New requirements when sending international items
New requirements when sending international items
When you send items (excluding correspondence) to destinations that are not in the same customs union as the UK*, you are required to provide customs data to us electronically. This has been effective since 1 January 2019. If you are unable to provide this data, we will not stop you from posting, but please note there is a risk that there may be problems when the item arrives in the destination country.
We can help make this easy for you
The easiest way to provide the required documents is by using one of our shipping platforms such as Click & Drop or Pro Shipping or by integrating your system with API Shipping. These platforms generate customs data files which automatically create the required labels to send items abroad.
Discover solutions that can be used to provide electronic customs data
Why should you provide this data?
- Customers currently providing electronic customs data have been experiencing fewer delays in customs
- Your deliveries are likely to be faster and more successful in clearing customs
- As a result, you may receive fewer complaints from recipients
- We’ve introduced a discount for business parcel contracts
Making sure you’ve provided the correct information
You need to provide:
- Either a CN22 or CN23 form printed and attached to the item, completed fully and correctly.
The type of form you need to fill out depends on the value of the items you are sending. Please make sure you use the correct one:
- For items with a value up to £270 use customs declaration form CN22 (pdf, 142.66 KB)
- For items with a value over £270 use customs declaration form CN23 (pdf, 227.98 KB). It should be attached using the plastic wallet available from Post Office® branches
- UPU compliant S10 barcode (unique Royal Mail 13-digit item identifier) attached to the item.
- Tracked export goods will also need a 2D Tracked barcode.
In addition, the information on the CN22 or CN23 form will now need to be provided electronically in the pre-advice you send us.
Filling out your CN22 (pdf, 142.66 KB)
Filling out your CN23 (pdf, 227.98 KB)
Franked items (excluding correspondence) that do not have a S10 barcode attached may be delayed, or even returned to the sender. We want to ensure that this does not happen to you and that franked items meet international mail standards for goods being sent abroad. We will provide you with the barcodes, and you can order more labels from our shop.
Electronic customs data is required to make sure existing, emerging and future legislative, security and customs requirements overseas are met. The Universal Postal Union (UPU) requests that the customs forms are completed accurately and in full, to enable rapid clearance. Since 1 January 2018, it has been a requirement to add a S10 barcode on every item; you now also need to provide the CN22 or CN23 form to us electronically.
Some countries are now applying penalties and delaying or returning items that are sent without the required electronic data and physical S10 barcode attached.
Get a discount for providing the correct information
To recognise the additional work providing this electronic data may require, we offer a 2% discount on your international surcharge – as long as you provide accurate and complete customs data and apply a S10 Barcode on your items. This discount will apply for all business contract products that do not have a letter format product code.
Managed HS Classification Services
Our Managed HS Classification Service is a tool to help you fill out the Harmonised System codes (known as HS or Tariff Codes) on your CN22 and CN23 forms and helps you to remain compliant with export prohibitions and restrictions. We can assign codes to items in your product catalogue to make things easier for you.
Find out more about Managed HS Classification Services
*If the UK leaves the EU with ‘no deal’, items destined for the EU will be treated the same as items bound for non-EU destinations. Find out more about our Brexit preparations.
More information to help with international posting
International Data Information (pdf, 982.83 KB) – this includes an overview of electronic customs data and what it means for you
International Data FAQs (pdf, 198.18 KB) - answers to common questions from our customers
What good looks like (xlsx, 15.6 KB) - Type 3 pre-advice electronic customs data requirements