A handy guide to help you safely pack and send your parcels
To help ensure your parcel gets to its destination safely it's important you follow these simple guidelines to:
- Protect your item against damage while it is being transported and delivered.
- Protect other customers' items. You could be liable for damage to other items if it is caused by inadequate packaging of your parcel.
- Protect New Zealand Post employees and equipment against injury or damage.
Your responsibility
As the sender, you are the only person who knows exactly what is inside your parcel. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure your item is packaged correctly and does not contain prohibited or hazardous goods.
By accepting a parcel New Zealand Post does not acknowledge the packaging is adequate or the contents are acceptable. That is up to you. To check if your item is prohibited or hazardous, see our Prohibited Items Guide, or pick up our 'Letting you know about Prohibited Items' brochure from your local New Zealand Post retail outlet.
There are different weight and size restrictions for parcels sent in the post and by courier, depending on which service you use. Please ask at your local New Zealand Post retail outlet for more details, or call us on 0800 501 501.
General packaging guidelines
The physical characteristics of the items being sent will determine the best packaging materials for you to use.
- How to Package a Parcel
Hints and tips, including how to cut down a box, double the strength of a carton and address your parcels correctly.
- Packaging Special Items
Including: bicycles, car parts, crockery, electrical equipment, radios, liquids, millinery, musical instruments, pictures in frames and powders
International documentation
All international parcels require a Customs Declaration to be completed. This may be a separate declaration or part of the consignment note depending on the service selected.
Commercial merchandise being sent overseas requires a copy of the commercial invoince on company letterhead or an Export Invoice (NCPI025) attached to the item. International consignment notes and proforma Export Invoices are available online, from your local PostShop, or New Zealand Post retail outlet.
For parcels valued over NZ$1,000, New Zeland Customs requires an Export Entry to be completed, which New Zealand Post can complete on your behalf for an additional fee. For more information please contact our Customs Clearance Broker on 0800 SENT IT (0800 736 348).