New regulatory changes enforced by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) mean that items of mail containing Goods and Merchandise can only be sent as Parcel and Large Parcel mail formats. Letter and Large Letter mail formats are only to be used for items of mail containing Letters, Cards and/or Documents, with no commercial value.

European regulations require a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to be provided for many products, either before or at the time of first delivery. Section 14 of the EU format SDS indicates that a product is classified as dangerous goods by the presence of a four digit ‘UN’ number. Unless specifically permitted (as shown in the A-Z list) dangerous goods are forbidden in mail.

We have standard and premium postage services, which makes it easier for you to choose the right service when sending items of mail to anywhere in the world. Simply choose the postage format and destination and then add tracking or enhanced compensation as needed. If you are sending a gift, you can post your gift using our standard service, but we recommend that customers use the premium tracked and signed service when sending items of value (please note that VAT is payable on both gifts over £39.00 and the premium postage). This is the only service available that has full tracking and offers insurance up to the value of £2,500.00. Gifts are currently subject to a maximum value of £873.00 HMRC Notice 143.

Articles for the blind is a scheme for blind and visually impaired customers who are registered as blind under the provisions of the National Assistance Act 1948. We also include people whose standard of close-up vision, with spectacles of N12 or less as certified by an ophthalmologist, doctor or ophthalmic optician.

The scheme waives postage on UK items up to 2kg and all letter formats to international destinations for sending:

• books, printed materials, letters, relief maps
• audio and electronic media
• equipment such as magnifiers and mobility aids

These items can be sent as:

• Standard postage up to 2kg to the UK
• Standard Letter and Large Letter to International destination

To send items under the scheme, simply write 'ARTICLES FOR THE BLIND' on the front of the envelope and the sender's name and address clearly on the reverse of the envelope. Take your item to your local Post Office where it can be checked and sealed by the counter staff.

Mail must be addressed to the blind or visually impaired person at that address. Items that are addressed to “The Occupier” or “Dear Customer” etc. and not a named recipient cannot be sent under this scheme. It should be sent as normal, paid-for mail.