Postal items sent abroad
If you are sending goods to countries outside Finland, international rules require you to provide detailed advance information about the contents of your postal items. This applies to both letters and parcels.
International rules for items containing goods
As Åland is outside the EU VAT area, Åland Post collects information about the contents of items containing goods sent abroad. The information is passed on to the postal operator that sends the items to the destination country. We do this to ensure a smooth delivery chain and to meet international requirements. For example, US Customs and Border Protection has introduced stricter checks on international postal items.
Customs label and dispatch note
When you send goods abroad, you as the sender must attach a customs label (CN22/CN23) or a dispatch note (CP87) to your item. You can pick up labels at our post offices and service points, or download them from our website below:
Customs labels and dispatch notes
The following information is collected from the customs label and dispatch note:
1. The sender's name and full address
2. The recipient's name and full address
3. A detailed description of the goods in English, including the quantity (example: men’s cotton shirt, 2 pcs).
4. The weight of each item in kilograms, for example the shirts in the example above: 0.300 kg per shirt.
5. The value and currency of each item, for example EUR 20.10.
6. The total weight of the item
7. Customs commodity code:
- Outside the EU: a commodity code must always be given.
- Within the EU: a commodity code must be given if the destination country requires it.
- Commercial items: Use the eight-digit customs tariff number.
- Private individuals: A commodity code should also be given on items sent between private individuals.
8. Country of origin of the goods (optional). This information is especially important if the item is sent for commercial purposes.
9. The total value and currency of the item (optional)
Important! Incomplete information can cause delays or lead to the item being returned from the destination country.