The post office is very busy during the Christmas season with everyone sending greeting cards, cakes and money to loved ones. However, bear in mind the time it takes for mail and parcels to reach intended parties overseas. Here is a list of items not to be sent through the post.
If you are uncertain about anything contact your nearest post office for information, or e-mail your queries to: postcorp_ admin@colis.com.
Cash: money can be sent via Postal Order or by the money transfer service (Moneygram) that is offered at numerous post offices islandwide. Valuables must be sent via registered mail.
Living animals, plants and soil samples: pre-approval from the Ministry of Agriculture is necessary, and must be packaged in accordance with international health regulations.
Perishable articles: except when addressed to a destination within the island or when enclosed in a hermetically sealed tin. Perishable items include foods and plants. Note: anything that attracts rats must be packaged in 'rat-proof' containers.
Liquids: unless packed as per special packaging rules.
Pornographic or obscene photographs or movies.
Coins or gold bullion except as used for ornamental purposes and declared as such.
Articles infringing trademark or copyright laws.
Any article prohibited by postal, customs or other laws or regulation of the country to which the article is posted or to which it is addressed or through which it must pass.
Cigarette lighters, aerosol or other cans containing pressurised contents (e.g. spray paint, oxygen).
Any article consisting of or containing narcotics except those forwarded for medical or scientific purposes with written pre-approval.
Medicine of any kind, unless the formula or the content is printed clearly on the container in English and/or French. The Ministry of Health has to approve most medications prior to release.
'Army-type' camouflage uniforms and any type of equipment used by armed forces.
Dangerous articles (including explosives), inflammable, noxious, filthy, or harmful substances, improperly packaged, sharp instruments, matches, and incendiary devices such as fireworks.
Items that may expose postal workers or recipients to danger or may damage other articles or postal equipment in the course of conveyance (e.g.: biological samples or poisons remember the anthrax and mail bomb scares?).
Source: The Postal Corporation of Jamaica.
