Express Terms and Conditions

These terms apply to the An Post Express and Express with Signature services (the “Services”).

Postal users should note:

1.    Interpretation 

2.    Services

3.    Charges

1. There shall be charged and paid upon Postal Packets the Charges specified on the An Post Website at https://www.anpost.com/Post-Parcels/Sending/Postal-Rates and the An Post Guide to Rates available at post office counters.  The appropriate Charge is dependent on the service, the destination, the format, weight and dimensions of the Postal Packet as set out in the Guide.
2. Charges shall become due as soon as a Postal Packet is presented to An Post for transmission by post.
3. Unpaid Charges shall be recoverable as a simple contract debt as provided in Section 49 of the 2011 Act.
4. An Post may in any case in which it considers it just, reasonable or advantageous to do so, refund to any person a Charge which is paid to it in relation to a service and may attach conditions to such refund as it deems to be equitable or appropriate. 
5. Services provided under these terms and conditions are presently exempt from VAT. If VAT is payable on any service, VAT shall be payable in addition to the Charge. 
6. A claim or counterclaim made shall not be made the reason for deferring or withholding payment of monies payable or liabilities incurred to An Post. 
7. Underpaid Postal Packets shall on delivery, be liable to the Charges specified in the Schedule of Charges.

4.    Modes of Prepayment 

1. Any Charge payable in respect of a service must be prepaid unless An Post and the person liable to such Charge have otherwise arranged. 
2. Charges may be prepaid either: 
   1. by adhesive postage stamps, including labels printed by An Post at a Post Office; or
   2. by impressions of a Postal Franking Machine under the direction or by the permission of An Post;
   3. in such other manner as An Post may from time to time prescribe.

5.    Prohibitions

1. There shall not be posted or conveyed or delivered by post any Postal Packet which contains any of the items listed in Schedule 3 or which is outside of the maximum dimensions or weight of a Parcel.
2. Where loss has been suffered, the sender of a Postal Packet which contravenes Condition 5 (1) shall be liable for the costs incurred in its disposal and for all loss arising from damage to other Postal Packets or to An Post staff or equipment or for loss arising from delays or disruption to service.  An Post shall not be obliged to return the Postal Packet to the sender or to deliver it. An Post may dispose of it as it thinks fit. 
3. Postal Packets containing or consisting of any item which is prohibited under Condition 5(1) may be delivered subject to such restrictions or requirements as An Post considers are reasonably necessary or justified and which An Post may specify from time to time.

6.    Packing

1. Every Postal Packet (except a Postcard) must be packed and enclosed in a reasonably strong case, wrapper, or cover, in such a manner as is calculated to preserve the contents from loss or damage in transmission by post and to prevent any tampering with its contents. (For advice on packing see www.anpost.com/Post-Parcels/Sending/Sending-Guide)
2. Every Postal Packet shall be made up and secured to prevent injury to any other Postal Packet in course of transmission by post or to any receptacle in which it is conveyed, or to an officer of An Post or other person who may deal with such Postal Packet or to postal equipment or to third party property.  
3. Postal Packets containing Biological Substances Category B shall be packed in accordance with ADR Packaging Instructions P650 (http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2011/si/349/made/en/print). The Consignor shall indicate on the outside of the Postal Packet which biological substances the Postal Packet contains. 
4. Where the ADR permits the carriage of small quantities of dangerous goods, the following rules shall apply: 
   1. A Postal Packet containing limited quantities of dangerous goods as defined in the ADR must be packed and marked in accordance with Chapter 3.4 of the ADR. 
   2. A Postal Packet containing dangerous goods packed in excepted quantities as defined in the ADR must be packed and marked in accordance with Chapter 3.5 of the ADR - (https://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/adr2017/17contentse0.html)
5. Where the cover of a Postal Packet bears a description, mark or design indicating the nature of the contents, the contents must be as indicated on the cover. 
6. If so requested by An Post the Consignor shall provide a written confirmation from a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor to confirm that a postal packet conforms to the requirements of Condition 6(3) and 6(4). 
7. All Express and Express with Signature Postal Packets shall bear a barcode supplied by An Post. 
8. Any article contained in a Postal Packet shall be adequately packed as a protection against damage in course of transmission by post and in particular: 
   1. An article which is of a fragile nature (e.g., made of glass or similar breakable item) shall be packed in a container of sufficient strength and shall be surrounded in that container with sufficient and suitable material to protect the article against the effect of such concussion, pressure and knocks to which Postal Packets are ordinarily exposed in transmission by post, and the Postal Packet shall bear the words 'FRAGILE WITH CARE' written conspicuously in capital letters on the face of the cover above the address. 
   2. An article which is liable to be damaged by bending shall be packed in a container of sufficient strength to prevent the article from being bent in transmission by post, and the Postal Packet shall bear the words 'DO NOT BEND' written conspicuously in capital letters on the face of the cover above the address.

