Mailing Care Packages To Afghanistan: What You Need To Know

Sending packages to soldiers in Afghanistan is a great way to show your support and let them know they are not forgotten. However, there are strict regulations on what can and cannot be sent, and these rules can change, so it's important to stay informed. Packages go through regular US mail first, so anything prohibited by the US Postal Service is forbidden. Additionally, certain items are confiscated by the military, such as alcohol, alcohol-making equipment, pork and by-products, and pornographic materials. Perishable foods are also not recommended due to the time it takes for packages to reach their destination—an average of 11 days, but longer for remote bases.

Prohibited food items

When sending food to soldiers in Afghanistan, it's important to follow strict regulations to ensure your package reaches its destination. Here is a list of prohibited food items that will be confiscated:

• Alcohol and alcohol-related products or ingredients.
• Fruits, live plants, and animals.
• Pork and pork by-products, as they are forbidden for religious reasons.
• Perishable food items that can spoil, including meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, and dairy.
• High-moisture foods, such as pumpkin bread or soft cookies, due to their susceptibility to mould.
• Homemade goods, unless you personally know the soldier and have their name and address. Troops are instructed to throw away homemade food from unknown senders.
• Food containing chocolate, as it may melt.
• Food in glass or breakable containers.
• Liquids in glass containers.

It's important to note that packages are scanned, and prohibited items will be confiscated. To avoid disappointment, always check the most current USPS Postal Bulletin for the latest mailing restrictions.

Packaging and mailing tips

• Check with your local post office to see if there are any restrictions on food items based on the specific zip code you are mailing to.
• Use a sturdy box that is large enough to accommodate cushioning material around the contents.
• Use cushioning material such as newspaper, Styrofoam, or bubble wrap to protect the contents of the package. Close the box and gently shake it to see if there is enough padding.
• Tape the box shut and reinforce the seams with 2" wide clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape, or paper tape. Do not use cord, string, or twine, as it can cause the package to get caught and damaged in sorting equipment.
• Address the package clearly and legibly to an individual soldier, including their name, rank, unit, and APO address with the 9-digit ZIP code. Include a return address. Do not write "Afghanistan" or the city name on the envelope, as this can confuse the mailing system.
• Label the package as "Fragile" and "Perishable Food" in three places: above the address, below the postage stamp, and on the back or bottom of the package.
• Fill out a customs form, such as PS Form 2976-A, listing all the items in the package and their value. Mark the package as a "gift" to save on fees.
• Include a list of items inside the package and a card with the soldier's address in case the package is damaged during transit.
• Use the United States Postal Service (USPS) to send packages to Afghanistan. USPS offers free flat-rate shipping boxes and military packaging kits, which can save on postal costs.
• Keep in mind that it can take an average of 11 days for a package to reach Afghanistan, and even longer to reach bases on the front lines. Plan accordingly, especially if mailing perishable items.
• Avoid sending prohibited items such as alcohol, pork products, pornographic materials, liquids in glass containers, hazardous substances, and electronics with batteries installed.

What to send

Sending packages to soldiers in Afghanistan is a great way to show your support. It is important to be aware of the restrictions and guidelines to ensure your package reaches its destination.

Firstly, it is crucial to know what not to send. Prohibited items include alcohol, alcohol-making equipment, and any alcohol-related products or ingredients. Religious restrictions forbid the sending of pork and pork by-products. Pornographic or sexual materials, including nudes and obscene content, are also prohibited. Non-authorised political or religious materials contrary to Islam are not allowed in bulk quantities. Firearms, ammunition, hazardous substances, and anything flammable, toxic, or radioactive is strictly forbidden. Cash, coins, and raw precious metals are also on the prohibited list.

Perishable food items that can spoil are not recommended, and it is best to avoid fragile baked goods like cakes and pies that may not survive the journey. Chocolate is also best avoided, as it may melt during transit.

