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Why do I need a customs form?

Any mail with incomplete or missing customs forms is likely to be returned to the sender. If you're sending post with Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide, you’re responsible for attaching fully completed customs forms to the outside of your package.

You don't need to attach customs forms to mail sent through Parcels Online services with DPD and Evri, as these are completed online.

Do I need to fill out a customs form? 

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

You need to complete a customs form if: 

  • you’re sending goods or gifts from England, Wales or Scotland to anywhere outside of the UK

  • you’re sending goods or gifts from Northern Ireland to any non-EU destinations (except the UK)

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

  • you’re sending goods within the UK 

  • you’re sending from Northern Ireland to EU destinations 

  • you’re sending a letter or large letters only containing correspondence, commercial invoices or shipping documents 

Sending via Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide?

If you have a printer, customs forms can be completed online for Royal Mail services. Pick one up in branch if you don't have a printer or need a Parcelforce Worldwide customs form.

Sending with Parcels Online via DPD or Evri 

All customs details for services purchased through Parcels Online are filled in during the booking process online.

FAQs

  • Customs forms are mandatory if you send gifts or goods outside of the UK, except if posting to the EU from Northern Ireland. They help local customs authorities identify if items you’re sending internationally are allowed into their destination country and calculate any duties or taxes due. Forms with missing or incomplete information are likely to be returned or delayed.

  • Some forms have a unique barcode, such as the multi-layered, CP72 form, so they can’t be filled in online. Pick up some extra copies in branch to save time in the future.

  • No declaration requirements for goods moved directly between Northern Ireland and the European Union currently exist. Customs forms are still needed if posting from Northern Ireland to non-EU destinations, except the UK.

    The latest UK Government guidance provides more information on sending mail from Northern Ireland.

  • You'll need to physically sign and date the customs forms on the day you post the item.

  • All Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide custom forms are available in Post Office branches. If you can’t fill in a form at home, check what information you need and keep it handy when visiting the branch.

    All customs details for services purchased through Parcels Online are filled in during the booking process online. They don’t need to be printed or attached to the parcel.

Need some help?

Posting help and support

Find answers to common questions about posting services:

Visit our posting support page