The post office are slowly shooting themselves (no pun intended) in the foot over their politically correct health and safety restrictions and rules.
I have sent deer antlers through the post for years. In the last month I have sent some more, they have shown me the 'restricted items' card and asked me if my parcels contain any of the items shown on it. I always reply no because it doesn't show deer antlers but chatting to the staff I do tell them what's in the box, especially if the antlers are going abroad as I declare it on the customs label. They always raise and eyebrow or engage in conversation about the antlers, nothing negative.
The last time I used them I wasn't shown the card but was asked straight what the parcel contained as it was going to the U.S.. I said it was deer antlers and then looked on in amazement as for some reason on this occasion it produced a lot of sharp breaths, sucking of air between teeth and much looking up on the computer to see if this heinous act was allowed.
I politely tried to help by saying that I had been sending them for years, that I had even sent some a few days ago, even pointing out the lady who served me but on this occasion they didn't know what to do.
Eventually they decided that because 'antlers' were not on the list of restricted items they would allow me to send them but I must realise that if U.S. customs didn't like it they parcel would be destroyed and that would be that.
Shaking my head I replied along the lines of "yeah whatever love", paid and left. The person received the parcel within five days no problem.
Since then I have opened an account with Hermes. I can do everything from home, postage is cheaper and I can either take the parcel to a drop off point which is easier to get to than the Post Office or I can arrange for the parcel to be collected when it suits me.
If the Post Office are becoming difficult, there are alternatives, sometimes better ones.