word "Gift" is not a full description - you must state what the item contains e.g. shoes, lipstick, clothing etc

As your gift may be inspected by customs, you may wish to include wrapping paper and tape with your gift and ask a contact at the receiving end to wrap the gift once it has been delivered.

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