docbuild
Mechanical
- Jan 23, 2018
- 16
Hello All!
I have constructed a prototype for a small consumer appliance. I need to ship it overseas (North America to UK) to have it independently tested. However, I have realized that if someone were to X-ray the shipping box, it could easily be interpreted as a "dangerous device" (the kind that goes "kablooey").
The last thing I want is border-inspection to destroy something I've worked on for years, or get in trouble over a misunderstanding.
Some details:
[ul]
[li]I'm not going to be travelling with the package.[/li]
[li]Shipping box is approx 50x30x30 cm (1.5x1x1 ft), box weighs under 5kg (10lbs). When assembled, it's about the size and weight of a toaster.[/li]
[li]It's very fragile, so will be shipped disassembled in a case with foam inserts.[/li]
[li]It's a "garage" invention, and definitely looks homemade. I feel it also looks suspicious, since it has metal/plastic parts, a crude electronics controller and has a fuel tank (see below)[/li]
[li]The device uses butane. The butane tank is very small (50ml or 1.7oz), and will be shipped with an tank empty. However, the valve opening in the tank is very small and I don't think I can get it 100% empty, so trace amounts may be left inside.[/li]
[/ul]
So my question is: What safeguards or procedures can I follow to ensure my package safely reaches the intended recipient? For example, are there special procedures I can follow? Do special shipping services exist? Would it make a difference if I shipped it by sea instead of air?
I have constructed a prototype for a small consumer appliance. I need to ship it overseas (North America to UK) to have it independently tested. However, I have realized that if someone were to X-ray the shipping box, it could easily be interpreted as a "dangerous device" (the kind that goes "kablooey").
The last thing I want is border-inspection to destroy something I've worked on for years, or get in trouble over a misunderstanding.
Some details:
[ul]
[li]I'm not going to be travelling with the package.[/li]
[li]Shipping box is approx 50x30x30 cm (1.5x1x1 ft), box weighs under 5kg (10lbs). When assembled, it's about the size and weight of a toaster.[/li]
[li]It's very fragile, so will be shipped disassembled in a case with foam inserts.[/li]
[li]It's a "garage" invention, and definitely looks homemade. I feel it also looks suspicious, since it has metal/plastic parts, a crude electronics controller and has a fuel tank (see below)[/li]
[li]The device uses butane. The butane tank is very small (50ml or 1.7oz), and will be shipped with an tank empty. However, the valve opening in the tank is very small and I don't think I can get it 100% empty, so trace amounts may be left inside.[/li]
[/ul]
So my question is: What safeguards or procedures can I follow to ensure my package safely reaches the intended recipient? For example, are there special procedures I can follow? Do special shipping services exist? Would it make a difference if I shipped it by sea instead of air?
