Country-specific requirements – A

Introduction / Countries starting with A

Summary of Overseas Mail Services

GeneralAll countries of the world, with a few exceptions, are members of the Universal Postal Union or have agreed to abide by the provisions which its members have drawn up in the Universal Postal Convention for the control of the International Letter Post and Parcel Post. The general regulations governing the Letter Post and Parcel Post to places abroad are based on the provisions of the Convention and have been adopted as part of the International obligations of Singapore Post.
Summary of ServicesIn this section of the guide, a summary is given of the various services available to countries outside Singapore, with particulars relating to Customs declarations, prohibitions, restrictions etc.

The general prohibitions detailed on Section 3 are applicable in addition to those shown in this Summary.

ABU DHABI - See UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

AFGHANISTAN (Republic of)

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Printed Papers. (2) Blind literature. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration.
Customs DeclarationsValue up to $700 - CN 22;

Value over $700 - Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.
Prohibitions1Bank-notes, coin; currency notes, documents payable to bearer, gold, jewellery, platinum, precious stones, silver and other precious articles. Ordinary and registered letters containing articles subject to customs duty.

The importation of many classes of goods is prohibited. Further information should be obtained from the addressee.
AddressSee under Parcel Postal.
PARCEL POSTThe service is available to the following towns:

Badakhshan, Djonoubi (Paktia), Ghazni, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Kataghan, Maimena, Mazar-i-sharif, Nangahar and Polikhomri.
Supplementary Services AvailableNone.
Customs DeclarationsParcel Despatch Note.
Prohibitions1Letters, except those exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel or persons residing with them; alcoholic drinks; living plants.

The importation of many classes of goods is prohibited. Further information should be obtained from the addressee.
InvoicesParcels of merchandise must contain a copy of the relative invoice.
AddressThe address format to use is as shown in the example below:

Mr Ahmad Towheed House
No. 240 KABUL 1001
AFGHANISTAN

The 4-digit postcode should be placed on a separate line after the province name and before the country name. For correct postcodes, please refer to the following address and postcode locator on the Afghanistan Post website.
Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

AJMAN - See UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ALBANIA (People's Socialist Republic of)

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Printed Papers. (2) Blind literature. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesValue up to $700 - CN 22;

Value over $700 - Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.

Albanian or French as well as English.
Prohibitions1Photographic film, plates and paper; ordinary and registered letters containing articles subject to customs duty.
Restrictions1Medicines for personal use provided the addressee is in possession of a medical certificate.
GiftsGifts may be sent in letter packets and small packets. They are subject to the same conditions as gifts sent by parcel post.
PARCEL POST
Supplementary Services AvailableNone.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesParcel Despatch Note.

Albanian and French as well as English.
Prohibitions1Letters, except those exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel or persons residing with them; articles prejudicial to the State and to Public Order; butane gas lighters and refills (uncharged lighters are admitted and should be declared as such on the customs declaration forms); foodstuffs in hermetically sealed containers; saccharin.
Restrictions1Medicines for personal use provided that addressee is in possession of a medical certificate; plants and parts of plants. Worn clothing must be accompanied by a certificate of disinfection. The importation of many articles is subject to the production of a certificate of origin, and an import permit which must be obtained by the addressee in advance.
Gift ParcelsGift parcels which must contain only articles for the personal use of the addressee or his family should be clearly marked "Gift Parcel".
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

ALGERIA (People's Democratic Republic of)

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Dutiable goods admitted in the letter post. (2) Printed papers. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration. (5) Blind literature.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesValue up to $700 - CN 22;

Value over $700 - Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.

French as well as English.
Prohibitions1Coin, gold, jewellery, platinum, new or used watches (except watch parts particularly cases and movements, which are admitted), precious stones, silver, charged butane gas lighters and refills (uncharged lighters are admitted).
Restrictions1See under PARCEL POST.
Import LicenceSee under PARCEL POST.
Customs DutySee under PARCEL POST.

