Shipping guide

Jump to: Packing · Weight & size · Documents · Prohibited & restricted items

Packing your parcel

• Use a strong box. Choose a new or undamaged corrugated carton that is slightly larger than the item.
• Cushion every side. Leave about 5 cm (2 in) of bubble wrap, foam or paper between the item and the walls of the box.
• Seal properly. Close all seams with strong packing tape using the H-method (centre seam plus both edges).
• Separate fragile items and wrap each one individually. Mark the box “Fragile”.
• Contain liquids and powders in leak-proof containers inside sealed plastic bags, with absorbent material around them.
• Label clearly. Put the receiver’s full name, address and phone number on the outside, and place a second copy inside the box.
• Remove old labels and barcodes from reused boxes.

Weight and size

We charge for the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight in kilograms is length × width × height (in cm) ÷ 5000. Large, light parcels are charged by size; small, dense parcels by weight. Measure the packed parcel, not the item. Try our rate calculator for an estimate.

Documents you may need

• Commercial invoice for goods being sold: seller, buyer, itemised description, quantity, unit value, total value and currency.
• Packing list showing what is in each box.
• Contact and ID details for the sender and receiver. Some destinations require the receiver’s ID or tax number to clear customs.
• Item descriptions that are specific. “Cotton T-shirts, 20 pcs” clears faster than “clothes” or “gifts”.
• Permits or certificates for regulated goods such as medicines, food, plants or electronics with radio components. Requirements differ by country, so ask us before you ship.

Duties and taxes may apply at the destination and are explained when we confirm your quote.

Prohibited and restricted items

We cannot ship

• Illegal drugs and controlled substances without lawful authority
• Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks and their parts
• Flammable, corrosive, toxic, radioactive or other hazardous materials
• Counterfeit or pirated goods
• Live animals and human remains
• Cash, bearer instruments and unprotected precious metals or stones
• Any item whose shipment is prohibited by the law of the origin, transit or destination country

Restricted: ask us first

• Lithium batteries and devices containing them (power banks, laptops, phones, e-bikes)
• Perfumes, aerosols and nail polish
• Alcohol, tobacco and vaping products
• Medicines, supplements and cosmetics
• Food, perishables, seeds and plants
• Artwork, antiques and high-value goods (we recommend insurance)
• Branded or licensed goods that may require proof of authenticity

Rules differ by destination, especially for imports into China, and by service (for example air versus sea). We may refuse, hold, return or report any shipment that breaks the rules. When in doubt, contact us before you pack.