How you can support our troops
INSTRUCTIONS
Postal charges
Defence will cover the cost of postage up to a cubed weight of 2kg to all operational zones. For items exceeding 2kg, the full cost will need to be covered by the individual posting the item.
Cubic Charging
Cubic volume calculation charges are applied to all parcels. Australia Post assesses charges for all parcels according to their actual weight or cubic weight equivalent and charges whichever is greater. This applies to light bulky items that, while they may not weigh a lot, take up valuable freight space. Cubic charging is a fairer system for all, because prices reflect the costs involved in handling a variety of different sized parcels.
Parcel Limitations
If you wish to send a goodwill parcel at Defence cost, the following weight and size limitations must not be exceeded:
- Maximum weight 2kg;
- Not exceed the cubed 2kg dimensions, noting an Australia Post “Bx2” box is the maximum permissible size of 2kg cubic weight; and
- Packaging: Articles must be packed in durable packaging, which is suitably secured, in order to withstand a large volume of weight and handling.
Weight of Item
Australia Post does not determine weight in part kilograms. Parcels that weigh part kilograms will be rounded up to the nearest full kg. For example, if your parcel weighs 2.2 kg then you will pay the cost of the 2.2 kg rounded up to the nearest full kg (3kg) and you will be charged for the full 3kg.
Packaging of postal items
In general, all parcels must be made-up and packed to a standard which will:
- Prevent injury to the person handling the parcel;
- Prevent the contents escaping, leaking and damaging other postal articles;
- Prevent damage to equipment and vehicles, particularly aircraft;
- Protect the contents from loss or damage caused by the stress of handling and carriage; and
- Protect the contents from loss or damage caused by the extremes of climate.
Australia Post provides a very detailed guide that covers suitable packaging for all types of goods. It can be found at the Australia Post website: http://auspost.com.au/media/documents/dangerous-prohibited-goods-packaging-post-guide.pdf and should be referred to prior to posting items to ensure that they are packaged appropriately. Items that are packaged inappropriately may be returned to the sender, or may need to be destroyed.
Prohibited goods
Certain items must not be posted in the domestic and or international postal system. This includes items such as Dangerous Goods, items prohibited by the International Aviation Transport Association and items that are prohibited by individual countries. Australia Post’s Dangerous and Prohibited Goods and Packaging Guide (http://auspost.com.au/media/documents/dangerous-prohibited-goods-packaging-post-guide.pdf) is the best reference to use to ensure that you do not send any prohibited items. If in doubt, seek advice from Australia Post staff at your nearest retail outlet.
Liquid Articles
The sending of liquid articles is strongly discouraged. However, if you must send a liquid product, it must be enclosed in a leak-proof container made of metal, plastic or similar material with secure closures. A suitable example of this would be a zip lock bag, placed inside another. The outer package must be strong enough to withstand large volumes of weight. Furthermore, the package must contain sawdust, cotton-wool or another protective material to absorb the liquid should the container break.
Tobacco and Alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol are not acceptable for goodwill care packages and are not to be sent.
Customs declaration
A customs declaration must be attached to all parcels sent to an Australian Forces Post Office. Small envelopes, containing items other than letters (i.e. CDs, thumb drives etc) are required to have a customs declaration attached. These can be obtained from all Australia Post outlets within Australia. A detailed description of the contents is required when lodging each item.
Further information is available on the customs internet site at www.customs.gov.au
Security procedures
Photo identification must be produced by the sender at the time of lodgment for all parcels over 500g. Failure to provide suitable identification will result in items being delayed or returned to the sender. When lodging mail in Australia for deployed members of the ADF, personnel must ensure that the parcel has been “ID verified” with an ORANGE ID VERIFICATION sticker placed on the item by the Australia Post staff at the retail outlet where the item was lodged.
Humanitarian mail
Australian Forces Post Office Box 60 is established to provide public goodwill to deployed personnel. This service is not to be used for any other material or purpose, including humanitarian aid, which includes, but is not limited to, toys, books and clothing for other than an individual Australian Serviceman or Servicewoman.