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PACKAGING SPECIFICATIONS

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Our commitment We know how important it is to you that your parcel arrives on time and in perfect condition.

Constantly improving our quality of service is our top priority, and we’re here to help you by:

Advising you on how to optimise your shipments and helping you to find the best solution

for your consignments

Keeping you updated with our proactive Customer Service team

Managing your shipments and your returns on a daily basis

Constantly improving our quality of service is our top priority, with a particular focus on:

• Damaged parcels – a source of dissatisfaction

• Consignments that are not suitable for transit, which could endanger both our and your employees’

safety

Specific requirements for non-stackable packages

• Packages are sent using the Relais Colis network

• They require a dedicated management process and specific handling techniques

• They affect the load capacity of road vehicles

• They are potentially at risk of damaging or of being damaged by other parcels during shipping

NON-STACKABLE PACKAGES must feature the following:

• Instructions on the parcel

• Instructions on the transit label

• Cones on the top of the parcel

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Properly preparing your shipment

Recommendations: to ensure your customers are satisfied with their delivery, properly package and label your

consignment to avoid damage during shipping or delays during delivery.

CHOOSE GOOD-QUALITY PACKAGING

Previously used packaging is less sturdy. Use strong packaging that is in good condition.

AVOID USING PACKAGING THAT IS TOO LARGE

Too much packing material reduces resistance to stacking. Don’t use packaging that is too big for the contents

and needs too much packing material. The parcel may be crushed.

HEAVY PARCELS

We accept non-palletised parcels up to a maximum of 70 kg.

APPLY TAPE IN AN ‘H’ SHAPE

Use strong, thick adhesive tape in an ‘H’ shape on the top and bottom of the parcel. You could choose to wrap

heavier parcels in tape.

LABEL CLEARLY

Remove old labels. Stick the new labels where the old labels were placed. Barcodes must be stuck down flat (and

not be placed over an edge).

STACK PARCELS IN COLUMNS

Stacking parcels in columns ensures maximum resistance. If the contents are sturdy, stack parcels like bricks for

greater stability.

DO NOT ALLOW ITEMS TO STICK OUT

Items must be positioned on the pallet in such a way that nothing sticks out. We cannot accept pallets whose

contents extend beyond the pallet.

KEEP THE TOP FLAT

A pallet with a flat top is stronger as it is more compact and can be stacked.

STRAP OR FILM-WRAP THE PALLET

Strap or film-wrap the pallet to keep its contents in place. If you are film-wrapping, you should also film-wrap

the wooden pallet.

LABEL CLEARLY

Slatted frames, sofas: The label must be affixed to the outer packaging so it can be scanned easily.

Mattresses: The label must be affixed inside the packaging as well as to the outer packaging so it can be scanned

easily. It must be affixed to the largest edge.

Parcels: The label must be affixed to the most stable side with the largest surface area (the longest side), and

should face upwards. It must be positioned perpendicular to the box (not at an angle).

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Sorry, we can’t accept your parcel... Your cooperation is necessary so we can transport your package in total safety. Inappropriate packaging puts

your items, other parcels and Relais Colis staff at risk.

PACKAGES

INAPPROPRIATE PACKAGING

Do not place a heavy object in weak packaging

materials. Packaging must be sufficiently strong, of

good quality and the right size. If necessary, wrap

your parcel in more layers of packaging material to

strengthen it.

No packages with holes or that are torn or damaged.

No wet, leaking or water-damaged packaging.

Parcels weighing over 70 kg must be palletised.

DAMAGED PACKAGING

WET PACKAGING

PARCELS WEIGHING OVER 70 KG

PALLETS

MOVABLE ITEMS

All items must be strapped and/or film-wrapped onto the

pallet so they form a single and inseparable unit.

Do not use damaged or poor-quality pallets.

POOR-QUALITY PALLETS

CONTENTS STICKING OUT

Items must not extend beyond the pallet.

IRREGULARLY SHAPED ITEMS

SHARP EDGES

Sharp edges must not stick out. Proper packing is

needed to prevent injury.

COMPONENTS STICKING OUT

Components that stick out can cause injury and damage other parcels.

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Packaging

Definition of packaging Packaging refers to any object, regardless of the materials it is composed of, that is designed to contain and

protect goods so they can be handled and transported from the producer to the consumer or user, as well as to

maintain proper presentation.

