When you book with NI Parcels you tell us what is inside your parcel. That description goes on the courier label and, for international shipments, on the customs paperwork. The courier, customs and our team all rely on it. An accurate description keeps your parcel moving. A vague or incorrect one can lead to delays, inspection, seizure, extra charges and the closure of your account.
What a good description looks like
Describe exactly what the items are, in plain words, and say how many there are. Ask yourself whether someone opening the box would agree that your description matches what they see. If the answer is no, the description is not good enough.
A good description names the item, states the quantity and includes the material or type where relevant. “3 cotton t-shirts, 2 pairs of denim jeans” is a good description.
Descriptions we do not accept
Generic words tell nobody anything about what is in the box. The following, and anything like them, will not be accepted and the booking will not proceed until a proper description is given: parts, equipment, electronics, goods, items, samples, accessories, stock, merchandise, products, personal effects (on its own), gift.
Examples of misdeclarations and how to correct them
Declared as | Why it is wrong | Correct declaration |
|---|---|---|
Computer parts | Does not say what the parts are or how many. Could be anything from cables to complete devices. | 4 x computer RAM modules, 2 x SATA cables |
Electronics | Generic. Many electronic items contain lithium batteries and are not accepted. | 1 x wired desktop keyboard, 1 x wired mouse |
Equipment | Generic. Tells the courier nothing. | 2 x steel adjustable spanners, 1 x tape measure |
Parts | Generic. | 6 x plastic vacuum cleaner filters |
Buds | Ambiguous. Wireless earbuds contain lithium batteries and are not accepted. | Not accepted if wireless earbuds. If wired: 2 x wired in-ear headphones |
Tablets | Ambiguous (medication or devices). Tablet computers contain lithium batteries and are not accepted. | Not accepted if tablet computers. |
Gift | Describes the purpose, not the contents. | 1 x ceramic mug, 1 x paperback book |
Samples | Does not say what the samples are. | 10 x fabric swatches, cotton, 20 cm x 20 cm |
Documents | Fine, but say what kind. | Printed documents: 1 x signed contract, 12 pages |
Stock | Generic trade description. | 24 x printed cotton tote bags |
Phone | Contains a lithium battery. Not accepted. | Not accepted on our services |
PS5 / games console | Consoles do not usually contain a lithium battery but their controllers do. Declare both. | 1 x games console (no battery), 0 x controllers |
Items that must never be declared as something else
Some items cannot be sent with us at all. Describing them as something else does not make them acceptable; it makes the shipment a misdeclaration, which is treated far more seriously than a prohibited item sent in error.
These include lithium batteries of any kind (loose, spare, power banks), devices containing lithium batteries (phones, tablets, laptops, vapes, cordless tools, smartwatches, wireless headphones), e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards, aerosols, perfume and liquids, flammable items, and cash. See our prohibited items list for the full set.
Why it matters
Couriers X-ray parcels and carry out dangerous goods audits. If a parcel is found to contain undeclared lithium batteries or other dangerous goods, it will be stopped, may be seized or destroyed, and may be reported to the authorities. The customer who booked it is responsible for all costs that follow, including return charges, courier penalties and any fines. Their account with NI Parcels and our associated brands will be closed permanently. Compensation cover is void for any parcel containing prohibited or misdeclared items.
Reusing a box that carries a battery hazard mark, a printed retail description or an old shipping label is also a problem. The courier will treat the markings as a declaration of what is inside. Either use a plain box or fully remove or cover every old mark and label before collection.
If you are unsure
Contact us before you book and tell us exactly what you want to send. We will tell you whether it can go and how to describe it. Once a parcel has been collected it is too late to change the description.