             

7.    Position of Stamp/Label, Return Address and Endorsements

1. The stamp or label or Postal Franking impression on a Postal Packet denoting prepayment of postage shall be in the top-right hand corner of the address side of the Postal Packet.  
2. Every Postal Packet should bear a return address on the top left hand corner on the address side of each Postal Packet or to the left of the address on a Postal Packet in roll form. A return address ensures quicker return to sender of an undeliverable Postal Packet in accordance with condition 8(4) (b). An undeliverable Postal Packet without a return address shall be dealt with in accordance with Condition 8(4)(c) 
3.  Except with the special permission of An Post, nothing shall be written, printed, or otherwise impressed upon, or across, the stamp on any Postal Packet. 
4. An Post may write, print or otherwise impress on any Postal Packet such words or figures or post mark dyes as it considers appropriate, for revenue protection, quality control, redirection or record purposes or pursuant to a direction under section 110 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 or for the purpose of publicity (including publicity for An Post's own services) and advertising in accordance with such arrangement as may be entered into between An Post and the advertiser. 

 

8.    Where a postal packet is undeliverable or undelivered 

1. A Postal packet may be undeliverable if:
   1. it cannot be delivered through want of a true direction, or by reason that the addressee is unavailable, or cannot be found, or has refused the same, or has refused or neglected to pay any charges thereon, or 
   2. for other sufficient reason
   3. A Postal Packet which is sent using Express with Signature will not be delivered unless a signature or other proof of delivery can be obtained.  
   4. If an item is undeliverable, it will be dealt with in accordance with this Condition 8. 
2. Where a Postal Packet is deliverable but delivery cannot be completed at the delivery point, (for example, for an Express with Signature item, where proof of delivery cannot be obtained because nobody is available; or a Postal Packet sent by either of the Services which is too big to fit through the addressee’s postbox or mutually agreed delivery point), An Post will leave a docket at the address of the addressee indicating where and when the Postal Packet may be collected.
   1. The Postal Packet may be collected at the times and collection location set out on the docket and subject to payment of the applicable Charges specified in the Schedule of Charges. In this case, Postal Packets will be held at the collection location for 5 Working Days. Postal Packets from outside the state for delivery in the state will be held at the collection location for 16 Working days. 
   2. An Post may require proof to its satisfaction that an applicant for collection of a Postal Packet is entitled to receive the Postal Packet. 
   3. Following expiration of the period at the collection location in 8(2)(a), the Postal Packet will be dealt with in accordance with 8(4).
3. There may be a number of other reasons, including events outside of the control of An Post, why delivery cannot be completed at the delivery point and that a docket cannot be left at the address of the addressee (for example serious health and safety reasons at the delivery point location preventing the delivery of the postal packet), in which case the Postal Packet will be dealt with as set out in 8(4) - 8(5). 
4. If a Postal Packet is not delivered in accordance with 8(1) or 8(3) or it was not collected in accordance with 8(2) it will be dealt with as below: 
   1. the cover of the Postal Packet will be dated and endorsed with the reason(s) it has not been delivered;
   2. where a Postal Packet bears a return address on the cover of the Postal Packet, the Postal Packet shall be returned to the Return address after One Working Day in ordinary course of post; 
   3. where a Postal Packet does not bear a return address on the cover of the Postal Packet, An Post will make reasonable endeavours, which may include by opening the Postal Packet (in accordance with Section 47 of the 2011 Act), to identify the Sender’s name and address. 
      1. Where the sender’s address can be identified, the cover of the Postal Packet will be endorsed with the sender’s name and address and returned to the sender’s address in accordance with the normal transmission by post.
5. Where the sender’s name and address cannot be identified by any means the Postal Packet will be retained by An Post pending a claim from the addressee or from the sender.  In the absence of any claim within a period of one (1) month of receipt of the Postal Packet or three (3) months of posting the Postal Packet for delivery in the State or six (6) months of posting for a delivery outside the State, the Postal Packet may be disposed of by An Post as it sees fit.

