Laptops, phones, TVs and tech — protected from shock, static and moisture during transit.
Electronics combine high value with fragility and sensitivity to static, moisture and vibration. A laptop dropped from 60 cm onto a concrete floor will sustain internal damage even if the casing looks fine. The key to packing electronics is threefold: mechanical shock absorption (foam or bubble wrap), electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection where relevant, and moisture control for long-distance shipments. Always check carrier rules before shipping: lithium batteries (in phones, laptops, cameras) are subject to IATA dangerous goods regulations and may require specific documentation or be restricted from certain routes.
Before packing any device, back up data. For loose lithium-ion batteries (not installed in devices), check carrier rules — many restrict or prohibit shipping standalone Li-ion batteries on certain routes. Installed batteries in devices (laptops, phones) are generally permitted.
Manufacturer packaging is engineered for the device's exact dimensions and weight. If the original box is in good condition, use it. Place it inside a plain outer shipping box (do not ship in the branded retail box alone — it attracts attention and is not reinforced for courier handling).
If packing circuit boards, RAM, hard drives or other bare electronics, place them in an anti-static (ESD) bag before wrapping. Static discharge from regular bubble wrap can permanently damage unshielded components.
Wrap the device (or ESD-bagged component) in two layers of small-bubble bubble wrap, bubbles facing inward for screens and outward for sturdy chassis. Pay extra attention to corners and screen edges — these sustain the most impact damage.
Place one or two silica gel sachets inside the box to absorb moisture during long transit. Position the wrapped device in the centre of a double-wall box with at least 5 cm of foam or void fill on all sides. Nothing should touch the box walls.
Seal with multiple tape strips. For screens and monitors, mark 'THIS SIDE UP' to prevent face-down stacking. Write the address clearly. For items with lithium batteries, check if carrier requires a lithium battery handling label.
Shipping the manufacturer's retail box without an outer shipping box — branded boxes are targeted by thieves and are not structurally reinforced for courier networks.
Using regular bubble wrap directly on bare circuit boards or RAM — this can cause static damage. Always use ESD bags first.
Forgetting to remove or check lithium battery restrictions — standalone Li-ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods and face route and quantity restrictions.
Under-cushioning screens — laptop and phone screens are the most vulnerable part. Ensure at least 5 cm of padding in front of the screen, not just behind the chassis.
Packing accessories (chargers, cables) loose in the same box as the device — they can shift and scratch or damage the device. Bag accessories separately.
Not including silica gel for shipments to humid regions — moisture ingress during 5–10 day international transits can cause corrosion.
Take photos of the device (front, back, any existing scratches) before packing — vital evidence for any damage claim.
For high-value electronics over €1,000, always purchase declared value shipping insurance at booking.
Foam-in-place kits (two-part expanding foam) provide the best custom-fit protection for oddly shaped electronics.
If shipping a monitor or TV, mirror-tape the screen (large X of masking tape over the screen surface) to hold any glass fragments if cracked.
Keep cables and accessories in a separate small bag inside the box — label the bag with the device serial number.
For international shipments, include a copy of the purchase invoice inside the box (and attach another to the outside) for customs purposes.
Yes. Laptops with installed lithium-ion batteries are generally permitted by DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS on most international routes. The battery must be installed in the device (not loose), and the device must be shipped in safe, insulated packaging. Some routes (e.g. to certain countries) have additional requirements — check at booking.
Yes, mobile phones with installed batteries are permitted by major couriers on international routes. The phone must be packed in insulated packaging (the battery must not short-circuit). Spare or loose batteries are subject to strict IATA regulations and may be prohibited.
Lithium batteries are classified under IATA dangerous goods regulations. Batteries installed in devices (Section II) are generally permitted by courier with fewer restrictions. Spare/standalone batteries (Section I) face quantity limits, packaging requirements, and route restrictions. Always declare lithium battery content when booking.
Wrap the laptop in two layers of small-bubble bubble wrap. Place in a double-wall box with at least 5 cm of foam or air cushion on all sides. Add silica gel sachets. Fill all void space. The laptop should not move when you shake the sealed box. Never ship a bare laptop in an envelope or padded mailer.
Yes, but TVs require careful preparation: apply masking tape in an X across the screen, wrap in foam sheets (not bubble wrap directly on the screen), then bubble wrap the whole unit. Use a purpose-sized box with thick foam inserts. For TVs over 50 inches, a specialist fragile goods carrier is recommended over standard couriers.
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