Warning over new rules on EU parcels

BRITONS are facing new rules over the sending of parcels to the EU in light of Brexit, the Post Office has said.

Any parcel containing gifts or goods that is being sent from Scotland, England or Wales to an EU country from today should have a customs declaration form attached to it.

Despite the customs label coming into effect on January 1, the Post Office is advising anyone who sends a parcel this week to attach the document to help avoid delays.

It also states that changes from January 1 mean people will have to be “fully prepared” for a trip to the EU and get travel insurance as the European Health Insurance Card will no longer be valid for UK citizens. They are also urged to take out an International Driving Permit.

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.”

A form does not have to be completed if a letter, postcard or document is being sent to an EU country.

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

People posting a parcel from Northern Ireland to somewhere in the EU do not need to attach a customs declaration form, but one will still be necessary for parcels going to non-eu destinations.

Anyone thinking of travelling to an EU destination should check the validity of their passport before they leave and ensure it has at least six months left on it.