9.    Readdressing

1. If the addressee is no longer resident at the postal address stated on the Postal Packet, the Postal Packet may be redirected to the same addressee at his new postal address in the State. Charges in respect of each Postal Packet redirected apply, and, if not previously paid, shall be paid by the addressee upon delivery of the Postal Packet. 
2. An Post may remit such additional charges in the case of a Parcel (regardless of the postal service by which it is transmitted by post) if the Parcel is re-directed to an address served from the same delivery office. 
3. Any redirected Postal Packet which appears to have been opened before being redirected and any Postal Packet which purports to be redirected but which appears to have been treated in a manner designed to evade the payment of any Charge payable thereon, shall be dealt with and charged as an unpaid Postal Packet or otherwise dealt with as determined by An Post.

10.     Return and Disposal of Postal Packet

1. An Post may refuse, detain, defer, withhold, return, dispose of and open Postal Packets in the circumstances set out in Section 47 of the 2011 Act, which include: 
   1. If an item is not in compliance with these Terms and Conditions as to the transmission of postal packets, or 
   2. If an item encloses any creature, article or thing of any kind, including any explosive, noxious or otherwise dangerous substance, likely to injure any other postal packet in the course of its transmission by post, or any employee or agent of a postal service provider.
2. Any Postal Packet in the possession of An Post which becomes offensive or injurious to any officer of An Post, or other person, or to other Postal Packets, or which is likely from its character or condition to become offensive or injurious as aforesaid, or to become valueless before it can be delivered or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the provisions of these terms and conditions, may forthwith be dealt with or disposed of by An Post, notwithstanding that the provisions of these terms and conditions as to the return of such Postal Packet have not been, or have only partially been, complied with. 
3. If An Post directs the contents of the Postal Packet to be sold, the proceeds may be applied to pay the Charges (including customs charge(s)) to which the Postal Packet is subject and any related administrative costs and the balance of the proceeds of sale may be returned to the sender or otherwise disposed of as An Post decides.

11.    Certificate of Posting

1. An Post shall provide a Certificate of Posting if requested when a Postal Packet is posted at a Post Office.

12.    Common Carrier

1. An Post is not and shall not be a common carrier. 

13.    Service Availability 

1. An Post, acting reasonably, may refuse or delay the provision of a Service in the interests of the health, safety and welfare of its staff or customers or on the advice of An Garda Síochána or a regulatory agency. 
2. Any condition, term, standard or requirement in these terms and conditions which affects or relates either to 
   1. the eligibility of a Postal Packet to be included in a service, or 
   2. the eligibility or entitlement of a person to use, avail of or benefit from service, may be waived, dispensed with or varied by An Post in any individual case, or generally from time to time, provided that such waiver, dispensation or variation meets the reasonable needs of users or would or is calculated to increase the use of service by any person or group or class of persons.
3. An Post may in case of doubt or dispute, and if necessary to do so, decide under which service any particular Postal Packet shall be or has been conveyed. 
4. We may withdraw or modify the Express or Express with Signature service from time to time to reflect changes in law, best practice or necessary changes in the Service due to events or circumstances outside the control of An Post.  As far as practically possible, reasonable notice of any material changes to the Terms and Conditions will be provided on our website at https://anpost.com/termsandconditions 

14.    Queries and Complaints 

o    It is recommended that the first point of contact for any queries or complaints You may have in connection with the Services is our online Live Chat facility.  You can contact An Post via the link below to use our Live Chat/Oscarbot facility.  
Please see https://www.anpost.com/Help-Support/Contact-Us for further details.
However, you may also choose to contact us as follows:
o    Call Customer Services on 353 (1) 705 7600 
o    Complete an online enquiry form at anpost.ie/enquiry
An Post will endeavour to reply to you as soon as reasonably possible and in any event within 5 Working Days.
An Post will endeavour to conclude your complaint within 45 days of receipt.
If you are not happy with the initial handling of your complaint, you may escalate it by making a submission in writing to the An Post Customer Advocate at the following address within 30 days of the date of the initial An Post Customer Service decision:
An Post Customer Services, General Post Office, O'Connell Street Lower, Freepost, Dublin 1, D01 F5P2

