What delivery service can I use to send a permitted bladed item

[toolsbebb]

What delivery service can I use to send a permitted bladed item - i.e. a small vintage tenon saw - to a buyer?

[yorkshire*flower]

Ive cheated a little and asked Gemini AI and got this reply: Hope this helps

Sending bladed items in the UK, even a vintage tenon saw, has become much more restrictive due to recent changes in courier policies and the Offensive Weapons Act 2019.

Here's what you need to know and your options:

Key Changes and Challenges:

• Royal Mail and Parcelforce: As of April/May 2024, Royal Mail and Parcelforce prohibit most bladed items, including knives used for hobbies and trades, and even many types of scissors. While there might be some very specific exceptions for blunted items or those for museums, a tenon saw is likely to fall under their general prohibition for sharp tools. You cannot send them via a Post Office counter, and international shipping of bladed items is generally not allowed.
• Age Verification at Delivery (UK Law): For any bladed product (as defined by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019), it is an offence to sell and deliver it to a UK residential address without verifying that the recipient is over 18 years of age. This means you must use a courier service that offers an "Adult Signature Required" (or equivalent age verification) service. The item also cannot be left unattended or delivered to parcel lockers.
• Packaging Requirements: Regardless of the courier, proper packaging is crucial. You must:
  • Wrap heavy cardboard around sharp edges and points, strong enough to ensure the contents do not pierce the outer packaging.
  • Wrap each item with cushioning material (e.g., bubble wrap).
  • Place it in a suitable outer container (e.g., a sturdy box or padded envelope).
  • Ensure the sender's name and return address are clearly visible on the outer packaging.
  • The outer packaging must be clearly marked to indicate a bladed item is enclosed and that it must not be handed to someone aged under 18.
     

    Recommended Couriers for Permitted Bladed Items (with Age Verification):

    Given the stricter rules, your options are more limited:

    1. UPS (United Parcel Service):

       • Adult Signature Required service: UPS explicitly states that for bladed products, you must use their "Adult Signature Required" service. This ensures the recipient is over 18.
       • Good for tools: They are generally more amenable to shipping tools than Royal Mail.
       • Packaging: Follow their specific packaging guidelines in addition to the general requirements mentioned above.

       • DHL (Deutsche Post DHL Group):

         • Adult Signature Service (ADS): Similar to UPS, DHL offers an ADS service.
         • Blade Length Restriction: Be aware that from March 1, 2025, DHL Express's policy for sending bladed articles in the UK is that they must be 8 inches (20.3cm) or less in blade length. This is a significant restriction, and a tenon saw blade is likely to be longer than this. You would need to measure your saw carefully to see if it falls within this limit. Many retailers who ship knives are now avoiding DHL for larger blades.

         • Other Courier Services (DPD, Evri, etc.):

           • Evri: Their prohibited items list explicitly includes "Sharp instruments – including knives, scissors and axes." So, Evri is not a suitable option.
           • DPD: While DPD is often mentioned as an alternative, you must check their current policies directly as they can change. Ensure they offer an age-verified delivery service and permit the specific type of bladed tool you are sending.

             What to Do:

             1. Measure Your Saw: Crucially, measure the blade length of your vintage tenon saw. This will immediately tell you if DHL is an option (unlikely if it's a standard size).

             2. Prioritise UPS: Given the restrictions, UPS with their "Adult Signature Required" service is likely your most reliable option for a tenon saw.

             3. Contact Your Chosen Courier Directly (Before Sending):

                • This is essential. Policies can change, and interpretations vary.
                • Clearly state the item you are sending (a vintage tenon saw) and ask about their policy for "bladed articles" or "tools with blades."
                • Confirm they offer an age-verified delivery service for residential addresses and that your item is permitted.
                • Ask about their specific packaging and labelling requirements.

                • Package Meticulously: Go above and beyond with your packaging to prevent any possibility of the blade piercing through and to clearly mark it as containing a bladed item requiring age verification.

                  By carefully checking the courier's current policies and adhering to strict packaging and age verification requirements, you should be able to send your vintage tenon saw legally and safely within the UK.