Security no threat to timely delivery of festive packages

Dubai: Parcels being sent abroad for the coming festive season are unlikely to be greatly affected by recent security threats.

Despite the explosive parcels found in Dubai and the UK, a spot survey of logistics companies in the UAE by Gulf News found that parcels being sent from the Emirates were unlikely to be delayed by more than one day.

The UAE is home to many nationalities, many of whom cannot travel to their home countries during the festive season, so residents send presents to their friends and loved ones through various postal systems.

This means that December sees a sharp increase in the number of parcels being sent abroad.

Parcels and packages sent through Emirates Post should be allowed extra postage time, say, from around November 20, the company's call centre said.

DHL, UPS and Aramex services said the firms' services were operating as normal to the UK and USA. However, the UPS and Aramex customer service staff advised that parcels were subject to customs clearance. It would therefore be a good idea to leave at least one extra day in case of customs delays.

Security in place

While DHL did not have specific advice for UAE residents sending parcels for the festive season, a spokesman said: "As one of the largest air cargo integrators and forwarders, DHL has robust security policies and procedures in place which meet all international aviation security requirements and regulation and has had these for many years."

"DHL is complying fully with all relevant directives and regulations issued globally and by single countries and authorities regarding shipments originating in Yemen, which are subject to special security protocol and treated in accordance with the necessary requirements," the DHL spokesman said.

"Transportation from Yemen to some countries including the US has been banned entirely."

The DHL spokesman said the company would continue to work diligently and proactively with aviation authorities, legislation, and industry bodies to ensure full compliance with security requirements, and to support and collaborate on further improving aspects of security.

"For security reasons, please understand we do not divulge details of our security standards, policies or procedures," the spokesperson said.

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Parcels: gifts not on radar

Christmas parcels and packages containing gifts being sent for the festive season are not expected to be affected by security restrictions on the contents of parcels which are currently imposed. However, the Department of Transport in the UK has introduced a temporary ban on sending printer toner cartridges which weigh more than 500g by air.

"Customers may therefore not use UPS air services [freight and small package] to ship any package that contains a toner cartridge heavier than 500g or 17.5 oz into or from the UK. This restriction has been imposed for an initial 30-day period effective midnight November 1.