Postage FAQS

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We have been fortunate that our knit-a-square community has shared volumes of information about all things to do with posting squares and items of clothing to South Africa. There has also been a wealth of information about packaging and customs duty. The frequently asked questions listed here relate to general topics first and postal rates follow.

Q: Do I have to fill out a customs form?
Yes from most countries you will be obliged to do so if you are sending a parcel/package rather than a letter.

Q:What do I write on the custom's form?
No Commercial Value and For Charity Only.

Q:Should I register my parcel?
No, please don't. If you do then knit-a-square has to pay high customs duty on parcels received.

Q:Should I put a value on my parcel?
No. If you do then knit-a-square has to pay high customs duty on parcels received. You may be asked to put $1 as a value on your custom slip by your post office clerk. This is okay, no duty will be payable on this amount.

Q:Can I send boxes rather than parcels?
Yes, we are receiving all sorts and sizes of boxes, parcels and packages safely in South Africa.

Q:Is there a recommended way to mail large numbers of squares?
Some people suggest using a Tyvek envelope which is light and strong. Or you can use an envelope lined with bubble wrap which is moisture resistant. It has also been suggested that you could use a vacuum (such as 'seal a meal') to reduce the air from your package which would help fit more squares in.

Q:Does it matter if it takes longer to get to South Africa?
No, there is no time restriction on this knitting project and no deadline.

Q:Can I track my package to South Africa?
This will depend on the country you are sending your item from. You would have to ask your post office if this is possible.

Q:How do I know whether my squares have reached South Africa safely?
A list is published on the website of all the squares and items of clothes that have reached South Africa in the preceding month.

Q:Can I send my items by sea mail?
If you country has a sea mail service to South Africa, yes you can. The project has no known end so it does not matter if your squares take a little longer to get there.

Q:How do I find out the cheapest way to post?
There is a FAQS for the USA, and to come for Canada, UK and Australia to offer the best advice from the collected wisdom as to the most cost effective way to mail your squares.

Q:Can I send my squares to a depot?
At this time there is no depot arrangement in any country for sending your squares. We ask that you consider the postage costs as an intrinsic component of this act of charity for these children who face life without the love of their parents and who live in poverty, and are deeply grateful for your commitment to helping them.

If you are reading this you have most likely made a square or more or an item of clothing and are preparing to post it. We would like to thank you for contributing and hope very much that you will soon see your efforts making a child warm.

We would love to welcome you into our friendly, sharing and warm knit-a-square community, so please take a moment to join our forum. and we look forward to meeting you in there soon.

If you subscribe to our free online magazine, Square Circle you will be able to enjoy pictures of your arriving post, the wonderful volunteers who open the mail and sort and record it, as well of the children and their blankets when they are made and distributed.