Postal item meaning

Postal item describes any physical article sent through a postal service, including any letter, postcard or other written communication used by the sender to impart information to the recipient, and any packet or parcel conveying documents or goods. In practice, the term arises across civil procedure (service by post, deemed service, proof of delivery), criminal law (interference with mail), investigatory powers, customs and taxation, and contracts with postal operators (for example, Royal Mail, An Post). There is no single universal statutory definition. In the UK (England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), legislation typically defines the related term “postal packet” (see Postal Services Act 2000), covering letters, packets, parcels and other articles transmissible by post; “postal item” is generally read consistently with that where used. In Ireland, the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act 2011 adopts a similar approach to “postal packet”. Usage is broadly consistent across the UK and Ireland unless a specific statute or contract provides otherwise. Key legal features include: a physical form, transmission via a public or private postal operator, and addressability to a recipient. Scope determines offences, regulatory duties, and rules on service, risk and liability in transit, including recorded/registered delivery and proof of posting.