Books are liable to customs duty.
PARCEL POST (Air Parcel Only)
Supplementary Services AvailableNone
Customs Declarations and LanguagesParcel Despatch Note. Customs declarations should show the Post Office serial number of the parcel and should, as far as possible, be prepared in French as well as in English and in accordance with the classification of the French Customs tariff. Weights and measures should be in the metric system.
Prohibitions1Letters; playing cards; saccharin. Charged butane gas lighters and refills (uncharged lighters are admitted). Watches (except watch parts, particularly cases and movements, which are admitted).
Restrictions1Restrictions apply to the importation of cut flowers; eggs of game birds during close season; fish and game; fresh fruit; fresh vegetables and potatoes, including seed potatoes; living plants, roots and bulbs; gramophone records; liqueurs and spirits, except gin and whisky of British origin; preserved fish, plums and vegetables; shrubs; tobacco, cigars and cigarettes; new or second-hand clocks, alarm clocks and travelling clocks, will be accepted only in insured letters and parcels (clock parts may be accepted in parcels and by ordinary or registered letter-post).
Import LicenceThe importation of certain goods is subject to the production of an import licence, and such goods should not be despatched until the necessary licence has been obtained by the addressee.

However, goods are exempted from import licence if they are:

(i)   devoid of any commercial character and intended for the importer's personal or family use;

(ii)  intended for the exercise of a professional activity which does not involve the marketing of the imported goods as they are.
Customs DutyWhere the value of the goods does not exceed 10,000 Algerian dinars (6200 g fr), their value for customs purposes is set on a flat-rate basis by the Algerian Customs Administration.

Importation of the following articles on a gratuitous basis is exempted from duties and taxes and from foreign trade formalities; orthopaedic appliances, hearing aids, and rehabilitation and teaching materials intended exclusively for members of disabled civilians' associations approved under the regulations in force.
SealingParcels should be sealed with a distinctive device.
Delivery ChargesDelivery charges are collected from the addressee.
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

ANDORRA (Republic of) - Same as FRANCE

ANGOLA (People's Republic of)

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Dutiable goods admitted in the letter post. (2) Printed papers. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration. (5) Blind literature.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesValue up to $700 - CN 22;

Value over $700 - Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.

Portuguese or French as well as English.
Prohibitions1Coin, gold, jewellery, platinum, precious stones, silver, bank-notes; currency notes and documents payable to bearer; butane gas lighters and refills; sound recording equipment and video cassettes.
Restrictions1Restrictions apply to the importation of patent medicines.
AddressSee under PARCEL POST.
PARCEL POST
Supplementary Services AvailableNone.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesParcel Despatch Note.

Portuguese or French as well as English.
Prohibitions1Letters, except those exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel or persons residing with them; patent medicines except under permit; butane gas lighters and refills; sound recording equipment and video cassettes.
Restrictions1Import licences, to be obtained by the addressee in advance, are required for the importation of all goods. The number, date and period of validity of the licence should be inserted by the sender on the relative invoice.
InvoicesFor goods over 550 escudos in value, the invoice must show the origin of the goods and be countersigned by a representative of a Chamber of Commerce in the country of origin or by the Customs or Port Authority. The invoice should not accompany the parcel but should not be sent direct to the addressee.
SealingParcels should be sealed with a distinctive device.
Delivery ChargesAdditional charges are collected from the addressees of parcels addressed to remote places.
AddressAll postal items must bear the full name of addressees and complete addresses to facilitate delivery. The address format is as shown in the example below:

 

Mr. Jõao Pembele

Rua Frederik Engels 92 – 7 o

LUANDA

ANGOLA

 

It is also desirable to include the addressees' telephone numbers and e-mail addresses on the postal items.

1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

ANGUILLA - See ST. CHRISTOPHER (ST. KITTS) and NEVIS

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Dutiable goods admitted in the letter post. (2) Printed papers. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration. (5) Blind literature.
Customs DeclarationsValue up to $700 - CN 22;

Value over $700 - Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.
Prohibitions1Coins, perishable biological substances, fruit and vegetables.
InvoicesSenders of letter packets containing commercial goods are advised to forward, by airmail to the addressees, invoices showing separately the country of origin and the value of each item enclosed in the package. The Customs of Antigua and Barbuda will not process such packets until the addressees present the invoices.
PARCEL POST
Supplementary Services AvailableNone.
Customs DeclarationsParcel Despatch Note.
Prohibitions1Letters, except those exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel or persons residing with them; fruit, vegetables and plants.
InvoicesSame as for LETTER POST.
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

ARUBA

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Dutiable goods admitted in the letter post. (2) Printed papers. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration. (5) Blind literature.
Customs DeclarationsValue up to $700 - CN 22;

Value over $700 - Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.
Prohibitions1

See under PARCEL POST.

