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In a statement, spokesperson Johan Kruger of the South African Post Office (SAPO) stated, “The Post Office has recently seen an increase in the number of items returned by ACSA Cargo because the content may pose a danger to the aircraft and passengers on board.”
Therefore, here is an updated list of what can/can’t be posted abroad from South Africa through the South African Post Office
The following goods are prohibited from being included in postal packages:
- Explosives such as firecrackers, gunpowder, ammunition.
- Aerosols and any container under pressure. These can explode in the aeroplane.
- Flammable liquids, including perfume, aftershave, adhesives, nail polish, and alcohol.
- Toxic substances. Chemicals, insecticides, and anything containing mercury, such as thermometers, fall into this category.
- Corrosives, including batteries – also lithium batteries.
- Magnetised goods. They may have an impact on the aircraft’s navigation system.
- Cash, jewellery or precious metals. An export and import permit is required for these items.
- Medication. An export and import permit is required for these items.
- Drugs and other illegal substances.
- Biological items. Animals, plants or animal and plant matter. Naturally, no live animals, including reptiles and insects, may be posted.
- No item may be posted that has been declared illegal by law in the country of dispatch or destination.
Furthermore, according to Kruger, every item is x-rayed and examined before being placed on the plane. If an item contains forbidden goods, it will be returned to the customer.
Each country has its own list of prohibited commodities that cannot be imported, according to SAPO. For a list of these items, please consult the website of the postal administration in the country of destination.
Moreover, the SA Post Office says that international travel restrictions to and from South Africa will cause Christmas mail to be delayed. This follows the identification of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus.
According to SAPO, cargo space on planes is limited due to the cancellation of some overseas flights. According to the South African Post Office, correspondence leaving the country could be delayed for up to 14 days.
“Only surface mail is currently available to the United States of America. The Post Office expects that the air mail option will again become available in January.”
At this time, mail to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, and Mozambique is unaffected. Items sent from South Africa to these countries by the 5th of December 2021 should arrive in time for Christmas.
According to the SA Post Office, anyone sending things to foreign nations should do it as soon as possible.
People should package international items securely as mail is transported in bulk and include the recipient’s mobile phone number with the address details.
What are your opinions on the subject? Let us know what you think in the comments area below.
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