Thiruvananthapuram: Parcels wrapped in clothes will not be accepted at post office counters from April 1, as per a directive of the postal department.

Only parcels that are packed in cardboard boxes or wrapped in paper and plastic bags will be accepted. The instructions are listed in the parcel packaging criteria issued by the postal department.

The decision was taken as the bar code sticker affixed on the cloth packaging tends to come off and this affects the secure handling of the parcels. Packing covers and boxes will be made available at the parcel booking counters, the chief post general's office has said.

Parcel Packaging Units (PPU) will be set up at post offices where there is high demand for parcel services. Facilities to package parcels can be provided at such units at a rate not exceeding Rs 10.