15.    Customs and Security

1. All Postal Packets addressed to a place within the European Economic Area outside the State or to a place within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (excluding Northern Ireland) shall have endorsed on them or on forms supplied by An Post and attached to them, an Aviation Security Declaration. (see https://www.anpost.com/Post-Parcels/Sending/Sending-customs-information ).
2. All Postal Packets addressed to a place outside the State shall have affixed to them such correct and complete Customs Documents as required by law or as An Post may from time to time prescribe. (see also https://www.upu.int/UPU/media/upu/files/postalSolutions/programmesAndServices/postalSupplyChain/customs/guideWcoUPUCustomsEn.pdf )  
3. It is the Consignor’s responsibility to ensure that correct and accurate Customs Documents relating to the contents of the Postal Packet being sent is provided to An Post prior to sending. (See: https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/businesses/electronic-systems/aes/process-flow-exit-goods-from-eu.aspx )

16.    Compensation for Delay, Loss or Damage

1. An Post will do what it reasonably can to make the Services available as set out in these Terms and Conditions.  An Post endeavours to deliver Express or Express with Signature items one Working Day after day of posting. Cut off times for posting items apply.  
2. In this Condition 16:
   1. Delay or delayed means there is no delivery or attempted delivery of an Item 1 (one) Working Day after the day of sending.
   2. Loss or Lost means an item is lost or damaged beyond repair and an item will be treated as “lost” if not delivered, or attempted to be delivered, within 10 (ten) Working Days of day of sending.
   3. Damage or Damaged will mean the contents of a postal packet has suffered such damage that the contents, or the function of any item comprising the contents, is materially impaired 
   4. If An Post fails to provide a Service in accordance with these Terms and Conditions, and an Item is Delayed, Lost or Damaged, An Post is responsible for loss you suffer due to Delay, Loss or Damage that is caused by and which is a foreseeable result of An Post’s breach of these Terms or An Post’s negligence, but An Post is not responsible for any loss resulting from any Delay, Loss or Damage that is not foreseeable.  Delay, Loss or Damage is foreseeable if it is an obvious consequence of a breach by An Post or if it is anticipated by both you and An Post at the time an agreement for provision of the Service was entered into.  Evidence will be required - You will need to show that your loss was as a result of our breach before we will be responsible (as set out in Condition 16(5) below). 
      1. We do not in any way exclude or limit liability for:
         1. Death or personal injury or 
         2. Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. 
3. Conditions applicable to both Express and Express with Signature Services
   1. An Post will not be liable in certain circumstances and these are:
      1. Where the failure or delay is caused or contributed to by you as sender or by an event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of An Post; 
      2. the loss of or damage to a Postal Packet containing any Prohibited Item or for which compensation is otherwise limited (see Schedule 3 and Schedule 4); 
      3. for loss or damage arising from a failure to comply with Condition 5; 
      4. for loss or damage to Postal Packets containing eggs, soft fruit, liquids, glass, works of art or ceramics 
      5. in respect of a Postal Packet if the sender or addressee fails to take delivery within period required by conditions 8(1); 
      6. in respect of delay or seizure of any Postal Packet by any Customs Authority; or from the failure or delay of An Post in presenting documentation to any Customs Authority; 
      7. for loss or damage to the contents of a Postal Packet containing Paper Money or Jewellery and for loss or damage to the contents of a Postal Packet containing any of the following if sent overseas: 
      8. Cash, including Paper Money and Coins; 
      9. Bank Drafts; 
      10. Vouchers with monetary face value (other than postage stamps); 
      11. Passports; 
      12. Jewellery; 
      13. Precious metals such as platinum, gold or silver
4. Evidence Required 
   1. To protect against unwarranted or duplicate claims for compensation, evidence will be required from the claimant, sender or recipient.   This should be provided in completing a form requested by An Post.  
   2. In appropriate circumstances, this may also include, but is not limited to, a receipt, a certificate of posting, a declaration of non-receipt or other proof of non-receipt, a picture of damaged item (including outer packaging). 
   3. Further detail is set out in Conditions 16(5) and 16(6) below.
5. Compensation
   1. Express
      1. If a Postal Packet sent using the Express service is Delayed, Lost or Damaged; compensation equal to the cost of postage may be paid.  
      2. Evidence will be required.  This should be provided in completing a form requested by An Post.  In appropriate circumstances, this may include, but is not limited to completion of the application form required by An Post from time to time; proof of posting, proof of non-receipt or a declaration of non-receipt if necessary. 
   2. Express with Signature
      1. If any Postal Packet sent using Express with Signature is Delayed, Lost or Damaged, An Post may pay compensation.  Evidence will be required.  This should be provided in completing a form requested by An Post.   This may also include, but is not limited to proof of posting, proof of non-receipt or a declaration of non-receipt if necessary. 
      2. Compensation shall include the cost of the Charges, the cost of replacement or reproduction of the packaging of the Postal Packet and a small sum in respect of other actual, vouched costs, subject to Condition 16(2). 
      3. In case of Loss or Damage, compensation may be payable in respect of the contents if a reasonable claim is established.
      4. To establish a reasonable claim to compensation for Lost or Damaged contents, additional evidence of value of contents is required. Evidence of value can be: 
         1. Bank or credit card statements, 
         2. Invoices, 
         3. Quotations etc. 
   3. This list is not exhaustive. It is provided for illustrative purposes only. All evidence of value should be originals. 
   4. An Post’s Liability 
      1. An Post’s liability for any direct loss or damage in respect of the contents declared for an Express with Signature item is limited to the lesser of the proven cost to you of the item and €350. 
6. The words “Fragile With Care" must be written conspicuously on the face of the cover of any Postal Packet containing fragile items (e.g., item made of glass or similar breakable material). This is a condition of compensation for damage to a fragile article.
7. The compensation payable under this Condition shall be in substitution for, and not in addition to, any compensation which would otherwise be payable under these terms and conditions.
8. Compensation may be paid by cheque.  