• Tertiary or transit packaging refers to packaging designed to simplify the handling, storage or

transport of a certain number of items or packages grouped together in order to prevent them from being

physically handled and to avoid transit damage. Transit packaging does not include road transport

containers.

• Primary packaging can be formed of different elements. It protects the product and its features

throughout the entire chain.

The packaging system generally combines the three types of packaging.

• Industrial and commercial packaging refers to all non-domestic packaging: packaging from industrial

activities (B to C packaging, B to B packaging, grouped and transit packaging, etc.).

Complete packaging system

Primary packaging

Secondary packaging featuring several primary packages

Transit packaging (crate, pallet, divider, plastic wrap, etc.)

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Example of best theft prevention practice

throughout the product logistics chain

Implementing plain packaging or ‘concealment’ strategies when packaging high-value products (such as

electronic goods) is a way of using packaging to prevent the contents from attracting unwanted attention. The

use of packaging to prevent product theft is a recent development.

Kraft paper can be used to cover the package, ensuring it attracts as little attention as possible: In the lighting

sector, a smart product range using this type of neutral packaging has been developed and is marketed with a

name that directly refers to the discreet packaging chosen. The message given to buyers is one of a high added-

value product that is stored, transported and delivered discreetly.

Example:

Example of best theft prevention practice throughout the product logistics chain:

These concealment strategies are also used on palletised loads of high-value products: in order to hide the

content of these pallets, they are wrapped in black film.

Black film-wrapping is widely used at Relais Colis logistics hubs to prevent shrinkage and theft of high-value

products (electronic tablets, smartphones, luxury products, etc.) during transit.

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Recycling of packaging

Some types of packaging are also used in logistics hubs for a new purpose (cushioning/protecting products):

In accordance with directive 2008/98/EC on waste and directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste,

the fundamental aim of packaging waste management is to increase packaging recycling and other forms of re-

use.

The packaging used in logistics (cardboard boxes, plastic film, etc.) is easily identifiable, constitutes a flow of

standard-quality materials, and can be brought together in logistics hubs, all of which simplifies the recycling

process in technical and economic terms.

ADEME’s study into industrial and commercial packaging shows that the recycling rate for non-domestic

cardboard packaging was 94% in 2014 (compared to 65% for domestic packaging), proving the effectiveness of

the system put in place to collect this packaging for recycling.

Some types of packaging are also used in logistics hubs for a new purpose (cushioning/protecting products):

Example of best practice:

• Using previously used kraft paper (used to wrap parcels) as packing to hold the product in place (see

left-hand photo).

• Using corrugated cardboard (after being cut with a special machine) to hold the product in place (see

right-hand photo).

The purposes of packaging (non-exhaustive list)

Packaging is designed to protect:

- The outside environment from the item it contains (limiting the risk of leaks, preventing solvents from

evaporating in order to protect the user’s health, etc.),

- The contents from outside factors (limiting damage by mechanical impact, preventing theft of the contents,

etc.).

Transport

- Delivering items from the manufacturing site to the delivery address without damage (protection against

mechanical impact to the product and packaging) using wooden pallets, corrugated cardboard covers, corner

protection pieces, metal or plastic ties, plastic film or heat-shrink wrap, etc.,

- Protecting against ill intent of all kinds,

- Informing logistics hubs of the contents of the boxes being transported (logo, brand, content, barcode, etc.),

- Ensuring transportability.

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The main types of pallets used in logistics

UIC leaflet manufacturing standard

UIC – data sheet 435-2

Field of use

Exchangeable pallet

Industry pallet Asian pallet

Four-way pallet Four-way pallet

1000 x 1200 mm 1000 x 1100 mm

1500 kg 1300 kg

6000 kg

30 kg 30 kg

5200 kg

UIC – data sheet 435-5

Exchangeable pallet Export

Not available under the UIC programme

Pallets in containers, HGVs and wagons

Four-way pallet

800 x 1200 mm Dimensions

EUR pallet

Working load 1500 kg

6000 kg

25 kg

Maximum stacking load

Pallet weight

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Parcel characteristics by delivery solution

range

A range of delivery solutions to

meet all needs Relais Colis

Relais Colis Max

Home

Home

Drive

Delivery To collection point To collection point To installation

room

To building

threshold

Collection

Per-package weight

including packaging

Up to 20 kg

Up to 40 kg (*)

maximum of 3

packages per

shipment

No

weight/parcel

limit

Up to 70 kg

Up to 80 kg per

item, 130 kg per

order

Dimensions Total of the parcel’s

three dimensions

(length + width +

height) ≤ 1.70 m

Largest dimension ≤

1.30 m (per item)