Restrictions1See under PARCEL POST.
PARCEL POST
Supplementary Services AvailableNone.
Customs DeclarationsParcel Despatch Note.
Prohibitions1Letters (in parcels), except those exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel or persons residing with them; articles infringing copyrights; weapons; butane gas lighters and refills; articles of value.
Restrictions1Senders should determine import restrictions from the country's authorities before posting.

 

Coins and similar pieces of copper, bronze and nickel. Medicines.

1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

ARGENTINA

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Dutiable goods admitted in the letter post. (2) Printed papers. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration. (5) Blind literature.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesValue up to $700 - CN 22;

Value over $700 - Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.

Spanish or French.
Prohibitions1Coin, bank notes, currency notes or securities of any kind payable to bearer, travellers' cheques, platinum, gold or silver, manufactured or not, precious stones, jewels and other valuable articles. 

Charge butane gas lighters and/or first refills; narcotics, psychotropic substances; explosive, flammable or other dangerous materials; obscene or immoral articles.
Restrictions1Restrictions apply to the importation of plants and seeds.
Green Label ServicePackets sent under the Green Label system must also bear a manuscript indication that the Green Custom Label has been affixed.
Customs DutyItems containing merchandise subject to payment of Customs Duty should bear Green Customs Label CN22 and be accompanied by Parcel Despatch Note. Import items whose amount is under US$25.00 are not chargeable. On the cover it should be indicated that the Green Label has been affixed.
InvoicesThree copies of a commercial invoice bearing details of the date of posting, addressed to the addressee and the number of commercial registration should be prepared for every item of commercial nature, including those containing books.
PARCEL POST (Air Parcel Only)
Supplementary Services AvailableNone.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesParcel Despatch Note.

Spanish or French as well as English.
Prohibitions1Articles which could spoil other postal parcels, the employee or postal equipment; narcotics or psychotropic substances; documents of currently personal correspondence nature (letters; living animals; explosive, flammable or other dangerous material; radioactive materials; obscene or immoral articles.
Restrictions1Restrictions apply to the importation of plants and seeds.
Gift ParcelsGift parcels containing any type of merchandise may be sent to private persons provided that:

(a)  the value of the contents does not exceed 25 US dollars;

(b)  they are for the personal use of the addressee and not intended for resale;

(c)  not more than one parcel containing the same type of merchandise is sent each year to the same addressee.

The contents of gift parcels are subject to ordinary customs duties but are exempted from import surcharges if the value does not exceed 25 US dollars. Parcels containing merchandise superior in value may be admitted but the majority of articles are subject to heavy surcharges in addition to the corresponding ordinary Customs duties. Postal parcels containing gifts must be clearly marked "Obsequio para persona particular".
InvoicesTwo copies of the commercial invoice are required for each consignment of merchandise except for the following goods which must, however, be accompanied by a certificate of origin:-

(a)  printed matter, books, newspaper, magazines and so on;

(b)  non-commercial consignment up to the value of 25 US dollars;

(c)  samples up to a value of 25 US dollars sent to any commercial firms registered with the Customs in Buenos Aires.
Import Regulations and RequirementsIn order for addressees to collect or receive postal items containing merchandise purchased from suppliers outside Argentina, form F4550T ("Purchases from suppliers outside Argentina") must be presented, together with electronic proof of payment of any import duties/taxes indicated by the system.

 

This form is available at:

http://www.afip.gob.ar/comprasenelexterior/documentos/f4550t.pdf.

