Businesses sending to the United States (US) and countries in the European Union (EU) must send customs information to the destination country before their items arrive. This pre-departure customs clearance ensures data is collected on all goods before they arrive. 

For safety and regulatory reasons, customs authorities are strict with what they allow into their countries. The US and EU countries require pre-departure approval of items before they leave Australia. This means Australia Post must provide electronic advance data (EAD)  to customs authorities of the destination country and receive approval that those items can be sent, before passing them to an airline for delivery.

To ensure pre-departure customs approval, you must complete a customs declaration form for most items being sent to EU countries at or before the time of lodgement or assessment.1 If this information isn’t provided, or is inaccurate or incomplete, items may be returned.

What items need a customs declaration and electronic advance data?

EU countries and the US need a completed customs declaration form and electronic advance data for the following:

  • Global Logistics
  • International Courier parcels and letters
  • International Express parcels and letters
  • International Standard parcels
  • International Economy Air parcels
  • International Economy Sea Mail parcels

Note, a customs declaration form and EAD is not required for International Economy letters.

Need help with import requirements?

European Union
Understand EU requirements and Import Control System (ICS2).
Find out more about the EU
United States
Check our guide for postal restrictions and requirements.
Find out more about the US

What you need to do

We suggest you use a digital sending platform when lodging your goods to ensure the destination customs authority receives the required data before the item arrives.

The following sending platforms allow digital capture of electronic advance data (EAD):

  • MyPost Business
  • eParcel
  • Parcel Send
  • Shipping API
  • Shipping Platforms

You can refer to the declaration guide for support.

Your customs declaration form must include:

  • a detailed description of each item in your parcel
  • Country of Origin (COO) for each item (this refers to the country of manufacture)
  • the value of each item in your parcel
  • the correct HS tariff code for each item.

Your item may be delayed if insufficient information is supplied.

Read our FAQs for more information.

View more FAQs

1 Customs declaration and EAD are not required for Economy Air Letters.