For further information about the Horizon IT Scandal, please visit our corporate website

When to complete a CP72 Customs Despatch Pack

The CP72 Customs Despatch Pack (PFU509) is a customs form used when sending gifts and goods internationally with Parcelforce Worldwide.

CP72 form guide

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, except the UK, unless using globalexpress, which requires a CP72 Customs Despatch Pack for ALL destinations regardless of the value of the item.

Customs forms are scanned by optical character recognition, so it's important to fill them in legibly and in BLOCK CAPITALS.

Incomplete or missing customs forms are likely to result in items being returned to the sender.

Example of the dispatch Pack CP72 form
  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’*. Businesses must provide the HS tariff number, which can be found on GOV.UK 
  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 (eg £, $) must match that on the invoice and all other documents
  5. Your signature is mandatory – you must sign the form here. You must fully complete the necessary customs documentation when sending your parcel overseas. If you don’t complete and sign the documentation as required, it increases the likelihood of delayed delivery or return

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.

Find your nearest branch

You can pick up a CP72 form in any Post Office branch

Common questions about customs forms

  • Custom forms are mandatory for all gifts and goods sent outside the UK from England, Scotland or Wales. If posting from Northern Ireland, they're only needed for non-EU destinations, except the UK.

    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.

    Incomplete or missing customs forms are likely to result in items being returned to the sender.

  • 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.