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.

All parcels containing goods that are sent outside the UK, including parcels sent to the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland, must include customs information. Customs authorities use this information to process items quickly and securely. When you provide the information through Isle of Man Post Office, we send it electronically before your item is posted.

Letters containing only paperwork or documents do not usually need a customs declaration.

What has changed?

International customs requirements are changing. All international items containing goods need a completed customs declaration. The CN23 form will replace the CN22 form.

The “Sale of Goods” category is also changing. It will be split into two options: business-to-business (B2B), for goods sold by a business to an overseas business; and business-to-consumer (B2C), for goods sold online by a business directly to an overseas consumer. The “Mixed” category will be removed.

What customs information do I need to provide?

When sending goods internationally, you must provide clear and accurate details about what you are sending and where it is going. This includes:

Sender and recipient names and addresses
A clear description of each item, for example “men’s cotton shirt” rather than “clothing”
Quantity, weight and value of each item
Total weight and total value of the parcel
Country of origin for each item
Category of item being sent
HS tariff code. This is a standard code used by customs authorities to identify goods.
Any invoice, licence or certificate required for the goods or destination country

If a customs declaration is incomplete, false or misleading, the item may be delayed, returned or seized, and you may be fined.

Customs Charges and Postal Delivered Duties Paid services

The destination country may charge customs duties, taxes or handling fees. Isle of Man Post Office does not set these charges, and they are payable in addition to postage.

For some international services, Isle of Man Post Office is introducing Postal Delivered Duties Paid (PDDP). When PDDP is available, any applicable charges are calculated and paid when you buy postage. This shows the full cost before you post the item and reduces the risk of unexpected charges for the recipient.

If PDDP is not available for the destination, you may still be able to use a standard service.

Where can I send goods internationally?

To meet the new customs requirements, you can buy international parcel services for items goods online through our Online Postage and Click & Dispatch platforms, or at these selected Post Offices:

Postal Headquarters
Douglas Post Office
Port Erin Post Office
Castletown Post Office
Peel Post Office
Ramsey Post Office

You can continue to send international letters from Post Offices across the Island.

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 CN23 customs form for items containing goods.

Before you send

Before posting your item, please check:

CN23 completed: you have completed a CN23 customs declaration form where one is required for an item containing goods.
Accurate item description: each item is described clearly and specifically.
Correct value and weight: the value, quantity and weight of each item are included.
Country of origin included: you have stated where the goods were produced, manufactured or assembled.
HS tariff code included: you have included an HS tariff code for each item.
Possible charges explained: the recipient knows that customs charges may apply unless they are paid when you buy postage through a PDDP service.
Restrictions checked: you have checked whether the goods are restricted or require supporting documents such as an invoice, licence or certificate.

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.

Helpful Guidance

Customs forms and guidance are available below.

Complete all details clearly and accurately to reduce the risk of delays, returns or refusal by the destination country.