New rules for sending parcels abroad come into force today

New rules for sending parcels abroad from the UK have come into force today, requiring senders to complete a customs form.

Notices in Post Offices across the country have been warning the new measures, concerning ‘all items containing gifts and goods being sent abroad, including to the EU’, will be applicable from today’s date, December 29.

The move may lead to the recipient of the parcel having to pay fees before collecting it.

The Brexit transition period ends at 11pm GMT on December 31.

Royal Mail has further confirmed customers are required to fill out and attach a CN22 or CN23 declaration before sending.

They advise: “When sending goods abroad, customers will need to complete and attach a customs declaration (CN22 or CN23), available from the Post Office or Royal Mail’s  Click&Drop.

“This does not apply to customers sending items from Northern Ireland to the EU. Letters, postcards and documents are usually exempt.

“The recipient may then have to pay customs or VAT charges and a handling fee in the receiving country before they can claim the parcel. These charges will depend on the country they are sending to, the value of the item and whether it is a gift or commercial goods.”

For more information, you can visit the Royal Mail website here.