The Post Office (PO) has launched its International Customs Data Capture (ICDC) platform, which will see its customers completing their international postage details online and the option to send double the amount of items in a parcel.

The move will allow postmasters to save ‘hours in admin time’ with the digitised process, and could result in higher footfall as queues could be reduced.

Previously, customers sending parcels abroad would have to complete complete paper customs declaration forms, taking on average two minutes each.

Krishan Shah, a postmaster from Holloway, London, said: “For our customers, particularly those sending multiple international items, the ability to file the customs form online means less queuing at the branch. Instead, they can conveniently complete the process at home, show us the QR code in branch, drop their parcel, and be on their way hassle-free.

“Meanwhile, for me this digitisation takes away the need of manually entering important customs information and streamlines the process in branch. This is a much more efficient use of my time and that of my staff which means I have a happy team and happy customers.”

The new ICDC digital platform allows customers to fill in international postage details online via the PO website, at home or in-branch on their device. Customers can now send ten items in a parcel, compared to the previous 10, which ‘particuarly benefits small businesses’, PO said.

Neill O’Sullivan, managing director of Parcels and Mails at PO, said: “Postmasters work tirelessly to provide their communities with the essential services they need. And when it comes to sending parcels abroad, Post Offices are the go-to place for millions of people and businesses every week. As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance and transform Post Office’s mails services we are continually looking to find new ways to help better support postmasters’ businesses and deliver an enhanced service for customers and local communities alike.

“We recognise that for some customers, sending parcels abroad can be complicated and they often prefer a face-to-face service to get guidance on how to complete their customs form correctly so the option to go through this process in branch with your postmaster will still apply to cater for all needs.”

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