How to complete a CP72 Customs Despatch Pack

Posting from England, Scotland and Wales: a CP72 Customs Despatch Pack (PFU509) is mandatory for ALL destinations regardless of value of the item.

Posting from Northern Ireland: a CP72 Customs Despatch Pack (PFU509) is mandatory for non-EU destinations, unless using globalexpress which requires a CP72 Customs Despatch Pack for ALL destinations regardless of value of the item

CP72 form guide

  1. Sender’s details are mandatory – these are your full name, address, postcode and telephone number
  2. Recipient’s details are mandatory – these are the details of the person or business you’re posting items to and must include their full name, address, postcode, telephone number (local, not UK)
  3. Item description is mandatory – you must include a clear and detailed description and value of each item. For instance, write “house deeds” rather than “documents”; “women’s leather jacket” rather than “jacket”*
  4. Item category and value are mandatory – you must include the item category and value. If the item is a document tick the ‘Documents’ box. Value type (e.g. £,$) must match that on the invoice and all other documents
  5. Your signature is mandatory – you must sign the form here. It is vital that you fully complete the necessary customs documentation when sending your parcel overseas. If you do not complete and sign the documentation as required, it increases the likelihood of delayed delivery or return
  6. Business customers must include their GB EORI number or VAT registered number

*For documents, use one of the following descriptions: business correspondence, personal correspondence, financial statements or legal documents. Alternatively add a full description of the type of document. For mobile phones and other electronic devices, you must include both the serial number and the IMEI number of the device on the CP72.

cp72guide

Questions and answers

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.

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 or if sending by globalexpress to 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