Sending Hope: Mailing Care Packages To Afghanistan

Sending a care package to a loved one in the military in Afghanistan can be a great way to boost their morale and help them feel closer to home. While most service members don't need anything, everyone loves to get mail! When preparing a care package, it's important to consider the contents carefully and check for any restrictions on what you can send. For example, certain items such as illegal substances, alcohol, explosives, fireworks, and obscene material that may offend other service members are prohibited. It's also crucial to use sturdy packaging, such as the free USPS military care kits, and to seal everything in plastic bags to protect against leaks or damage. Additionally, providing accurate shipping information, including the recipient's unit, full name, title, and full zip code, is essential to ensure your package reaches its destination.

What to include in a care package

Sending a care package to Afghanistan is a thoughtful way to show your support to a loved one. Here are some ideas for what to include:

Food and Drink

• Non-perishable snacks such as jerky, trail mix, nuts, crackers, and granola bars.
• Dense, non-fragile snacks are better than potato chips or other items that may break or crush easily.
• Hot beverage mixes like cocoa, instant coffee, tea bags, and creamer.
• Sweetened drink mixes like lemonade and iced tea.
• Ramen noodles, seasoned salt, hot sauce, mustard, relish, and ketchup to add flavour to meals.
• Energy bars, tuna, sardines, beef jerky, or summer sausage.
• Small containers of chips, pretzels, and nuts.
• Snack cakes, cheese crackers, and cookies.
• Candy and gum.
• Homemade muffins or cookies.

Toiletries and Personal Care

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, cotton swabs, and disposable razors.
• Shaving lotion, shampoo, and individually packaged tissues.
• Baby wipes, eye drops, lip balm, lotion, pain relievers, and feminine hygiene products.
• Foot care items like moleskin, medicated foot powder, and athlete's foot ointment.
• Disposable hand warmers, fingerless gloves, stocking caps, and long underwear for cold climates.
• Goggle-style sunglasses for desert climates.
• 100% cotton socks and underwear.

Entertainment and Comfort

• Photographs, drawings, DVDs, children's artwork, or schoolwork.
• A small scrapbook filled with mementos from home.
• Paperback books, magazines, comic books, crossword puzzles, word searches, or jigsaw puzzles.
• Games like playing cards, yo-yos, or a Frisbee.
• Batteries, especially AA and D batteries.
• Writing materials like notepaper, envelopes, pens, pencils, and stamps.
• A phone card with international minutes.

When preparing a care package, it's important to check any shipping limitations and restrictions, especially for international destinations like Afghanistan. Some items that are typically restricted include illegal substances, alcohol, explosives, fireworks, and obscene or offensive material. It's also recommended to seal items individually in plastic bags to protect them from the elements and potential leaks or spills.

Packaging and shipping tips

• Check international and country-specific shipping limitations. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a list of these limitations by country. Examples of items that cannot be shipped include illegal substances, alcohol, explosives, fireworks, and obscene material that may offend other service members.
• Individually seal everything in plastic bags with zip locks. This will protect items from the elements such as rain or sand, and also from any items within the package that may leak or melt. Service members can also reuse these bags for personal photos or other items they want to keep dry.
• Place stickers around the package before taping it, so the recipient can easily identify if the box was tampered with or opened during transit. If you are sending expensive items, check with your post office about the possibility of insuring the package.
• Pack the box tightly, but do not overstuff it. You don't want the contents to move around or rattle, but overstuffing the box may cause it to open during transit.
• Select sturdy packaging. USPS provides free military care kits, which include flat-rate boxes, shipping labels, tape, and customs forms. Tape up every seam of the package well, especially if you are shipping to Afghanistan.
• Provide accurate shipping information, including the recipient's unit, full name, title, DPO/FPO/APO, and full zip code. The post office no longer delivers packages addressed to "Any Service Member".
• Provide two shipping labels, one inside the box, in case the exterior label gets damaged or unreadable.
• Complete the computerized customs forms for any shipping outside the United States. The required form depends on the value of the items and the service you are using. Customs forms can be found on the USPS website.
• Keep the package small, ideally no bigger than a shoebox.
• Address the package to a specific person. The Marine Corps, for example, does not allow packages addressed to "Marine" without a name and company association.
• Do not combine toiletries with food items. Food items can end up tasting like soap, shaving cream, or deodorant if shipped with toiletries.
• Avoid using styrofoam pellets as packing material, as they are hard to clean up in hot climates due to static cling. Instead, use tissue packs, plastic grocery bags, or the local newspaper as packing material.
• Use sturdy cardboard boxes to ship your items. Avoid using recycled boxes that may be damaged, torn, or punctured. Seal all openings of the box with clear packing tape.
• Use large, block print for the recipient's address, and cover the address with clear packing tape to prevent smearing if the package comes into contact with moisture or water.

