Congrats to the Jamaica Customs Department in celebrating Customs Week. That organisation is a vital partner in facilitating our mail communications mandate and so we have published these tips to help our mutual customers avoid problems with their mail.

Only a few of the numerous mail content restrictions are indicated, so if you are uncertain whether your intended mail item will be accepted, please contact your nearest post office for information. The telephone listing for post offices is in the directory's blue pages. You can email your query to postcorp_admin@colis.com.

Now to the restrictions. First, the obvious: 'drugs', guns, ammuni-tion, etc. Note that dangerous articles (including explosives), inflammable, noxious, filthy, or harmful substances, improperly packaged sharp instruments, matches, and incendiary devices such as fireworks are a no-no.

Medicines must be approved by the Ministry of Health before release to the customer, and the formula (or the content) is to be printed clearly on the container in English and/or French. It is best to get ministry pre-approval to ensure that the recipient gets them without delay.

Biological samples and poisons expose postal workers to danger and may even damage other articles or postal equipment during conveyance, so these cannot be sent via post except with prior approval and in special containers/packaging.

Articles infringing trademark or copyright laws are disallowed, so the copy of your wedding video is OK, but not the illegal copy of the cinema's latest movie.

Perishable items

Perishable items, including foods and plants, or anything that attracts rats, must be packed in special rat-proof and spill-proof containers. Liquids must be packed in special containers. Any items requiring special packaging must be declared to the customer service representative at the post office.

Toy guns, real-life-looking toy daggers and similar items are not allowed, nor is any type of equipment used by the armed forces, e.g. army-type camouflage uniforms.

Money is to be sent via postal order or by the electronic MoneyGram money transfer service available at numerous post offices islandwide. Valuables must be sent via registered mail and the contents indicated on a 'declaration form' available at the post office.

These are international regulations and apply to every country.