Post Office announces major change for anybody sending parcels to EU due to Brexit

A major change is coming into place for anybody sending parcels to the EU, the Post Office has confirmed.

The move will affect anyone who sends packages to friends and family members to member states on the continent, the Mirror reports.

Parcels will now be refused if they do not have the correct customs declaration documentation attached to them.

The change is coming because of Brexit and will apply to anyone sending any kind of parcel, and not just businesses.

Therefore, this will also apply to anyone planning to send gifts in parcels to Europe – no matter how big or small.

However, it does not apply to letters, postcards and documents.

The change is due to the UK leaving the EU’s single market and customs union, which Boris Johnson refused to stay part of.

While the UK now has a trade deal with the EU, customs rules will still apply from January 1. It’s only tariffs that don’t need paying.

While the rules only take effect at 11pm tomorrow (Thursday, December 31), the Post Office is advising anyone who sends a parcel from today to attach the document to help avoid delays.

It will be a major new burden for the Post Office and its customers.

Amanda Jones, the Post Office’s retail and franchise network director, said: “We know that over the past few weeks, many people will have been preoccupied with thoughts about Christmas and the pandemic.

“Postmasters are on hand to provide practical advice, particularly to small businesses, who regularly send parcels to the EU.”

People posting a parcel from Northern Ireland to somewhere in the EU do not need to attach a customs declaration form.

Around 45 per cent of total international parcel traffic received by 11,500 Post Offices in Great Britain goes to EU destinations.

Post Offices will also be responsible for handing out £5.50 International Driving Permits, which are needed to get behind the wheel in the EU after January 1.