Now, let's move on to what you can send. Dense and dry baked goods like biscotti, nut bars, shortbread, crackers, and commercially packaged cakes and cookies are excellent options. High-sugar goods like fudge, pralines, toffee, and baklava are also suitable, as the high sugar content helps prevent bacterial growth. Dried beef or poultry items, such as beef jerky or turkey jerky, are great choices. Canned specialty foods, such as anchovies, tuna, sardines, and dips, can be included. Dehydrated soups, drink mixes, and condiments in unbreakable jars are also good options.

Quality tea and coffee, dried nuts, seeds, and dried fruit are always appreciated. Small electrical appliances, personal electronic products, CDs, DVDs, books, and magazines can also be sent to provide entertainment and a sense of home.

When packing your items, use clean paper boxes, metal food tins, or plastic boxes or bags. Avoid glass or breakable containers. Use padding to protect the contents, and reinforce the package with packing tape. Ensure you correctly address the package to an individual soldier, including their name, rank, unit, and APO address with the 9-digit ZIP code.

It usually takes about 11 days for packages to reach Afghanistan, but it can take longer to reach outlying bases, so plan accordingly.

Remember, sending packages to soldiers can boost morale and provide a valuable connection to home.

How to send

Sending packages to soldiers in Afghanistan is a great way to show your support. Here is a detailed guide on how to send food products to ensure they arrive safely and adhere to military regulations:

Packaging and Labelling:

• Use a USPS Priority APO/FPO/DPO box to ship items overseas. These boxes are specifically designed for shipping to military personnel.
• Choose a sturdy box with enough room for cushioning material. It is recommended to use clean paper boxes, metal food tins, or plastic boxes or bags.
• When sending homemade baked goods, individually wrap each item and place them in an unbreakable container. Then, pack the container in a sturdy box with packing peanuts or foam for added protection.
• Ensure the address label is clearly printed and readable from 30 inches away. Cover the label with clear tape for extra protection.
• Include the soldier's name, rank, unit, and APO address with the 9-digit ZIP code. Avoid writing "Afghanistan" or the city name on the envelope to prevent confusion in the mailing system.
• Label the package as "Fragile" and "Perishable Food" in three places: above the address, below the postage stamp, and on the back or bottom of the package.

Prohibited Items:

• Do not send perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, or dairy products.
• Avoid sending high-moisture foods like pumpkin bread or soft cookies, as they are susceptible to mould.
• Do not send fragile items like fragile cookies, cakes, or pies, as they are likely to break during transit.
• Alcohol and alcohol-related products are prohibited.
• Pork and pork by-products are forbidden for religious reasons.
• Do not send pornographic or obscene materials, including nude photographs.
• Bulk quantities of materials contrary to Islam are not allowed.
• Firearms, ammunition, and hazardous substances are strictly prohibited.
• Avoid sending liquids in glass containers, as they can leak or break during transit.

Customs and Shipping:

• Fill out a customs form, such as PS Form 2976-A, for packages containing merchandise. Declare the contents and value of the package. Marking it as a "gift" can help save on fees.
• Include a list of items inside the package and a card with the soldier's address in case the original address label is damaged during transit.
• It can take up to 11 days for packages to reach Afghanistan, and even longer for outlying bases. Plan ahead, especially for special occasions like Christmas.
• The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers free flat-rate shipping boxes, which can help save on postal costs.
• Weight and size restrictions apply: packages cannot exceed 70 pounds in weight and must adhere to specific length and girth measurements.

Remember to follow the guidelines provided by the USPS and military mailing regulations to ensure your package reaches the intended soldier safely and securely.

Delivery times

To ensure timely delivery, it is recommended to send packages well in advance, especially if they contain perishable items. For Christmas packages, it is suggested to send them no later than December 7th to ensure they arrive before December 25th.

When sending packages to soldiers in Afghanistan, it is important to follow the proper addressing format and packaging guidelines provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Packages must be addressed to a specific soldier, including their name, rank, unit, and APO address with a 9-digit ZIP code. Including a return address is also essential.

Additionally, weight and size restrictions must be adhered to. Packages should not exceed 70 pounds in weight and a combined length and girth of 108 inches. Using clear and readable address labels and properly packaging fragile and perishable items are also crucial to ensure safe and timely delivery.

Frequently asked questions