Customs Documentation

Most International mail weighing 500g or more, or valued at $500 or more, requires customs documentation. The type of article being sent determines which customs form is required.

All customs forms are available at Australia Post outlets. As the forms require carbon copies, they are unavailable for download on the internet.

International aviation security requirements

Under Federal Government legislation requirements, Australia Post requires customers to provide acceptable photo and signature identification when lodging international mail that requires customs documentation.

Security related delays

Failure to provide identification for items that require it may result in mail being delayed (see exemptions below). Further, Australia Post will not accept international mail unless the necessary Customs documentation is completed and signed.

Exemptions from security procedures

The following international articles are "exempt" from the above security arrangements:

• Express Courier and Express Post International items
• Letters containing only written correspondence or documents and not requiring customs documentation (weighing no more than 500g)
• Aerogramme or postcards
• Pre-paid Registered Post International envelopes (weighing no more than 500g) 

Lodging International Mail

Only the "exempt" articles listed above can be posted in Street Posting Boxes without incurring a delay. All other international articles posted in Street Posting Boxes may be subject to delay. Express Courier International items may be posted in GOLD street posting boxes and will not incur a delay as long as the required customs documentation is completed and signed. Any item which does not have the required customs documentation will be returned to the sender.

Business customers who send international mail on a regular basis may apply for RIC (Regular International Customer) status. Once approved, RIC status customers are not required to provide ID for international mail lodgement.