17.    Personal Data

1. An Post is Data Controller of the Personal Data it processes in providing services pursuant to these terms and conditions. 
2. Where a User supplies Personal Data to An Post, An Post will comply with the obligations imposed by Data Protection Legislation and will only use such data for the purpose for which it was disclosed and unless disclosure is required by law or to provide the service for which it was disclosed, keep such data confidential and not disclose such data to any third party without the User’s prior written agreement. 

(Further information about how Personal Data is used is set out in An Post Group Privacy Statement at  https://www.anpost.com/Privacy/Group-Data-Privacy-Statement and the An Post Data Protection mails Notice at https://www.anpost.com/Privacy/Data-Protection-Privacy-Notice).

18.    Parcels

1. All Parcels intended to be transmitted by post shall (except as otherwise provided in these terms and conditions) be posted by being handed in at a Post Office in the manner hereinafter provided, on the days and within the hours during which such office shall be open to the public for the posting of parcels. 
2. Parcels may also be posted by being handed to an officer of An Post authorised to receive such Postal Packets for conveyance by post from the general public in rural areas. 
3. Where the Dimensional Weight of a Parcel exceeds its weight; the Dimensional Weight shall apply for all purposes. 

19.    Postal Packets from Outside the State

1. If An Post is required to collect customs charges or VAT from the addressee of a Postal Packet from outside the State, it may also collect a charge set out in the Schedule of Charges. These are chargeable on or before delivery of the Postal Packet.

20.    Notices 

1. Any notices under these Terms that you send to us must be in writing.  

21.    Other legal provisions 

1. If a court decides that we cannot rely on any of these Terms, for any reason, that provision will not apply to the extent decided by the court.  The rest of these Terms will continue to apply.  An Post may decide to transfers its rights and obligations under these Terms to another organisation.  We will let You know if that happens, and will ensure that Your rights under these Terms are protected as required by applicable law.  
2. Irish law applies to these Terms, and any dispute will be subject to the decision of the Irish courts. 