Total of the

parcel’s three

dimensions

(length + width +

height) ≤ 2.50 m

No limit on

parcel size

Total of the

parcel’s three

dimensions

(length + width +

height) ≤ 2.50 m

Total of the

parcel’s three

dimensions

(length + width +

height) ≤ 3.50 m.

Collection of old goods

required to be returned to RC

for processing in accordance

with WEEE* or bulky waste*

standards

On site if notice

given

On site if notice

given

On site if

notice given

At delivery

location if notice

given and item

brought by the

customer

On site if notice

given

Installation (simple connection

of appliance to a compliant

installation)

Unpacking (excluding flat-pack

furniture)

Collection and disposal of

packaging

(*) WEEE: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

(*) Bulky waste: Large waste such as furniture

(*) stacked 2-3 high depending on the nature of the packages

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Rules for labelling and machinable parcels

Store name: the store’s name and address Sector code.: The municipality’s five-character sector code Source: INSCPXEE table, Pseudo-sector code field Return branch code: Return branch code given by Relais Colis

14-figure parcel barcode:

• your 2-figure store code

• 10-figure shipment number

• 2-figure physical parcel number e.g. 01 0545346338 01

Code type: Fixed-length 128B with no control character

• Height: 15 mm Minimum space to left and right of code: 11 mm

State the barcode value above the barcode.

DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS: delivery instructions are given over 3 lines. Source: Delivery instructions 1, 2 and 3 as indicated in the pre-advice document. SHIPMENT NO.: numerical 10-character Relais Colis shipment number, generated in accordance with our specifications as stated in the pre-advice document. Format: XXX XXXXXXX CUSTOMER NO.: the end customer’s reference in your system, as indicated in the pre-advice document. Format: XXX XXX XXX WEIGHT: total weight of the parcel, given in grams. Format: the total weight given in kilograms, followed by a decimal point then three decimal places (e.g. 40.125) RECIPIENT: Name and address of the recipient over 4 lines.

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BRANCH: name and address of the delivery’s home branch. Source: AGESOG.txt (branch codes and addresses)

Directional code: delivery area expressed as 4 characters. The first character from the sector code is converted into two numbers. A=01, B=02, etc. 2nd and 3rd characters from the sector code E.g. Z9810: 2698 For Benelux: 2690 Sector code.: The municipality’s five-character sector code as indicated in chapter 6 01.03: parcel number within the consignment, followed by a full stop (‘.’) and the total number of parcels within the consignment, e.g. 01.03 ****00.00 PAYMENT AMOUNT: amount to be paid on delivery expressed in euros, given to two decimal places and separated by a full stop (‘.’), with this figure preceded by four asterisks (‘*’) If you are not using COD, enter "*** 00.00" Sector branch code: First and second character from the sector code. The branch is given by the first two characters from the sector code, e.g. Z9810 → Z9

TEAM: the word TEAM must be included for 2-person or non-standard deliveries. SERVICE: include this when the Large Electrical Appliance Installation Service is being provided as part of a Home+ delivery

22-figure industrial barcode

• 3-figure store code, e.g. for store 49, the code will be 049

• 4-figure directional code as explained above

• internal Relais Colis 2-figure code: ‘13’

• 10-figure shipment number

• 2-figure physical parcel number

• fixed value = 0 e.g. 001 3450 13 0545346338 01 0

Code type: Fixed-length 128B with no control character

• Height: 15 mm

• Minimum space above and below code: 8 mm

State the barcode value below the barcode

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Example barcode

Restrictions on accepting parcels and on

Relais Colis’s liability

Regarding the Terms and Conditions of Sale:

• Goods falling under national and international regulations on hazardous products (cf.

IATA & ADR), except under the limited quantity (LQ) scheme, are not permitted. This

includes but is not limited to ammunition, gases, any inflammable, radioactive, toxic or

corrosive materials, and any objects that, due to their nature or their packaging, could

present a risk to the human environment or to the safety of aircraft or could damage other

parcels in transit.

