Sending Goods Abroad – Customs Requirements

All parcels or items containing goods sent outside the UK (including the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland) must include customs information.

This information is used by customs authorities to process items quickly and securely.

When you provide this information, it is submitted digitally by Isle of Man Post Office before your item is sent.

What Customs Information Do I Need to Provide?

When sending goods, you need to provide details about what you are sending and where it is going.

This information must be completed before your item is sent.

You will need to include:

Sender and recipient names and addresses
A clear description of each item
Quantity, weight and value of each item
Country of origin of each item

Providing complete and accurate information helps your item move through customs more smoothly and reduces the risk of delays or returns.

When You Need to Provide Customs Information

You must provide customs information when sending:

Parcels or packets containing goods internationally (including gifts and online sales)
Items containing goods to the Channel Islands or Northern Ireland

Letters and documents only do not require a customs declaration.

If customs information is missing or incomplete, your item may be delayed, returned, or refused by the destination country.

Customs Charges and Delivery

When sending goods overseas, customs charges may apply in the destination country.

These charges are set by the destination country, not Isle of Man Post Office
The recipient may need to pay these charges before the item can be delivered
More items, including lower‑value goods, may now be subject to charges

To avoid delays or failed delivery, you should make the recipient aware that charges may apply.

This reflects recent changes introduced by customs authorities for certain destinations.

How to Provide Customs Data

There are two easy ways to provide your customs information:

Online Postage – your customs information is captured as part of your purchase
Click & Dispatch (for business customers) – your customs information is provided automatically

If you are posting at a counter, you will need to complete a CN22 customs form for items containing goods.

CN22 Customs Form

The CN22 is currently used for sending goods internationally.

It requires basic details about your item, including:

What the item is
Quantity and value
Country of origin

Descriptions should be clear and specific. For example, “men’s cotton shirt” rather than “clothing”.

Incomplete or unclear information may result in delays, additional checks, or items being returned.

Future Changes to Customs Forms

As part of wider system updates later in the summer (2026) all parcels containing goods being sent overseas will be required to use a CN23 customs form.

Further guidance will be provided before these changes are introduced.

Why Accurate Customs Information Matters

Providing accurate customs data helps:

Reduce delays at customs
Avoid additional checks or returns
Improve tracking and delivery accuracy
Ensure compliance with international regulations

Incorrect or incomplete information may result in delays, refused items, or items being returned.

Windsor Framework – Sending to Northern Ireland

Since 1 May 2025, changes have been introduced for goods sent from Great Britain (including the Isle of Man) to Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.

Additional information may be required when sending goods. This can be provided through Online Postage or Click & Dispatch.

These changes are designed to support the smooth movement of goods while meeting international requirements.

Before you send

Before posting your item, please check:

Customs form completed
You have filled in a CN22 customs form fully and clearly
Accurate item description
Each item is described clearly (e.g. “men’s cotton shirt” rather than “clothing”)
Correct value and weight
The value, quantity and weight of each item are included
Full sender and recipient details
Names and addresses are complete and written in full
Country of origin included
You have stated where the goods were produced or manufactured
Recipient aware of possible charges
The recipient understands that customs charges may apply and may need to be paid before delivery

Helpful Guidance

Customs forms and guidance are available below.

When sending goods internationally, ensure all details are completed clearly and accurately to help avoid delays.