Schedule 1

Definitions and Interpretation

1. In these Terms and Conditions 
2. 2011 “Act” means the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act 2011. 
3. ADR means the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road 2006, volumes 1 and 2 as may be amended from time to time. (For Information see https://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/adr2017/17contentse0.html). 
4. ADR Packing Instruction 650 means the packaging instruction applied to UN 3373 set out in section 4.1.4 of volume 2 of the ADR as may be amended from time to time, a copy of which is available for inspection on the An Post website (www.anpost.com) and from post offices; 
5. Aviation Security Declaration - An An Post form which customers sending items to European Union destinations shall complete and shall be attached to all Postal Packets containing goods (excluding Documents), which are being posted to any European Union destination.
6. Biological Substances, Category B - Any infectious substance which is assigned to UN3373 of the ADR. (For more information visit www.hsa.ie) 
7. “Certificate of Posting” means a receipt issued by An Post in respect of a Postal Packet and, includes a receipt endorsed by An Post on a Posting Book pursuant to Condition 20(2)(e). 
8. “Charge” includes postage, postage amount, price, tariff, fee or rate of postage. 
9. ”Coin” means coin and includes coin of all kinds, whether or not legal tender in the State or elsewhere. 
10. “Consignor” a person who presents a Postal Packet to An Post for transmission by post and includes a sender, a postal service provider (within the meaning of the 2011 Act) and a foreign postal administration but does not include a person who presents Postal Packets to An Post for delivery if that person: 
    1. is an agent of An Post for the provision of Postal Services, or 
    2. is providing transport services to An Post. 
11. “Customs Authority” The Revenue Commissioners and, in connection with jurisdictions other than the State, an entity of such jurisdiction empowered by law to administer the customs regime for the control of imports and exports and collection of duties and levies on behalf of that jurisdiction. 
12. Customs Documents means any Documents required to be provided to An Post by sender or Consignor for the completion of any import or export formalities applicable to Postal Packets, as required by the Irish Customs Authority, which shall include, but may not be limited to, a clear and accurate description of the goods contained in the postal packet and the value of such goods and other customs law related data requirements; 
13. “Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor” means a person holding an appropriate Certificate of Training issued by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport of Ireland or an equivalent qualification issued in a Member State of the European Union. 
14. “Data Protection Legislation” means the General Data Protection (Regulation 2016/679) and the Data Protection Directive (Directive 2016/680). 
15. “Dimensional Weight” means length x width x depth (in centimetres) divided by 6000 in kilogrammes.  
16. “Documents” means means items, bearing manuscript, typed or printed text, including barcode, contained on:
    1. paper, parchment, vellum or similar material; or 
    2. in electronic form, on and/or retrievable from, whether   directly or indirectly, any media storage device, including but not limited to any form of computer, USB key, CDs, DVD and/or any other device capable of storing content and/or documents and any reference to documentation will be construed in the same way.
17. “Firearms” means firearms as defined in Section 4(i) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. 
18. “Fictitious Postage Stamp" means any facsimile or imitation or representation of any stamp or franking impression for denoting any rate or duty of postage whether of the State or of any other country or State or any other postal service provider. 
19. “Franking Impression” means the printed postal mark produced by a Postal Franking Machine that includes the Charge, date of posting and may also include a Slogan Die impression. 
20. “Girth” means 2 x (depth plus width). 
21. "Jewellery” means:
    1. gold, silver, or platinum or other precious metal in a manufactured state, that is to say, a state in which value is added to the raw material by skilled workmanship, and includes any Coins used or designed for the purposes of ornament; 
    2. diamonds and precious stones; 
    3. watches, the cases of which are entirely or mainly composed of gold, silver or platinum or other precious metal; and 
    4. any article of a like nature which, apart from workmanship, has an intrinsic or marketable value 
22. “Large Letter” means a Postal Packet (which is not a Letter) with 
