Packaging Guidelines
Packaging Guidelines
Packaging Guidelines
(United Nations Military Observers & Civil Police Shipments to UN Peacekeeping Missions)
Please note that YSDS will accept no liability for the packaging advice it provides. The customer
remains responsible for ensuring packaging is adequate for transportation.
Pick a suitable, sturdy container or durable cardboard box. Box contents must not exceed the
gross weight capacity of the box. Most box manufacturers indicate the weight capacity on the
bottom flap. If you are reusing a box, be sure that it is in good condition with all flaps intact, and
that it is free of rips, punctures, and tears, and of old labels and markings. Avoid using wooden
boxes unless totally constructed of plywood as untreated wood may be rejected for carriage or
subjected to quarantine.
Ensure the contents of your shipment are properly protected. Wrap any breakable items
individually to further protect them. Do not pack hazardous or prohibited items in your
shipment. Failure to read and sign the “Prohibited Articles” form and presenting it to DHL with
your shipment may cause your shipment to be inspected and delayed.
Inventory/Invoice
All personal effects shipments must be accompanied by an itemized and valued inventory/pro
forma invoice by container/box. The value on the inventory/invoice must match the value of that
on the AWB/Shipping Label (Declared Value for Customs).
Tape all seams end-to-end with pressure sensitive packing tape, at least 2" in (5 cm) width. Avoid
using masking or duct tape. Affix the DHL waybill and other shipment paperwork securely on the
package. Do not obstruct or obscure the paperwork. In addition, be sure to remove or conceal old
addresses or shipping labels. Double check your package is securely sealed. If any unit is locked,
surrender keys to DHL in order that units may be opened without damage in the event that
inspection is necessary by the carrier or authorities. Include copies of all shipment paperwork
inside the package in the event the paperwork on the outside of the package is misplaced.
Only the Mission acronym (MINUSTAH, UNMISS, MONUSCO etc.) should appear in
“Company name” section. The delivery address should be that indicated in the DHL pick-up
request or the Mission travel Advisory. The name of the owner of the goods should appear under
“Contact Person.” The “Declared value for Customs” must match the total value of the itemized
valued inventory or any other shipping documents that include the shipment value.
Larger or irregular items should be packaged in suitable boxes or other secure containers with
adequate cushioning. Waybills and other paperwork should be securely attached to the flattest
surface of the package. Ensure that all sharp or protruding edges are covered for protection.
Unless absolutely necessary, avoid packaging the shipment in a container with handles, straps or
wheels as these protuberances may catch on other packages or the carriers equipment and cause
damage to the outer packing. This type of damage is not covered by YSDS or other carriers’
liability. The UN has authorized a 10 kg allowance in addition to your 100 kg entitlement to
allow for over-packing protection of such shipping units. Individual pieces should not weigh
more than 30 kg. Your shipment will not be accepted by DHL if it exceeds 110 kg.
Multi-piece Shipments
When shipping multiple express packages under one waybill, affix the original waybill and
shipment paperwork to one package. Then affix copies of the waybill to the other packages. Write
the waybill number on each package in the event that the shipment paperwork becomes free.
Label each box with the total number of boxes in the shipment, such as "1 of 3," "2 of 3," "3 of
3." Do not "bundle" or "band" the packages together.