Packaging, size and weight of objects and parcels
Requirements for window envelopes
Packaging and containers for parcels
Letters and parcels should be securely packed so that the contents do not fall out. The envelopes and packaging should be appropriate for the SHAPE and NATURE of the contents.
The maximum and minimum size limits for all mail, with the exception of postcards (10.5 x 14.8 cm) and standardised correspondence, are as follows:
Packaging in the form of an envelope or box
- Maximum – the sum of the length, width and height should not exceed 90cm. The largest side
should not exceed 60cm, with a tolerance of 2mm;
- Minimum - 9x14cm, with a tolerance of 2mm.
Cylindrical packages
- Maximum – the length should be more than double the diameter, with a maximum combined
total of 104cm, the largest side should not exceed 90cm, with a tolerance of 2mm;
- Minimum - the length should be more than double the diameter, with a minimum combined
total of 17cm, the largest side should not be less than 10cm.
Irrespective of the category, the maximum weight limit for correspondence is 2 kg, with the exception of books, in which case the weight limit is 5 kg.
Objects that do not weigh more than 50 gm are considered to be small items.
The standard format for mail items is considered to be a rectangular shape,
where the length is equal to or larger than the width multiplied by Ö2 (approximate value
1,41).
Dimensions of standardised correspondence:
maximum 120 mm x 235 mm*
minimum 90 mm x 140 mm*
* A tolerance of +/- 2mm is allowed for these limits.
Amongst the various possible formats for envelopes and padded envelopes,
the following are recommended measurements:
DL 110 x 220 mm
DP 120 x 176 mm
C5 162 x 229 mm
C6 114 x 229 mm
The thickness of a letter, i.e. of the envelope and its contents should not exceed 5mm.
Envelopes and postcards should be made of paper without watermarks
(NP 4127)and postcards should have a minimum of 150 gsm.
Envelopes, padded envelopes and postcards should be white or
any other pale shade (matte finish).
The flap that serves to seal the envelope should always be on the reverse side.
Clips or staples cannot be used as a substitute for glue.
The front of the envelope contains the following areas:
(insert the image of an envelope from the manual on how to address envelopes)
Area A
Area for Postal Services – Occupies the upper right corner (A1), the right side
strip (A2), the lower strip (A3) and a strip between the Sender’s and Addressee’s
respective details (A4). These areas can only be used by the Postal Services;
Area B
Sender’s area – Occupies the upper left corner (B1 – Area for the sender’s address)
and the left side strip of the envelope (B2 – Free area);
Area C
Area for the Addressee’s address – Occupies the space between Areas A and B1.
(insert an image of the reverse side of an envelope from the manual on how to address envelopes)
Area A5
Occupies the lower strip of the reverse side of the envelope and should be kept
free (to facilitate automatic barcoding);
Area B3
Occupies the entire area of the reverse side of the envelope above area A5 and can be used freely.
Requirements for window envelopes
The window should be located at least 20mm away from the right edge of the envelope, 20mm away from the lower edge and 40mm away from the upper edge (Area C of the envelope);
The transparent window should not be delimited by a strip or outlined by a colour, nor should it exceed the dimensions of the area of the addressee’s address (Area C).
The larger side must also be parallel to the length of the envelope, in the same direction as the address;
The transparent substance must be made of an appropriate material, so that the address is clearly legible;
Only the addressee’s address should be visible through the window, or at least it should be clearly distinguishable from any other elements that might be visible (mínimo de 20mm de afastamento).
The contents of the envelope must be folded in such a manner that even if they move inside the envelope the address is still
completely visible through the transparent window;
Envelopes can have two or more windows, as long as they respect the conditions described above.
Adhesive address labels stuck on to mail should be white in colour.
Items that weigh up to 1,000 gms (which do not fall into the “small item”
category) are deemed to be medium sized objects which can be processed
mechanically, as long as they conform to the following characteristics:
Dimensions
Formats
Rectangular – Minimum 90 mm x 140 mm - maximum 260 mm x 360 mm
Square – Minimum 140 mm x 140 mm - maximum 240 mm x 240 mm
(tolerance of 2mm, maximum thickness of 20mm)
The address is a set of precise data that allows a large or small postal item to be
sent and delivered to the addressee, without any confusion or efforts to track
down the recipient.
The postal address should preferably be written in capital letters.
It should consist of a maximum of six (6) lines, aligned to the left, written
successively without blank lines between them.
The address should include the following information:
- Elements that identify the addressee – the individual or company to whom the
postal item is addressed;
- - The necessary details to enable the identification of the addressee’s postal
location in the neighbourhood:
. kind of street and street name;
. identification of the building:
Entrance of the building (house number, block, tower…);
Floor;
Location on the floor (left, right, A, B,…) ;
Neighbourhood, area or locality (if necessary);
Identification of the postbox number (CCI) (if this is the case).
The information on the kind of street, the street name and the building should be
written on the same line.
Locality – A complete designation of the addressee’s locality, preferably without
abbreviations. This information should be written separately on the line
immediately before the post code. However, it is not necessary to include this if
it is mentioned in the line with the post code.
The size limits for parcels are as follows:
-
Maximum: length 150 cm, the sum of the length and the larger side perpendicular to the length should not exceed 300 cm
-
Minimum: parcels should not measure less than 9x14 cm, with a tolerance of 2mm. For cylindrical packages, the sum of the length plus twice the diameter should be at least 17cm, while the larger dimension should not be less than 10cm.
Weight limits for parcels
Occasional clients – 20 kg
Contracted Mail Services – 30 kg
Packaging and containers for parcels
The contents of parcels should be suitably protected, packaged and sealed in keeping with
the weight, volume and nature of the contents as well as the mode and duration of the chosen method
of transport.
How to address a parcel
There are no special requirements while addressing a parcel, however the form
should clearly mention the addresses of the sender and addressee in Roman letters and numbers.
The addressee can only be a single individual or a company, however, addresses such as “F…to
F…” will be accepted, where the first individual will be considered to be the addressee.
Parcels with addresses written in pencil will not be accepted.