    1. Minimum Dimension of 90 millimetres x 140 millimetres x 0.18 millimetres with a tolerance of 2 millimetres and a Maximum Dimension 300 millimetres x 400 millimetres x 25 millimetres with a maximum weight of 500 grams.
23. "Letter" means a Postal Packet within the following dimensions: 
    1. Minimum Dimensions of 90 millimetres  x  140 millimetres  x  0.18 millimetres  with a tolerance of 2 millimetres and Maximum Dimensions of 235 millimetres x 162 millimetres x 5 millimetres and weighs no more than 100 grams 
24. “Mail Minder” means a facility for the retention of Postal Packets during the pre‑notified absence of the addressee from his/her home or premises and subsequently the delivery on his/her return. 
25. “Packet” means a Postal Packet (which is not a Postcard, Letter or a Large Letter) with Minimum Dimensions of 70 millimetres x 100 millimetres x 25 millimetres with a tolerance of 2mm and Maximum Dimensions of length, width and depth combined of 900 millimetres; with a tolerance of 2 millimetres and greatest dimension not exceeding 600 millimetres with a tolerance of 2 millimetres (In roll form; length and twice diameter, 1040 millimetres, greatest dimension not exceeding 900 millimetres) with a tolerance of 2 millimetres and a maximum weight of 2 kilograms.  
26. "Parcel" means a Postal Packet (which is not a Postcard, Letter, Large Envelope or Packet) having a maximum length of 1.5 meters provided the combined length and girth does not exceed 3 meters with a 2mm tolerance and which weighs no more than 10kg or 10kg Dimensional weight whichever is the lessor. 
27. “Paper Money” means: 
    1. legal tender notes; notes of any bank of issue, or notes  which  are currency, in Ireland or any other country or state; 
    2. postal money orders or Foreign currency drafts; 
    3. unobliterated postage or revenue stamps, whether embossed or adhesive; 
    4. exchequer bills, bank post bills, bills of exchange, promissory notes, vouchers, cheques, credit notes which entitle the holder to money or goods and all orders and authorities for the payment of money, whether negotiable or not; or 
    5. bonds, coupons, and securities for money, whether negotiable or not. 
28. “Postal Franking Machine” means a franking machine of any type as An Post may from time to time specifically approve, designed to denote payment of postage and other fees, charges and sums payable to An Post, by means of a Franking Impression and includes any meter used in a Postal Franking Machine or in connection therewith and dyes used in a Postal Franking Machine. 
29. “Postal Packet” means a Postal Packet as defined in Section 6(1) of the 2011 Act 
30. "Postcard" means a card which is sufficiently stiff to withstand processing without difficulties and the length is at least equal to the width multiplied by 1.4 and has Minimum Dimensions 90 millimetres x 140 millimetres x 0·18 millimetres, with a tolerance of 2 millimetres and  Maximum Dimensions 235 millimetres x 162 millimetres x 5 millimetres with a tolerance of 2 millimetres and Maximum weight of 100 grams and except where the context otherwise requires, includes a reply Postcard. 
31. “Post Office” means a post office as defined in Section 6(1) of the 2011 Act. 
32. “Schedule of Charges” means the list of Charges published by An Post from time to time on anpost.com 
33. “Slogan Die” means the die used in a Postal Franking Machine containing advertising matter, slogans or return address.
34. “State” means Republic of Ireland. 
35. “UN3373” means the United Nations classification to which ADR Biological Substances  Category B are assigned pursuant to Section 2.2.62 of volume 1 of the ADR as may be amended from time to time, with the exception of Cultures or clinical wastes. 
36. “Universal Postal Convention” means the conventions of the Universal Postal Union.(For information see http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/the-upu.html). 
37. “Universal Postal Union (UPU)” means the United Nations specialised body more fully described at http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/the-upu.html. 
38. “VAT” means Value Added Tax. 
39. “Working Day” means Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays and the following: 
    1. Good Friday; 
    2. a Monday after a public holiday falling on a Saturday or Sunday; 
    3. Christmas Eve; and 
    4. the first day after St. Stephen’s Day which would otherwise be a Working Day within the meaning of this definition and days on which as advertised by An Post a postal service(s) cannot be provided. 
40. “Writing” means in paper or by email or in other electronic format approved by An Post from time to time 
41. “Written Receipt” means a receipt in a form prescribed by An Post and includes a signature on an electronic device.  
42. “User” means a sender or an addressee of a Postal Packet. 

