Important changes for sending BFPO mail and parcels from 1 March 2023

The European Union (EU) is strengthening safety and security at customs through a large-scale information system called Import Control System 2 (ICS2) on 1 March 2023.

All goods being shipped into or transiting through EU countries or Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland by air must include a minimum six-digit Harmonised System (HS) code and an accurate description for each item in the shipment. These rules will apply to all goods except documents regardless of value.

Staff at BFPO Northolt will be required to capture all data and provide precise consignment contents data to our mail conveyance partners to facilitate onward movement. Declarations made in full.  Please note that all BFPO mail requires a customs declaration, and no destinations are exempt.

What does the sender need to provide?

The following information must be clearly stated on all small packet/parcel mail:

• Sender/Return Address in full – full name must be used and not for example ‘from Gran’ or ‘the Smiths’.
• Recipient name and address in full, destination in full – do not use any country locations as these can result in items being processed wrongly within the UK mail system.
• Address label – printed or BLOCK capitals only – this will help to avoid delays.
• Customs declarations – customers must clearly declare all contents list each item with the number of pieces and values then sign the declaration.
• Harmonised System (HS) Commodity Codes – BFPO is seeking further clarity on the requirement to provide this detail for packages and mail posted over a UK Post Office counter and will provide further updates.

BFPO customers are responsible for ensuring the new regulations are followed, and failure to comply could result in items being seized and subjected to additional VAT/clearance charges prior to release by local customs authorities.  In extreme cases, it could also lead to your parcels being returned or destroyed.

Badly addressed items could also be subject to delay at BFPO, if items cannot be processed via our automated systems and require manual data input.

Go to https://www.gov.uk/bfpo for more information about BFPO and the services they provide.