• The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-permitted items: jewellery (excluding

costume jewellery), precious stones, securities, precious metals, coins, currency,

banknotes, payment instruments (credit cards, cheques, bearer bonds, etc.), perishable

To be machinable:

• Magnets within cardboard boxes will only be permitted if the parcel weight/magnet strength ratio is

greater than 10 (e.g. for a magnet of 1kgf, parcel weight must be ≥ 10kg). However, note that any

magnetic equipment is banned from polybags.

Labelling • The label must be affixed to the outer packaging so it can be scanned easily.

• The label must be affixed to the most stable side with the largest surface area (the longest side),

and should face upwards. It must be positioned perpendicular to the box (not at an angle).

• The barcode must be of high quality and easily readable.

• There must be one barcode per parcel. In the event of multiple labelling (not recommended),

barcodes must not overlap one another and must clearly be distinct.

• Where possible, do not place the barcode inside a shiny document wallet.

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goods, living or dead animals, firearms, drugs, works of art, publications or audiovisual

materials banned by law, and responses to calls for tender.

Lack of symbols:

• Any form of overwrapping, especially if it is opaque, that obstructs sight of any handling

symbols.

Contractor’s obligation:

By signing these ‘Approval & Packaging’ specifications, the contractor agrees that all shipments delivered to

RELAIS COLIS will meet the minimum requirements set out for each product family. RELAIS COLIS reserves

the right to refuse any goods that do not meet these minimum requirements. In any case, any goods that do not

meet these minimum requirements will be transported at the client’s own risk, and no compensation claims may

be made in the event of damage.

Upon request from the client, RELAIS COLIS is able to approve products and packages sent by the client.

RELAIS COLIS may, on its own initiative, create non-approval reports, and these reports will be sent to the

client. The list of non-approved products will be jointly managed by the contractor and RELAIS COLIS.

RELAIS COLIS will make details of the products in question available to the contractor so they can settle the

matter with the suppliers.

No requests for compensation of any kind may be made in the event of any damage to shipments that are not

approved by RELAIS COLIS or have opaque wrapping (black film, etc.).

Packaging instructions for products and

other specific packaging

Bedding category:

1) MATTRESSES (Bedding)

Mattresses must be protected by 2 robust individual plastic covers, for which there are two possible options:

1. 80µm heat-sealed covers,

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2. Cardboard packaging may be used, but a cover must also be used.

The label must be affixed inside the packaging as well as to the outer packaging so it can be scanned

easily. It must be affixed to the largest edge.

2) BED BASES

Bed bases must be protected by 2 robust individual plastic covers:

• 80µm heat-sealed covers, or cardboard packaging may be used along with a cover.

• Protection with four cardboard pieces or four strips of foam on the four edges.

Minimum edge size: 20cm.

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3) SLATTED FRAMES

• Corners protected by a plastic corner piece + heat-shrink film or a robust 80µm protective cover.

The label must be affixed to the outer packaging so it can be scanned easily. The label must be

affixed inside the packaging as well as to the outer packaging so it can be scanned easily. It must

be affixed to the largest edge.

Sofa category:

4) SOFAS

▪ CARDBOARD PACKAGING

• American cardboard box (to fit the product) with fully overlapping double top and bottom flaps,

• Interior plastic protective cover over the product,

• Sealed using wide adhesive tape or strips,

• Feet protected by cardboard sleeves,

• Armrests protected by rigid cardboard tubes in each corner,

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• Projecting sections and the material underneath the sofa protected using double-wall corrugated

cardboard,

• 120µm exterior protective cover, sealed with wide adhesive tape,

• Feet removed where possible and bottom of package reinforced

▪ PACKAGING USING COVERS

• Interior protective cover, sealed with wide adhesive tape

• Feet protected by cardboard sleeves,

• Armrests protected,

• Projecting sections and the material underneath the sofa protected using double-wall corrugated

cardboard,

• 120µm exterior protective cover, sealed with wide adhesive tape

Side view Top view

Cardboard tubes

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Electrical device and TV category:

5) ELECTRICAL DEVICES:

• ‘Fragile’ and ‘This way up’ symbols for all kinds of devices

▪ USING HEAT-SHRINK FILM

• Protect the base, top and corners with expanded polystyrene.