Words defined in Data Protection Legislation shall have the same meaning in these Terms and Conditions

SCHEDULE 2

List of Overseas Destinations 

Express Parcels  Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA

Express Letters   Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Iceland, Canada, Israel, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand

SCHEDULE 3

List of Prohibited Items (See Conditions 5 and 16)

1. The following definitions apply to this Schedule
   1. “ADR Category A” means Category A substances as defined in section 2.2.62 of volume 1 of the ADR as may be amended from time to time and defined as an Infectious Substance which is carried in a form that, when exposure to it occurs, is capable of causing permanent disability, life threatening or fatal disease to humans or animals. 
   2. “ADR Category B” means Category B substances as defined in section 2.2.62 of volume 1 of the ADR as may be amended from time to time and defined as an infectious substance which does not meet the criteria for inclusion in ADR Category A. 
   3. “Biological Substance, Category B” means any Infectious Substance which is assigned to UN 3373 of the ADR. 
   4. “Clinical Wastes” means wastes derived from the medical treatment of animals or humans or from bio-research. 
   5. “Cultures” means the result of a process by which pathogens are amplified or propagated in order to generate high concentrations thereby increasing the risk of infection when exposure to them occurs. This definition refers to cultures prepared for the intentional generation of pathogens and does not include cultures intended for diagnostic and clinical purposes. 
   6. “Infectious Substances” means substances which are known or are reasonably expected to contain Pathogens, and including infectious substances affecting humans, infectious substances affecting humans and animals, infectious substances affecting animals only, Clinical Wastes and biological specimens; 
   7. “Pathogens” means micro-organisms (including bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, parasites, fungi) and other agents such as prions, which can cause disease in humans or animals. 
2. The following items may not be included in a Postal Packet: 
   1. any indecent or obscene print, painting, photograph, lithograph, cinematograph film, engraving, book or card, or any other indecent or obscene article, whether similar to the above or not;  
   2. having thereon, or on the cover thereof, any words, marks, or designs of an indecent, obscene or grossly offensive character;  
   3. consisting of, or containing: 
      1. dangerous, toxic, poisonous or Infectious Substance; other than Biological Substances, Category B exchanged between officially recognised senders as determined by An Post or the sender’s competent authority which have not previously been carried by sea or air; and which are packed and labelled in accordance the ADR Packing Instructions P650; or 
      2. explosive substance of any type; 
      3. any waste, dirt, filth or refuse (including household waste); 
      4. firearms; military ordnance, replica firearms, replica or inert explosive devices 
      5. paint removers; 
      6. oxidising substances or organic peroxides; 
      7. compressed liquidized or dissolved gases; 
      8. dry ice; 
      9. flammable or corrosive solids or liquids; 
      10. materials liable to spontaneous combustion; 
      11. paints, varnishes, dyes; 
      12. radioactive materials (except under licence); 
      13. living creatures and vegetables; 
      14. proscribed or dangerous drugs (except under statutory licence); 
      15. mercury materials deemed illegal or prohibited by any government authority; 
      16. organic or biological materials likely to perish in transit; 
      17. sharp instruments not properly protected;  
      18. any noxious or deleterious substance; 
      19. any article or thing which is likely to injure any other Postal Packet in course of transmission by post or any receptacle in which same is conveyed or an officer of An Post or any other person who may deal with the Postal Packet or postal equipment or third party property; 
      20. any article liable to customs duty unless the importation of such articles by post is permitted by the country to which the Postal Packet is addressed and there is affixed to the Postal Packet a customs label in the prescribed form; 
      21. counterfeit or pirated items; 
      22. coins; 
      23. any document, precious metal, currency, security, goods (including stamps) or other article, commodity, or thing the exportation or importation of which is subject to control, restriction or prohibition under any law of the State or any other State for the time being in force, except, in so far as the exportation or importation (as the case may be) is authorised in accordance with the provisions of such law; 
      24. a Passport unless it is contained in an Inland Registered Proof of Delivery Postal Packet which weighs less than 2kg, or 
      25. items prohibited in Irish Aviation Authority Aeronautical Notices or by a Government Department or regulatory body. 
          1. Provided that nothing in Condition 2(c) of this Schedule shall prohibit the inclusion of items comprising only limited quantities of dangerous goods as defined in the ADR; or dangerous goods packed in excepted quantities as defined in the ADR in a Postal Packet.
3. A Postal Packet shall:
   1. bear a customs or Aviation Security Declaration as to its contents, where required so to do;  
   2. not bear any Fictitious Postage Stamp or any counterfeit impression of a stamping machine or a Postal Franking Machine or Ceadúnas or label used under the direction or falsely indicating the Charge postage has been paid or is not due; 
   3. not purport to be prepaid with any mark, stamp, label or impression of a stamping machine or a Postal Franking Machine which has been previously used to prepay Charges in respect of any other Postal Packet; 
   4. not having thereon or on the cover thereof any words, letters, labels or marks (used without due authority) which signify or imply, or may reasonably lead the recipient thereof to believe, that the Postal Packet is sent by someone other than the sender; 
   5. not contain any such form or so made up for transmission by post or having thereon or on the cover thereof any words, marks, or designs of a character likely to embarrass the officers of An Post in dealing with the Postal Packet;  
   6. not have anything written, printed, or otherwise impressed upon or attached to any part of that side of the Postal Packet which, either by tending to prevent the easy and quick reading of the address bearing the delivery address, or by inconvenient proximity to the stamp or stamps used in the payment of Charges, or in any other way, is in itself, or in the manner in which it is written, printed, impressed, or attached, likely to impede the officers of An Post in dealing with such Postal Packet or 
   7. not have the cover whereof or the part thereof reserved for the address is divided into separate sections for the insertion of successive addresses or bear unauthorised marks or designs.
4. Postal Packets addressed to destinations outside the State or Northern Ireland shall not            contain:
   1. aerosols; 
   2. toner and ink cartridges; 
   3. liquids of any kind (including water, alcohol, gels, creams, aftershaves and perfumes).

SCHEDULE 4

Items Excluded from compensation if sending overseas
(See Condition 15)

1. Cash, including Paper Money and Coins;
2. Bank Drafts;
3. Vouchers with monetary face value (other than postage stamps);
4. Passports;
5. Jewellery;
6. Precious metals such as platinum, gold or silver.