Packing and make-up 45
PACKING AND MADE-UP: PARCELS
GENERAL INFORMATION
The packing used for parcels for abroad should be determined by the weight and nature of the contents, the length of the journey, conditions of transit, climate and
so on.
Light and bulky articles should preferably be packed in strong wooden cases; while a parcel sent to a tropical country during the rainy season should be protected by a tin-lined case or other good damp-proof packing.
For some countries special kinds of packing are required by the Offices of transit or of destination, see Section II of this Guide.
Special regulations exist in many countries whereby the use, as packing, of hay or straw is either prohibited or restricted,
SPECIAL PACKING REGULATIONS FOR CERTAIN ARTICLES
Butane Gas lighters and refills. The total amount of butane in any postal packet must not exceed 180 grammes. In the case of "units" comprising one full or empty lighter and a full refill, the general standard is that the refill must have protective packing, such as a cardboard sleeve or wrap of corrugated cardboard, so arranged as to give side and end protection and ensure snug housing. The lighter and refill must be placed in a cardboard box, fitting into a stout outer cardboard sleeve. If the lighter contains butane, the snuffer cap must be firmly secured by means of a band of cellulose tape, plastic or cardboard passing over it and completely round the body of the lighter so as to prevent accidental operation. The outer container must be a stout cardboard box.
In the case of refills sent without lighters, there must be a supply of corrugated cardboard or soft packing around or between the individual refills, which must be packed in a strong cardboard box.
In each case the cardboard box must be wrapped all round with corrugated cardboard and brown paper, and well secured with gummed brown paper or adhesive cellophane.
Celluloid and cinematograph and photograph filmis. Seasoned raw celluloid (that is celluloid which has been freed from all volatile solvent) and inflammable films with a nitro-cellulose base must be packed in a tin case which must be enclosed in a strong wooden box constructed as described in the next paragraph. The inner container must be placed in the outer box with suitable soft packing materials so as to surround it entirely and to hold it firmly in position. A white label bearing in large black letters, the indication "Celluloid! A tenir loin du fcu et de la lumiere" must be affixed to the wrapping on the address side.
Any other article composed wholly or partly of celluloid must be enclosed in a strong wooden box whch must be made from boards of a minimum thickness of inch. The sides must be dovetailed together and the bottom and the lid must be firmly screwed to the sides; and if any part of the box is composed of more than one piece of wood, the pieces must be jointed together by means of tongues and grooves. No gap must appear at any join.
The special packing conditions outlined in the foregoing paragraph do not apply to films which do not come within the classification of dangerous goods. Senders of parcels must ascertain and comply with any special conditions concerning the importa- tion of celluloid of films into particular countries. See under country of destination.
China, crockery or glass. Such articles should be packed in a strong wooden case, with plenty of soft packing between the article and the top, bottom and sides of the case.
Coin, bullion and jewellery. These must be enclosed in a strong metal box or a case made of wood of a minimum thickness of inch. If a plywood box is used its thickness may be limited to 1 inch if the edges of the case are reinforced by metal angle strips. The box or case must be sewn up or fastened in a wrapper of linen, canvas, strong paper or other substantial material. The address must be written on the covering. Seals must be placed along the edges of each join or loose flap, at distances of not more than 3 inches. Further, a box containing jewellery exceeding $1,840 in value, must measure at least 3 feet 6 inches in length and girth combined.