What can't you send through the post?

[aKho]

Two students who sent a hamster through the post as a drunken prank have been fined and banned from owning animals. So what else can't you put in a parcel?

The hamster found in a postbox is now named First Class.

And he's lucky to be alive. If he hadn't gnawed through the envelope and been spotted by the postman, he might have died in the sorting machine.

David Jordan and James Cole, both 19, admitted abandoning the animal in circumstances likely to cause it unnecessary suffering. They were both fined and banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Not only were the two Cambridge University students committing a criminal offence, which they said they did when drunk and as an act of revenge, they were also breaking Royal Mail rules.

ALLOWED IN THE POST...
Bees
Leeches
Silkworms
Caterpillars
Earthworms
Lugworms
Fish eggs
Maggots
Mealworms
Ragworms

...but only by Royal Mail and if in correct packaging
So what else is banned from the postbox?

Unlike other postal firms, Royal Mail does not ban the whole of the animal kingdom.

A spokesman said: "Living creatures are prohibited but there are exceptions, like earthworms, bees and leeches.

"But if you are going to send one, you need to seek advice from us on packaging because it needs to be acceptable. And you need to use first class post and clearly label the parcel."

The RSPCA says these conditions are satisfactory and it has never received a complaint about them, although it advises people to use extreme caution in exercising them.

Royal Mail also bans "filth", which is foul or disgusting material, and "indecent, obscene or offensive articles". Firearms are prohibited but sporting guns are permitted, with the necessary licensing and paperwork.

Other items banned include loose batteries, loose Christmas crackers, alcoholic content above 70%, paint, matches and live plants (if to export).

There is a general restriction on size of 1.5 metres in length and 20kg in weight.

Human remains are banned, but what about living humans?

James Abrams tested this loophole when he "posted" himself to 60 post offices around the UK to raise money for charity. Dressed like a parcel, he spent seven weeks being bundled into Royal Mail post vans and even on to motorbikes.

Since 1 January, Royal Mail has faced competition in the postal market, so the rules can vary, depending on the postal firm.

In practice, many of its new competitors, like Mail Plus and UK Mail, use Royal Mail in the final stages of delivery so apply the same rules.

But some, like Intercity Communications, do their own hand deliveries. Julie Barnett, production manager, says there is a total ban on all live animals.

"We don't allow any creatures at all, or any articles likely to cause injury or danger. Even sending bottles, which is not generally illegal but could be in circumstances where they might break and cut someone."

Some items could break the rules if the packaging is see-through and offensive words or pictures are clearly visible, she added.

If an offending item could constitute a criminal offence, as in the case of First Class, then the police are called. But if it only contravenes guidelines, then the regulator Postcomm is contacted for advice on how to proceed.

aww... so cute!

gonna send some earthworms to Adrian, Chai, Falcone, GarPhreak and ZuePhok...

source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4623754.stm

[Olle P]

Swedish mail allow some live animals, like bees (queens) and such.

Not allowed at all is for example explosives (like fireworks and ammunition) and pressurised containers.

My parents in law use to get fermented shark meat (supposed to be a delicacy) sent from Iceland once or twice a year. That meat is packed in at least two layers of plastic bags as well as a more sturdy outer layer. Still the post office use to phone them and urge them to get that packet ASAP, because of the foul smell...

Cheers
Olle

[Adrian Wong]

Wow.. They actually like that fermented shark meat???

I've heard it smells really bad.

[Olle P]

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

Wow.. They actually like that fermented shark meat?
I've heard it smells really bad.

The taste is supposed to be not that bad. It's a bit like strong cheese; smelly, but tasty to those who like it.
Read how it's done here.

I prefer one of the other Icelandic specialities; hangikjöt, which is salted and smoked lamb. (The smoke traditionally come from burning dried sheep manure...)

In the area where I live and for some distance north along the coastline we produce fermented herring (about 80% of the global production!). That's also very smelly, but taste okay once you learn to ignore (or even like) the smell. I'm not too fond of it myself though.

Cheers
Olle

[Adrian Wong]

Hehe.. I saw it on Nat Geo. After "curing" it didn't look offensive on the inside but man, the outside was disgusting.. Hehe.. It had ammonia and whatnot leaking out.