• The minimum gap between the film and the product as well as the film tension must be sufficient to

provide enough protection in the event of a minor shock, preventing damage to the product.

• Wooden slat on the top of the front face

▪ USING CARDBOARD BOXES

• Flaps taped shut or closed with nylon strapping,

• Expanded polystyrene and/or wood slatted frame at top and bottom.

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▪ TELEVISIONS

• This type of product must be overwrapped with the recommended handling symbols displayed on the

overwrap. The manufacturer’s packaging does not always provide sufficient protection.

6) HOBS (INDUCTION, CERAMIC, ETC.)

• Double-wall corrugated cardboard box with large flaps,

• Ceramic top protected with dense polystyrene or reinforced double-wall corrugated cardboard

• Product protected with polystyrene cushioning or dense polystyrene casing over the entire

product (base + cover).

Furniture category:

7) FURNITURE (Flat-pack and pre-assembled furniture)

▪ EXTERIOR

• Packaged in a double-wall corrugated cardboard box,

• Flaps sealed,

• Reinforced box bottom to prevent the furniture’s feet from perforating the box,

• ‘Fragile/Glass’ symbol for parcels containing glass components

• Glass components must be protected by a sheet of dense polystyrene on top of and underneath each

piece of glass.

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▪ INTERIOR

• Interior protection around the edges and corners of the box with cardboard strips or dense polystyrene,

• Protect chairs using sleeves and chair backs using cardboard,

• Components inside the box fixed in place, particularly accessories and fixings

• Glass components must be protected by a sheet of dense polystyrene underneath each piece of glass.

Sanitary facilities category:

8) SANITARY FACILITIES (basins, sinks, etc.) – non-machinable

▪ EXTERIOR

• Double-wall corrugated cardboard box (suited to the size of the product),

• ‘Fragile’ symbol (to be displayed on at least two sides of the package),

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• ‘This way up’ symbol (to be displayed on at least two sides of the package),

• Flaps sealed.

▪ INTERIOR

• Dense polystyrene box (suited to fit the product),

• Components inside the box fixed in place

Beauty and cleaning products category

9) BEAUTY and cleaning products (machinable or non-machinable)

▪ EXTERIOR

• Double-wall corrugated cardboard box with large flaps (suited to the size of the product)

• Flaps sealed,

• ‘Fragile’ and ‘This way up’ symbols.

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▪ INTERIOR

• Individually wrapped in bubble wrap,

• Openings (caps, etc.) sealed with adhesive tape,

• Packed with kraft paper (items inside the package held in place).

Liquid categories:

10) LIQUID CONTAINERS: (non-machinable)

▪ EXTERIOR

• Double-wall corrugated cardboard box with large flaps (suited to the size of the product),

• Flaps sealed,

• ‘Fragile glass’ symbol (to be displayed on at least two sides of the package),

• ‘This way up’ symbol (to be displayed on at least two sides of the package).

▪ INTERIOR

• Double- or triple-wall corrugated cardboard lattices sized to fit the bottles,

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Textile category:

11) TEXTILES (machinable)

▪ EXTERIOR

• Plastic film wrap (70µm),

• Items inside the box fixed in place.

• Sealed with adhesive tape or heat-sealed tape,

Adhesive part of the packaging: attach the adhesive carefully, making sure not to go beyond the edges.

▪ INTERIOR

• Items protected in plastic covers.

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Miscellaneous category:

12) MISCELLANEOUS small items, machinable

▪ EXTERIOR

• Cardboard pouch (A5, A4, A3 format) or padded envelope,

• Adhesive seal with protective strip,

• Reminder: Weight ≥ 0.20 kg and min. thickness 15mm.

▪ INTERIOR

• Interior coating with polyethylene bubble wrap.

13) Glassware - Porcelain (non-machinable)

▪ EXTERIOR

• Double-wall corrugated cardboard box (suited to the size of the product),

• ‘Fragile glass’ symbol (to be displayed on at least two sides of the package),

• ‘This way up’ symbol (to be displayed on at least two sides of the package),

• Sealed with adhesive tape.

▪ INTERIOR

• Dense polystyrene box in the correct size for the product,

• Components inside the box fixed in place (packed and padded).

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All pages must be initialled.

Date and contractor Stamp and Signature Date and Relais Colis Stamp and Signature