Postal_Guide_September_1961 — Page 76

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Overseas Post

PARCELS

RATES OF POSTAGE

Postage rates are closely related to the actual cost of handling and conveyance and vary considerably for various parts of the world. Prepayment of postage is compulsory.

LIMITS OF SIZE AND WEIGHT

The maximum dimensions are:

Length

Length and girth combined

3 feet 6 inches. 6 feet.

The maximum weight as a rule is 22 lbs. but in some countries the limit is lower.

Minimum:

4 inches in length, 24 inches in width. Smaller sized items may be admitted if they bear a rectangular address label of cardboard or strong paper of which the two adjacent sides measure not less than 6 inches and the smaller side not less than 14 inches.

Parcels in the form of a roll

The maximum dimensions are:

Length

Length and girth combined

The minimum dimensions are:

3 feet 6 inches. 6 feet.

64 inches for the length and twice the diameter combined (at least 4 inches for the greatest dimension) unless provided with a strong address label at least 61 inches in length and width combined and 14 inches in width.

ADDRESS

Each parcel must be clearly addressed in Roman characters written in ink. A parcel otherwise addressed will not be accepted unless a translation is added. The address should be written on the cover of the parcel or on a label securely gummed to the cover of the parcel. Addresses written on tie on labels are not satisfactory. The words "Parcel Post" should appear on the upper left hand corner. It is also desirable that the senders address should appear either inside the parcel or on the cover. In the case of the letter it should be kept distinct from the address to which the parcel is directed.

Parcels for Taiwan, particularly where both the sender and addressee are Chinese, should bear the name and address of the addressee in Chinese characters as well as in English.

MAKE UP AND PACKING:-See regulations in Section I of this Guide.

CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS AND DESPATCH NOTE

All parcels for places abroad are liable to be opened for examination in the country of destination and contents are subject to the customs, assay, trade mark and other legal requirements of the country of destination. The sender of a parcel is accordingly required to make an accurate declaration of the nature and value of the contents. Customs declaration forms for this purpose can be obtained beforehand at any post office which accepts overseas parcels. The forms should be filled up in ink, and senders are recommended to avoid the use of abbreviations, ditto marks and so on which may not be intelligible in the country of destination. The impression of a rubber stamp is not sufficient signature for such declarations and in the case of a parcel sent by a firm if the declaration is not signed by a responsible member of the firm it must be signed thus, A.B. clerk to

-If the contents are not fully described or are under valued, the parcel is liable to seizure and penalties may be incurred.

Types of Customs Declaration Form.

A

Two types are in use namely; An adhesive form, to be affixed to the parcel (mainly for Commonwealth use). A non-adhesive form (for most foreign countries). despatch note, as indicated below, is required with the non-adhesive forms. Two or more copies of the non-adhesive form may be required, see under country concerned.