 

The form for purchases from suppliers outside Argentina can be completed by logging on to www.afip.gov.ar and providing the following information:

 

- Import channel: Correo Argentino;

- Identifier/item number;

- Full name (surname and given name);

- CUIL/CUIT/CDI (unique tax identification key/unique professional identification code/identification key);

- Quantity, description and value of the item.

 

If the value of the merchandise exceeds the limit of 25 USD per year, an import fee of 50% of the value of the merchandise exceeding that amount will be charged and must be paid for using the F4550T form.

DeliveryParcels are not delivered to the place of address. Addressee normally have to collect them from the nearest Customs depot, but may authorise the Post Office to represent him in the verification and appraisal which shall permit the delivery be performed through the nearest office to the addressee's address.
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

ARMENIA (Republic of)

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Printed papers. (2) Small packets. (3) Registration. (4) Blind literature.
Customs DeclarationsValue up to $700 - CN 22;

Value over $700 - Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.
Prohibitions1Printed and electronic material and films prejudicial to Armenia; pornographic, obscene and erotic material; currency, bonds and paper securities of Armenia; undeveloped cinema and photographic films, photographic paper; coins, bank notes, currency notes or travellers' cheques, securities of any kind payable to bearer, bullion, platinum, gold or silver, manufactured or not, precious stones, jewels and other valuable articles cannot be sent in postal items to Armenia.
Restrictions1Cancelled or non-cancelled stamps are admitted only as part of an organised philatelic exchange; medicines and vitamins are only admitted on authorisation of the Records Offices for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Products; seeds and plants require authorisation of the State Inspectorate for Quarantine of the Agricultural and Industrial Commission of Armenia. Printed papers are admitted provided they do not contain printed material prejudicial to Armenia, pornographic, obscene or erotic material.

Ordinary and registered letters must only contain private written messages, documents, receipts, invoices, accounts and private photographs.
PARCEL POST
Supplementary Services AvailableNone.
Customs DeclarationsParcel Despatch Note.
Prohibitions1

Personal correspondence in parcels; raw eggs; honey, pollen, wax, honeycomb; firearms, blade weapons and any types of items that can be used for attack or self-defence (e.g. stilettos, knuckle-dusters etc); electronic and high frequency machines; copier machines, except typewriters; items prohibited in the Letter Post. Coins, banknotes, currency notes or securities of any kind payable to bearer, travellers’ cheques, platinum, gold or silver, whether manufactured or not, precious stones, jewels or other valuable articles cannot be sent in postal items to Armenia. If prohibited items are sent in postal articles, one of the following three procedures is followed:
● Confiscation of the entire article;
● Confiscation of prohibited items only, the reminder being delivered to the addressee; or
● Return of article to country of origin.

Restrictions1Senders should ascertain import requirements from the Armenian authorities before posting the following: bees, leeches and silkworms; raw products of animal origin; dairy and fish products; seeds, plants and parts of plants; fruit and vegetables; hunting weapons.
Customs DutyInherited goods originating from abroad are allowed into Armenia, free of customs duty, if certificates are received from foreign consulates as regards the right of inheritance and the composition of the legacy. Documents issued by foreign authorities or public bodies should be stamped by a consul of Armenia.

Articles or parts of articles sent to Armenia for repairs or replacement are admitted free of customs duty, if a written declaration from the sender is inserted in the parcel.
Import Permits and InvoicesPostal articles sent to state institutions and cooperatives, containing items of commercial value are admitted subject to an import permit issued by the Ministry for Foreign Trade of Armenia. Invoices must accompany postal articles with a commercial value, which are delivered on presentation of the appropriate import permits and payment of customs duty.
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

ASCENSION

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Dutiable goods admitted in the letter post. (2) Printed papers. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration. (5) Blind literature.
Customs DeclarationsValue up to $700 – CN 22;

Value over $700 – Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.
PARCEL POST (Air Parcel Only)
Customs DeclarationsParcel Despatch Note.
Prohibitions1Letters, except those exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel or persons residing with them.
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

AUSTRALIA
Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island and Christmas Island (Indian Ocean) are all under Australia.

