Customs forms

Customs forms are now mandatory for all gifts and goods sent to a country outside the UK, except when sending items from Northern Ireland to the EU.

What is a customs form for?

When you send items internationally, you must make sure those items abide by the shipping rules of the destination country. Customs forms allow local customs authorities to make sure the goods are allowed and to calculate if there are any duties or taxes to be paid.

Customs forms need to be attached to the outside of your item with all relevant fields completed. You are responsible for ensuring a fully complete Customs Form is attached to your item. Any items with incomplete or absent customs forms are likely be returned to the sender so it’s important you get it right.

Do I need a customs form?

It is mandatory to complete a customs form if:

  • You are sending goods or gifts from England, Wales or Scotland to anywhere outside of the UK

  • You are sending goods or gifts from Northern Ireland to any non-EU destinations (except UK)

You don’t need to complete a customs form if:

  • You are sending goods within the UK

  • You are sending from Northern Ireland to EU destinations

  • You are sending letter or large letters only containing correspondence, commercial invoices or shipping documents

Sending internationally with Royal Mail

You need to make sure you use the right form as this varies based on the value of the item you are sending and the postage service you are using – all forms are available in all Post Offices, just ask at the counter for help.

Save time in branch! Some forms can be filled in online or you can download a blank form to fill in by hand. You’ll need access to printer so you can complete and attach the form before your branch visit.

customsform

Information you will need for completing the customs form

If you don’t complete the relevant fields below, it’s likely your item will be returned or delayed. ​Customs forms require full attention, be careful when filling them out and include all mandatory information relevant to you and your item. ​You can always ask a member of staff in branch if you have any questions

  • Sender’s name and address – mandatory
  • Type of Contents and accurate content description  – mandatory
  • Value, quantity and weight of each item  – mandatory
  • Total value, quantity and weight  – mandatory
  • Business customers only – HS Tariff number (you can find these here) and GB EORI number or VAT registered number  – mandatory for businesses only
  • If using a CN23: recipients name and address – mandatory

Guides for filling out all customs forms

Sending items valued under £270 via Royal Mail

Goods and gifts sent with Royal Mail international services and valued under £270 will require a CN22 customs form.

If sending items with Royal Mail International Economy and International Standard – you’ll need a CN22B. (in branch only)

If sending items with Royal Mail International Tracking and Signature services – you’ll need a CN22A.

Sending items valued over £270 via Royal Mail

Goods and gifts sent with Royal Mail international services and valued over £270 will require a customs declaration form called a CN23.

Sending internationally via Parcelforce Worldwide

Goods and gifts sent with Parcelforce Worldwide services will require a customs declaration form called a CP72 Customs Despatch Pack. This is regardless of the item value.

Customs form FAQs

Customs forms are now mandatory if you were sending gifts or goods outside of the UK, except if posting to the EU from Northern Ireland.

They allow local customs authorities to make sure the goods are permitted and to calculate if there are any duties or taxes to be paid. Items with missing or incomplete are likely to be returned or delayed.

All customs forms are available in Post Office branches, but you can save time in branch by filling in some forms at home. CN22B have unique barcodes and and CP72 forms are multi-layered and therefore both are only available in branch – but you could pick up some spare forms the next time you visit.

Yes, we have blank CN22A customs form and CN23 customs form available to  download, print and fill in by hand.

Currently there are no declaration requirements for goods moved directly between Northern Ireland and the European Union, but customs forms are still needed if posting from Northern Ireland to non-EU destinations.

The latest UK Government guidance on sending parcels to and from Northern Ireland can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sending-parcels-between-great-britain-and-northern-ireland 

Yes, customs forms are mandatory regardless of how you pay for your postage.

You should sign and date the customs forms physically on the day you are posting the item. If you can’t accurately measure the weight of your parcel, you can weigh it in branch and fill this in by hand too.

All customs forms are available in Post Office branches. If you can’t fill a form in at home, it’s useful to check what information you will need and keep it handy for when you visit the branch.

If you are using Royal Mail International Standard and International Economy services, use the CN22B customs form that includes a barcode. Have the details you need handy to fill out the form in branch.