Customs declaration

It is your responsibility to complete the appropriate customs declaration form.

Completing a customs declaration

You must complete the appropriate form and attach it to the Royal Mail item prior to collection by the Post Room. You will need to complete the customs form(s) electronically when using DHL.

The form you require will depend upon the value of the goods being sent:

Items valued £270 or less

You will need to complete a CN22 form (PDF, 679kB) if your item is £270 or less.

Items valued more than £270

You will need to complete a CN23 form (PDF, 570kB) if your item is valued more than £270.

What to include on the forms

Declaration forms require:

Sender’s details

Your name and address. 

Description of the contents

Include a detailed description of each item enclosed. This will help to avoid delays or customs officials needing to open your item.

Total quantity

Add the total number of items within your item.

Total weight

This is the total weight of all the items plus the packaging.

Total value

This is the total value of all the items in your package. Write the value in British Pounds (GBP).

Value, quantity and weight of each item

If you are sending two or more identical items, list their combined weight and combined value in the relevant sections. 

The value specified will be used to determine import duties and VAT. It is acceptable to declare the value as £0.00 if this is an accurate reflection of the contents.

VAT registration number

Use the University’s EORI number: 991261800000

Customs commodity code (HS Tariff number)

You can look up the complete list to see which code describes your item.

Commonly used customs commodity codes

Commonly used customs comodity codes are:

  • 4901 1000 00 – printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter
  • 4904 0000 00 – music, printed or in manuscript
  • 4909 0000 00 – printed or illustrated postcards
  • 4910 0000 00 – calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks
  • 4905 2000 00 – maps and hydrographic, or similar charts in book form
  • 4905 9000 90 – maps and hydrographic, or similar charts as wall maps.