The SA Post Office has recently found several incidents where customers post prohibited items overseas.  This delays outgoing mail dramatically.

Airlines scan all mailbags before loading them for prohibited items using an x-ray machine similar to that used to scan hand luggage.  Should a single prohibited item be detected in a mailbag, the entire mailbag is returned to the sorting centre to be opened and searched until the offending parcel is found.

All the items in the mailbag miss the flight and are delayed until the next flight departs.

Here are the items that may not be posted to other countries:

Items that are potentially dangerous on an aircraft:

Liquids, including creams and lotions. Certain explosives are produced in the form of gels or creams.

Explosives – ammunition, fireworks. These may explode in the hull of an aircraft.

Compressed gas – aerosols, carbon dioxide gas, cigarette lighters. These may also explode in the hull of an aircraft.

Flammable liquids: alcohol, thinners, varnish remover, turpentine, petroleum products.

Flammable solids: Magnesium, matches and zinc powder

Oxidising material: Bleach, some hair dyes, peroxide, fibreglass repair kits. If these items leak, they could produce lethal and explosive gases.

Poisons, including drugs and medicine. An import permit is required for all countries.

Radioactive material (including mercury-filled thermometers)

Magnetised materials.  These items can interfere with the navigation system of the aircraft.

Prohibited goods

Bank notes and coins.  You need an import and export permit to send these items.

Jewellery, precious stones or precious metails. An import permit is also needed to these items.

Asbestos

Any animal, insect or living organism

Any biological substance

Firearms or parts thereof

Fur, ivory or any other animal product

Human remains, including ashes.

Parcels are loaded in bulk into the holds of planes.  Make sure that your precious parcel is in a sturdy packaging, and if there is empty space, fill it with packaging material.

It is best to state the

.  This facilitates customs clearance in the country of arrival.  Write the mobile phone number of the receiver on the parcel; that allows the postal administration in the receiving country to send the receiver a text message for collecting the item.

Urgent items to other countries can be sent using the cost-effective EMS system. These items are delivered within 24 hours of arrival in the destination country.

Source: Government of South Africa