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Dutiable goods admitted in the letter post. (2) Printed papers. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration. (5) Blind literature.
Customs DeclarationsValue up to $700 – CN 22;

Value over $700 – Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.
Prohibitions1

Aphrodisiacs; goods bearing the word “Anzac”, counterfeit coins; hypnotic or gazing crystals; lucky stones or other such articles; goods made in prisons; invoices, blank or partly blank which may be filled up and used as genuine invoices; matches containing white or yellow phosphorus; oleomargarine, unless coloured and branded as prescribed; plumage of certain birds; radioactive materials; all tobacco products (except chewing tobacco and oral snuff in amounts up to 1.5kg, and cigars); starting pistol caps; fruits cartons of any descriptions, whether new or used, articles containing, or suspected of containing, weapons or items of weaponry including grenades, mortar shells or canisters, or parts thereof, even if rendered inert, and articles that resemble, or may reasonably be taken for these items, including replicas and stage props; any article whether deleterious or not, that may reasonably be construed by its appearance or make-up as constituting a potential risk to persons or property.

Note: Although firearms are excluded from Australia’s list of prohibited articles, the sending of firearms through the post is still prohibited (as directed in the General Prohibitions).

Ordinary or Registered items containing valuables such as jewellery, precious metals, precious or semi-precious stones, securities, coins, or any form of negotiable financial instrument. Ordinary, registered or insured items containing bullion or bank notes.

Rice, Grains, Seeds, Nuts, Beans and Pulses. Please also refer to the following website for full list of banned products:

www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/online-services/bicon

Measures to mitigate the risk of the introduction of the khapra beetle into Australia. This will result in changes to import conditions for other-risk plant products and seeds for sowing arriving by international mail.

Imported other-risk plant products and seeds for sowing must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate that includes the following additional declaration: “Representative samples were inspected and found free from evidence of any species of Trogoderma (whether live, dead or exuviae) in Australia’s list of Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern”.

Further information can be found at

www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pestsdiseases-weeds/plant/khapra-beetle/urgent-actions.

DeliveryA signature on delivery will be obtained only for registered items which bear:
● an Advice of Delivery Card (CN07); and/or
● a Green Customs label (CN22) stating the declared value of the contents.

All other registered articles will be delivered without signature.
Restrictions1See under PARCEL POST.
Import LicencesSee under PARCEL POST.
Customs DutyAdvertising matter is subject to customs duty.
AddressIf the postcode is known, it should appear in the address of all postal articles before the word AUSTRALIA, for example, BROKENHILL, N.S.W. 2880 AUSTRALIA. This should help to ensure a quicker delivery in Australia.
PARCEL POST
Supplementary Services AvailableInsurance, air and surface limit $3,800.
Customs DeclarationsParcel Despatch Note.
Prohibitions1







 

Letters, except exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel or persons residing with them; aphrodisiacs; goods bearing the word “Anzac”, counterfeit coins; hypnotic or gazing crystals; lucky stones or other such articles; goods made in prisons; invoices, blank or partly blank which may be filled up and used as genuine invoices; matches containing white or yellow phosphorus; oleomargarine, unless coloured and branded as prescribed; plumage of certain birds; all tobacco products (except chewing tobacco and oral snuff in amounts up to 1.5kg, and cigars); fruits cartons of any descriptions, whether new or used; corrosive material, explosives, flammable liquids, flammable solids, gases, oxidising substances and organic peroxides, radioactive material; unsolicited material that advises, notifies or advertises the existence or availability of indecent or offensive material; bullion; bank-notes; articles containing, or suspected of containing, weapons or items of weaponry including grenades, mortar shells or canisters, or parts thereof, even if rendered inert, and articles that resemble, or may reasonably be taken for these items, including replicas and stage props; any article whether deleterious or not, that may reasonably be construed by its appearance or make-up as constituting a potential risk to persons or property. Items containing valuables such as jewellery, precious metals, precious or semi-precious stones, securities, coins or any form of negotiable financial instrument.

