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as the address on the parcel. If there is more than one route to the country of destination, the route to be taken should be shown on the despatch note in the space provided.
Disposal instructions in the event of non-delivery. It is necessary in all cases that directions should be given as to the disposal of the parcel in the event of non-delivery. Space is provided for this purpose on the adhesive form of customs declaration and on the despatch note. If a despatch note is used, the instructions as to disposal should be written conspicuously on the cover of the parcel as well as on the despatch note.
Customs duty. Most articles sent abroad are dutiable, but some countries make concessions in the case of gifts of small value. Exporters who require information as to rates of duty abroad should apply to the Department of Commerce and Industry. specifying the country concerned and the exact nature of the articles to be sent. The Post Office accepts no responsibility for loss, delay or charges arising from the customs or other regulations to which the contents of the parcel are subject.
PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
Articles which are prohibited from transmission by post under normal conditions are shown in Section I of this Guide. Most countries prohibit or restrict the entry of certain goods as will be seen under the country headings. Should further information be required, enquiry should be made of the representative of the country concerned. A list of such representatives, under the heading, Consular Offices, may be found at the back of this volume.
EXPORT LICENCES, ETC.
All goods of a value exceeding HK$400 originating in the following countries, need to be covered by a valid export licence:-Japan, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Liberia, Mexico, Canada, Nicaragua, Panama, Philippines, Salvador, U.S.A. and dependancies, Venezuela, former Japanese Pacific Isles under U.S.A. Trusteeship or U.S. Military Administration.
Goods originating in other countries, if exceeding HK$400 in value, require to be covered by export licence when addressed to destinations other than China, Macao, Taiwan or the Scheduled Territories.
Certain articles are prohibited from export except under and in accordance with a permit issued by the Department of Commerce and Industry.
AIR PARCEL POST
Parcels may be sent by air to some countries and the same customs declarations, despatch notes, etc., are required as for surface parcels, in addition a blue air mail label must be affixed to the address side of the wrapping, and to the despatch note if the country of destination requires a despatch note. Air parcels are subject to the same general conditions as are applicable to surface parcels. It should be understood that they may be subject to delay in customs in the country of destination.
POSTING
Parcels must be handed in at a Post Office and a certificate of posting should be obtained. This certificate does not confer any title or claim on the Post Office in case of loss or damage to the parcel, although compensation is paid in certain cases. See Section I of this Guide.
Overseas parcel mails close one hour earlier than the advertised time of closing of letter mails for the same destinations, except when the letter mail is due to close before 10 a.m., in these cases the parcel mail will be closed on the previous weekday.
Parcels cannot be registered but may be insured if such a service is shown as available under the country concerned. The regulations concerning insurance will be found in Section I of this Guide.
Posting in large numbers. It will be of material advantage to the sender, and to the Post Office, if persons wishing to post a large number of parcels, ordinary or insured, will give due notice to the Post Office. Arrangements will be made for a special form of receipt which will expedite the treatment of such parcels.