I don't know how many of us on here are aware of this, so I thought I'd better post this.

As my local model shop has closed down, I was forced to order some paints and glue direct from Humbrol last week. As yet, I haven't received them. Yesterday I read the following disturbing news on Hannants website:

Following recently completely unannounced new rules we regret we can no longer despatch certain items through the post by Royal Mail. These include Xtracolor and Humbrol enamel paints, Alclad products, liquid glues etc etc. Many of our orders are having these items removed and destroyed and then they are returning the rest of the parcel to us. ParcelForce say they can still accept them for now. If you put any of the affected items into your cart you will not now see the cheaper Royal Mail postage options. We will refund on any of these items in your orders that are already placed. Acrylic paints are not affected though we are only allowed 4 pots maximum per order now. This is to the UK and Overseas. We do realise that this is all ridiculous but sadly there is nothing we can do.

Might be worth asking Humbrol themselves either by email or through their facebook page. I'd also enquire with other online retailers.
Personally, I'd like to know how Royal Mail would know if enamel paints are sealed in a parcel. Hannants are dropping themselves in it by insisting on putting invoices on the outsides of parcels, giving Royal Mails parcel kickers easy access. But, if the invoice is on the inside, how do they know? And how can they tell the difference between enamel or acrylic?

Stupidity at its best. I think the Royal Mail is deliberately trying to cut its own throat. H&S taken far too far, but that doesnt stop them overloading their postmen on their rounds.

Oddly enough this was recently posed to Humbrol on their Facebook page. Humbrol stated that they are not affected and can still send paint and sprays ordered from their website through the post. So Hannants say one thing, Humbrol say another? I'm also keen to ask other online retailers about this so I have asked Wonderland Models in Edinburgh. It'll be interesting to hear their answer.

I think these new rules apply for international post only .

Its all a little strange. Wonderland models got back and said that at the moment sprays have to go by parcelforce (that was the case when I used to work in my LHS about 4 years go, nothing new on that), but tins of enamel and acrylic still can. As long as its packed well I don't see a problem. I just have a sneaky feeling thing that all this is a knee jerk reaction to the sort of stories that the Daily Mail makes up. There are still plenty of online stores and ebay traders selling enamel and acrylic paints.

And now you know the reason why we refer to the uk postal system as: Royal Fail & Parcel Farce.

As for hannants, I got burned by them in the past and I vowed never to use them again!