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Paper work & packaging

For help with completing the consignment note, customs declarations or other paperwork please visit our forms page for the complete list.

OCS Worldwide provides free packaging for all your shipping needs. All you need is an OCS Worldwide account. The supplies will be sent to you free of charge and you can order them via the contact us form.

To ensure your consignments arrive on time and in good condition, it is vital you take time to pack and label them correctly. Please refer to our packaging advice below:

Step 1. Use a Corrugated Box

• Use a new box whenever possible. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect your shipment.
• If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other shipment markings from the box.
• Choose a box strength that is suitable for the contents you are shipping. Never exceed the maximum gross weight for the box, which is usually printed on the Box Maker's Certificate on the box's bottom flap.
• OCS Worldwide boxes are available to account holders and can be ordered through the contact us form.

Step 2. Provide Internal Protection

• It is important that you cushion the contents of your package properly. Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need both suitable separation from each other and clearance from the corners and sides of the box.
• Each item should be surrounded by at least 2 inches (5 cm) of cushioning and be placed at least 2 inches (5 cm) away from the walls of the box. This will protect your items from product-against product damage and shield them from the shock and vibration that can be conducted from the exterior of the box to its contents in transit.
• Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets and pillows. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:
  • Bubble wrap
  • Expanded polystyrene "peanuts" (Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items Overfill the box with peanuts, gently close the flaps, and seal securely. Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit. Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of three inches of cushioning be used around the contents)
  • Engineered foam enclosures (Materials may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymers. Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products)
  • Foam-in-place (a foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, that expands and forms a protective mould around contents. Must be properly used, with even foam distribution around the contents. Select the appropriate density of foam to meet packaging needs, which can range from void-fill applications to high performance cushioning)
  • Corrugated liners and inserts (May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance)
  • Crumpled newspaper (Used primarily as a void-fill material for light to medium weight, non-fragile items and items that are suitable for such packing materials must be tightly crumpled. Place at least 4 inches (10 cm) of paper between contents and outer box Note: Fragile objects such as electronics, glass, ceramics and artwork require special packaging for safe shipment. Packages containing these and similar items may require added cushioning or a double box)

Step 3. Close Your Container Securely

• For the safety and security of your shipment, proper closure of your container is just as important as proper cushioning. To close a box securely, do not use masking tape, cello tape, duct tape, string or paper over-wrap. Instead, use a strong tape 2 inches (5 cm) or more in width.

Step 4. Use Proper Labelling (Courier Waybill)

• Always include the recipient's postcode with the complete street address, include a contact name and telephone number.
• You must make every effort to obtain a street address. If the recipient uses a P.O. Box address, the recipient's telephone number must be included on the label.
• Please include the flat or unit number, if applicable.
• Place the Courier Waybill on the top of the package. To avoid confusion, place only one address label on the package.
• Do not place the label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape.
• Remove or cross out old labels or markings on a used box.
• Always include your complete return address, including full street address and postcode, including a contact name and telephone number.
• Place a duplicate label or other form of identification inside your package.
• If you are using a mailing tube, place the label horizontally, with each end of the label pointing toward the ends of the tube, so the bar code can be scanned.