KEEP it personal, keep it simple – that’s the message from An Post this Christmas as people prepare to send cards and gifts to loved ones across the globe.
Customers are being reminded to check the latest guidelines before sending letters and gifts abroad. With updated customs rules now in place, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring parcels arrive safely and without delay.
If sending cards (including letters and large envelopes) by standard post, the last days to post are:
Republic of Ireland – December 22
Northern Ireland – December 19
Great Britain – December 18
Rest of Europe – December 18
United States – December 10
Rest of the world – December 4
Meanwhile for standard and registered express post parcels to other parts of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, the final day to send is December 16. You have until December 12 if sending to the rest of Europe, and December 4 for the USA and rest of the world.
Julie Gill, An Post’s marketing director says: “An Post’s key message is ‘Keep It Personal, Keep It Simple’. Let’s make sure your gifts bring joy – not paperwork or disappointment! With that in mind An Post have set up a special section of their website with guidance and helpful tips at anpost.com.”
In particular for those posting letters and parcels to the US, An Post is now operating under roles enforced by US Customs and the Department of Agriculture.
This means that items that don’t comply with their standards may be intercepted and disposed of by US authorities.
Those sending parcels to the US should make sure that they declare the parcel as a gift and list the contents clearly on the form at the Post Office, keep the value of the gift under €85 or $100 to avoid your recipient being charged customs duties, and to include a return address on the parcel.
Small treats that are commercially sealed, simple in flavour, and limited in quality are all approved to send as a Christmas gift.
Businesses sending food or goods to the US will face different regulations including requirements from the US Food and Drug Administration.
“A couple of bars of chocolate, totally fine. Boxes and boxes? Customs might think it’s for commercial sale,” Ms Gill warned.
“To prevent your parcel from being stopped or disposed of by US authorities, do not send: liquids, cash, credit cards, or anything with batteries. Items such as teabags, meat-based snacks, or dairy-containing crisps (like smoky bacon or cheese and onion). Do not send anything with ‘unknown’ contents.”