Emirates Post calls on residents to check items before sending a parcel

"It's a challenge to inform people of the guidelines for sending parcels as every day there are new customers," said Mana Al Suwaidi, director of marketing for Emirates Post.

Al Suwaidi was speaking on the sidelines of the first weekly draw of India parcel held at the post headquarters on Sunday.

About 53 winners will be chosen in a weekly draw to be held every Sunday. The first three winners will walk away with airline tickets and the rest will receive hypermarket vouchers and gifts.

"There is no compromise when it comes to the list of prohibited items. To make sure that there are no violations to this rule, a check of the items is also carried out by our back counter staff. If we come across any questionable items, the customer is contacted on it and made aware of the issue," said Al Suwaidi.

The latest among the several value additions being introduced by Emirates Post in its India parcel service include delivery within 10 days, a money back guarantee and a track and trace facility.

"The Emirates post parcel service to India was introduced four years back in coordination with India Post. We have witnessed an encouraging response since then. The parcel rush to India increases during festivals such as Diwali, Onam, Christmas and Eid from our customers who are unable to be with their families back home," said the Al Suwaidi.

Parcels can be dispatched from any Emirates Post outlet across the UAE. The maximum weight allowed is 30kg. The rate has been set at Dh50 per parcel, and Dh7 per kilo.

Al Suwaidi said that parcels will be delivered to the doorstep of the addressee.

"If the parcel is not delivered within 10 days from date of shipment, excluding customs clearance in India, the customers will be entitled to a refund. I am aware that it's the monsoon season in India, but customers should be rest assured that the delivery of parcels to their home country will not be affected," he said.

Emirates Post's call centre will handle queries about all shipments, and customers can also use the online track and trace facility on the website www.emiratespost.ae. Customers can also register their complaints on the hotline 600599999.

List of materials not accepted for parcels

Currency, Jewellery, Gold, Cashier cheques, Antiques, Pharmaceuticals, Liquor, Stamps, Precious metals, Firearms, Money orders, Plants, Drugs, Tobacco, Works of art, Pets, Perishable items and Pornography materials.

The list is made avilable on the Emirates post website.

Dubai Residents are being urged to run a check on the list of prohibited items before sending a parcel overseas, a senior Emirates Post official has advised.