About customs

The Post is a very popular method for sending written messages and small quantities of goods internationally. As the carrier, Posts have an obligation to submit to their respective customs authorities all mail items containing goods which are travelling or have travelled internationally.

WCO–UPU cooperation

The specific customs procedures in respect of postal items hold that the postal items accompanied by CN 22 and CN 23 customs declarations are cleared through customs without delay.

The WCO–UPU Contact Committee meets to discuss issues of mutual interest.

In the capacity-building area, the UPU and WCO organize a joint customs workshop each year for the customs and postal officials of developing countries.

The Postal Export Guide

The WCO–UPU online guide will give customers of the Post online access to information on the acceptance and clearance processes applied by designated operators and Customs. It will also contain contact information for inquiries.

New initiatives 

The UPU is supporting the automation of postal customs operations by encouraging greater use of EDI message, an electronic pre-advice message between designated operators and from designated operators to Customs.

UPU groups are developing security standards in line with the principles of the WCO Safe Framework of Standards.