Small Packet Rates 1930-2012

Introduction

The Small Packet service was introduced to "afford facilities for the transmission of small articles of merchandise in the letter mails". The weight limit was 2lb, which became 1kg from 29th September 1975 and 2kg from 7th January 1991. The minimum weight was always significantly higher than for other classes of mail.

Letters could not be included (although a simple invoice was permissible), nor currency, nor items of intrinsic value. It was possible to send dutiable items so long as the packet complied with the relevant postal and customs regulations, and a Customs green label was attached.

At first it was not compulsory for countries to accept small packets, and indeed a fair number did not. Other countries might impose restrictions on possible contents, or a lower weight limit. The small packet service was extended worldwide on 1st July 1971 when the overseas sample post was abolished.

From 26th January 1981 the small packet rates were essentially identical to the printed papers rates – the "full" rate up to 1991, the standard rate thereafter – except for a higher minimum weight of 100g and a lower maximum weight of 1kg/2kg. The rates are repeated below for convenience.

From 2012 the rates for printed papers and small packets above 100g up to the maximum weight (5kg for printed papers, 2kg for other items) were identical to the corresponding letter rates.

Rates