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Overseas clear addressing
When sending mail abroad, it is especially important that you address it as clearly and accurately as possible so that we can get it to the right destination without delay
There are 3 basic rules when addressing international mail:
- include the relevant international postcode
- for European destinations, postcode goes to the left of the town: e.g. 11780 ATHENS
- always write the town and country in capital letters, with the full country name appearing last in the address (no abbreviations)
Return address
If you would like your undeliverable items to be returned to you, please put your UK return address on each item. We will return any undeliverables free of charge.
Please note that your return address must be in the UK. A return address in the receiving country is not permitted.
Customs
Do you need a customs form?
If you are sending a package to a destination outside the European Union, you will probably need to add a customs label to the item.
- For items with a value up to and including £270, you must attach a completed and signed CN22 label as near as possible to the top left hand corner on the front of the item, without obscuring the address.
- For items with a value over £270, you must attach the top part of the CN22 and a CN23 form in a plastic wallet (SP126).
In both cases, you will need to sign to certify that the item does not contain any dangerous articles prohibited by postal regulations. Please ensure that, when your item has a CN22 affixed, you have written the name and address of the person who signed the CN22 on the front of the package.
CN22 and CN23 customs labels are available from your local Post Office® branch.
What to do next
- Find out how to correctly address mail for Western Europe
- Learn how to correctly address mail for the rest of the world