Restricted items

When sending a care package to Afghanistan, it is important to be aware of the restricted items. The United States Postal Service (USPS) prohibits certain items from being shipped internationally, and there may be additional restrictions for specific countries. Here is a detailed list of restricted items to keep in mind:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Perishable items like fresh produce are not allowed due to their potential to spoil during transit.
• Marijuana (medical or other): Marijuana and any products containing marijuana are prohibited.
• Perfumes containing alcohol: Alcohol-based perfumes are restricted and could be subject to additional regulations.
• Pork and pork by-products: Sending pork products is forbidden, especially to Muslim countries like Afghanistan.
• Weapons: Sending weapons is strictly prohibited. Small pocket knives, however, are usually acceptable.
• Political paraphernalia: Military personnel are not permitted to express allegiance to any political party, so avoid sending items associated with political groups.
• Clothing with curse words: Any clothing or items displaying obscene or offensive language should be avoided.
• E-cigarettes and vapes: Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are not permitted.
• Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are restricted and considered offensive to people of the Islamic faith.
• Obscene or pornographic material: Do not send any obscene or pornographic content, including nude or semi-nude images, as these are deemed offensive to the Islamic faith.
• Non-authorized political materials: Only send political materials that are permitted by the military and the recipient's unit.
• Religious materials contrary to Islam: Avoid sending religious items that contradict the Islamic faith.

It is important to check with the USPS for the most up-to-date information on restricted items, as well as any specific restrictions for Afghanistan. Additionally, consider the climate and conditions of Afghanistan when choosing items to include in the care package, as extreme temperatures and potential delays can affect the suitability of certain items.

How to address the package

When addressing a package to Afghanistan, it's important to follow the correct procedures to ensure your parcel reaches its destination without delays. Here are some detailed instructions on how to address the package:

• Full and Correct Address: Ensure that you have the full and correct address of the recipient in Afghanistan. This includes the recipient's full name (for example, "Mr John Smith"), their military rank, unit, and APO (Army Post Office) address with the 9-digit ZIP code. You can look up the ZIP code using the USPS ZIP code finder.
• Email Address and Phone Number: Include the recipient's email address in the correct format and provide a mobile or landline number. This information helps the delivery partner ensure accurate and timely delivery.
• Customs Forms and Paperwork: International shipping to Afghanistan requires customs forms and paperwork. You will need to fill out a customs form detailing the contents of your package, its value, and the reason for shipping. Be sure to check the prohibited items list for Afghanistan, as sending restricted items may result in confiscation or legal consequences.
• Return Address: Don't forget to include your return address on the package. This is important in case there are any issues with delivery or if the package needs to be returned.
• Avoid Country Name on Envelope: When addressing the package, avoid writing "Afghanistan" or specific city names like "Kabul" on the envelope or package. This can confuse the delivery system.
• Clear and Legible Information: Make sure all the information on the package is clearly and legibly written or printed. This includes the recipient's address, email, phone number, and any necessary customs forms or labels.
• Use a Reputable Courier Service: Choose a reputable international courier service with experience in shipping to Afghanistan. They can guide you through the specific requirements, restrictions, and customs processes for the country. Some examples include Parcelforce Worldwide, ShipW, and USPS.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that your package is properly addressed and has a higher chance of reaching its intended recipient in Afghanistan without unnecessary delays.

What to avoid sending

When sending a care package to Afghanistan, there are several items that should be avoided. Prohibited goods include alcoholic drinks, live pigs and all pig products, cotton seeds, narcotics, chemical fertilisers, and plastic bags. It is also important to be aware of cultural prohibitions such as pork products and cigarettes.

Additionally, certain items may be restricted or prohibited depending on the recipient's location. For example, if your service member is in the Middle East or Persian Gulf areas, you should refrain from sending anything that could offend those of the Islamic faith. This includes pork or pork by-products, obscene or offensive material, religious materials contrary to Islam, anything depicting nude or semi-nude persons, pornographic or sexual items, alcohol, or unauthorised political materials.

Other items that are generally not allowed to be sent include illegal substances, explosives, fireworks, and aerosol cans. It is also advised to avoid sending perishables to warm climates, as they may spoil during transit or upon arrival.

Furthermore, when sending care packages, it is important to use appropriate packaging and take measures to protect the contents. Avoid over-stuffing the box, and ensure that liquids are securely sealed to prevent spills.

Frequently asked questions