Note: Although firearms are excluded from Australia’s list of prohibited article, the sending of firearms through the post is still prohibited (as directed in the General Prohibitions).
● Milk and dairy products – includes all products that contain milk ingredients.
● Handicraft and souvenirs that contain or are made from seeds.
● Popping corn and raw unroasted nut – includes raw peanuts and chestnuts.
● Eggs and egg products – includes whole, dried, powdered and uncooked egg products.
● Fresh fruit and vegetables.
● Live animals – includes birds, birds’ eggs, fish, reptiles and insects.
● Meat and all pork products – includes all uncanned or fresh, dried, frozen, smoked or salted meat.
● Salmon and trout products – canned salmon is allowed.
● Live plants – includes cuttings, roots, bulbs, corms, rhizomes and stems.
● Biological materials – including human/animal vaccines and therapeutic goods.
● Deer horn/velvet, edible bird’s nest.
● Soil and sand – includes items filled with soil or sand.

Below are examples of commodities seized by the Australian authorities :

Banana Chips, Barks, Beans, Bee Products, Beef Products, Beeswax, Biological specimen, Birds Nest, Blood (bovine), Bulbs, Butter, Cat food, Celery, Cheese, Chinese herbs, Live plant material, Conifer cuttings, Dairy brandy, Dairy products, Deer horn, Mayonnaise, Meat products, Mooncakes, Mushrooms, Noodles, Nuts, Pine cones, Pine cuttings, Popcorn, Pork, Potpourri, Rawhide, Salami, Salmon, Sausage, Seeds, Soil, Straw, Tobacco, Wooden Products.

Rice, Grains, Seeds, Nuts, Beans and Pulses. Please also refer to the following website for full list of banned products:

www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/online-services/bicon

Measures to mitigate the risk of the introduction of the khapra beetle into Australia. This will result in changes to import conditions for other-risk plant products and seeds for sowing arriving by international mail.

Imported other-risk plant products and seeds for sowing must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate that includes the following additional declaration: “Representative samples were inspected and found free from evidence of any species of Trogoderma (whether live, dead or exuviae) in Australia’s list of Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern”.

Further information can be found at

www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pestsdiseases-weeds/plant/khapra-beetle/urgent-actions.

Restrictions1

Essences of wines, liqueurs or beers; goods alleged to produce a therapeutic effect by electric or magnetic influence, opium or heroin; preventives of conception, medicinal or mechanical, or literature advocating it; spirits; sugar, molasses or syrup; certain scientific instruments; bees; plants and parts of plants, including fruits and bulbs; tinned meat; vaccine serum and viruses.

Poisons (toxic) and infectious substances, including drugs and medicines must be packed and carried in accordance with IATA conditions. Narcotic and some psychotropic substance (narcotic pain relievers, sleeping and sedative preparations as well as some cough and cold remedies); anabolic and androgenic substances require prior permission from the Department of Health and human Services.

A full list of prohibitions may be obtained from the Office of the High Commissioner for Australia in Singapore.

Australia has very strict quarantine requirements for:
● animals and animal products;
● plants and plant products, including seeds;
● products containing micro-organisms;
● soil or sand, and products containing or contaminated with soil or sand.

 

Where senders wish to post any of the above goods to Australia, they should first be encouraged to check Australia’s import conditions via Australia’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) at www.agriculture.gov.au/import/online-services/bicon.

Essential information
● The relevant customs declaration forms that are required to be attached to small packets and parcels MUST state the details of any animal, plant, food, soil or microbiological products that are present.
● Goods such as used footwear, sporting and camping equipment MUST be thoroughly cleaned to remove any traces of soil and seeds.
● Straw and other plant material MUST NOT be used as packaging material.
● Fruit, vegetable, egg or meat cartons (new or used) MUST NOT be used as packaging.
● Every item of mail entering Australia is screened using a very effective combination of advanced X-ray technology and highly trained quarantine detector dogs.
● Individuals who breach Australia’s strict quarantine laws can be subject to fines of up to $66,000 AUD (approximately $45,000 USD) or ten years’ imprisonment.

 

Quarantine items that will be removed from mail sent to Australia

The following lists provide examples of products that will be removed from international mail entering Australia. These items may subsequently be destroyed or returned to sender. These include articles bearing fraudulent customs declarations or containing conditionally non-prohibited goods where the relevant conditions (including required import permits) have not been met.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. There are other products which may also be removed from international mail entering Australia.

