When sending items overseas, it is important that you abide by the shipping rules of the destination country. This minimises delays and ensures the smooth and timely delivery of your items.
Any parcels imported or exported without a complete declaration may be seized by customs. Jersey Post will update the sender that information is missing. The sender will need to send Jersey Post the missing information and we will do an additional declaration to Jersey customs.
If GST is paid in advance the goods will be released immediately for delivery (if Jersey Customs are satisfied with the Import Declaration). If GST is due, it can be paid on the customs website.
Below you’ll find all the customs information you need in preparation for sending items to the UK, Europe or further afield.
A customs declaration is an official document provided to the local customs authorities of the destination country. It lists and gives details of the goods being imported to ensure the items are allowed and to calculate if there are any duties or taxes to be paid. These forms are required when sending goods and merchandise off-island (not letters or documents), and it is the responsibility of the sender to ensure that the goods being sent are correctly and accurately declared.
Click here for more information on the types of customs forms.
Since 1 April 2022, it has been mandatory to supply customs data electronically when sending goods and merchandise off-island (not letters or documents). This has been driven by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) due to legislation from the US and Europe which has pushed the sector to require specific electronic data in advance of shipments, including information on the sender, the recipient, and the details of the contents within the parcel.
Click here for more information on supplying electronic customs data.
Harmonised System (HS) Codes, also known as Tariff Codes or Commodity Codes, are internationally recognised reference numbers that describe a specific product when importing and exporting goods. Custom authorities worldwide use these codes to easily identify products and calculate any Import Duty tax. HS Codes are mandatory when sending goods and merchandise from a non-EU country into the EU. As a result of Brexit, this includes the UK as we are no longer part of the EU Customs Union.
Click here to find out more about when to use HS codes.
ICS2 stands for Import Control System 2, a new customs security requirement for EU destinations. Since 1 March 2023, EU customs agencies have begun rolling out additional security measures related to airmail from postal operators. Unlike before, these new measures now require electronic submission of data related to the sending of postal goods prior to despatch. They are intended as a safety measure for all states involved.
The simplest and most convenient way to ensure you meet all the customs requirements when sending items off-island is to use Jersey Post’s online postage portal.