Live animals and insects
● All live animals, including reptiles (for example: snakes, lizards, turtles) and birds (including eggs).
● All live fish and amphibians (for example: frogs), including eggs.
● All live insects and spiders, including all life stages (for example: eggs, larvae, pupae and adult forms).
● All live worms and snails, including eggs.

 

Meat and meat products
● All meat – fresh, dried (including beef jerky), frozen, cooked, smoked, salted or preserved meat, including salami and sausages. Canned meat may be permitted*.
● Packaged meals (including noodles) containing meat.
● Moon-cakes containing meat (including poultry).
● Remedies and medicines containing animal material.
● Pet food (including canned and dried food and supplements) and pet toys made from animal products (for example: rawhide dog chews).

 

Dairy, eggs and egg products
● Cheese, milk, butter and other dairy products*.
● Packaged meals and other foods containing more than 10% dairy or egg (whole, dried and powdered, for example cake mix, salad dressing).
● Mayonnaise.
● Moon-cakes containing eggs.

 

Handicrafts
● Souvenirs, artifacts and goods made of unprocessed animal products such as rawhide, feathers, teeth, bones and other animal parts.
● Dried flower arrangements and potpourri.
● Handicrafts made from or containing seed, pine cones, bark (including Christmas decorations), moss and straw.

 

Fruit and vegetables
● All fresh fruit and vegetables.
● Dried fruit and vegetables containing seeds or fruit skin.
● Dried banana fruit (including banana chips).

 

Plant, seeds and soil
● Plant material including plants, cuttings, roots and bulbs.
● Seeds (including commercially packaged seeds*).
● Soil (including small souvenir or sentimental samples) and sand (including coloured sand).
● Footwear and equipment contaminated with soil manure or plant material (for example: dirty football boots or hiking boots).
● Gifts and toys filled with seeds, sand soil or straw.

 

Dried plant material
● Tea containing items such as seeds or fruit skin (for example: orange, lemon and apple peel.
● Remedies and medicines containing herbs, seeds, bark, fungi and dried plant material.
● Raw nuts.
● Popping corn.

 

Laboratory material
● Medical and animal samples.
● Diagnostic kits and micro-organisms*.
● Some special conditions apply – please check with the Australian authorities.

 

For more detailed quarantine information on any items, please contact the Australian authorities using the contact details provided above.

Import LicencesImport licences to be obtained in advance by the addressees, are required for certain goods but not for gifts, personal effects, trade catalogues, etc. Full details may be obtained from the High Commissioner for Australia in Singapore.
InsuranceInsurance does not cover damage to parcels containing fragile articles (for example, glassware, gramophone records, and so on), liquids, semi-liquids or perishable articles.
Customs DutyAdvertising matter (catalogues, price lists, circulars, and so on, and loose advertisements inserted in magazines), is subject to customs duty on importation into the Commonwealth of Australia.

The following are, however, exempt from duty: Trade catalogues and price lists not designed to advertise the sale of goods by any person, firm or company in Australia when sent into Australia in single copies addressed to merchants, firms or companies therein and not exceeding one copy to each merchant, firm or company or branch office thereof and not being for distribution.
Gift ParcelsThere are no duty free concessions for gift parcels. The custom declaration form should however be clearly marked “UNSOLICITED GIFT”.
AddressSee under LETTER POST.
DeliveryParcels on which customs and other charges are payable are not delivered to the addressee but must be collected from the Post Office.
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

AUSTRIA (Republic of)

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Dutiable goods admitted in the letter post. (2) Printed papers. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration. (5) Blind literature. (6) Insured packages, air only, limit $3,800.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesValue up to $700 – CN 22;

Value over $700 – Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.

German or French as well as English.
Prohibitions1
  • All postal items subject to veterinary or phytosanitary inspection by border control agents. Furthermore; the following goods are also subject to phytosanitary inspection: living plants (also tissue cultures; pollen for pollination; scions; cuttings; etc.); seeds; fruits and vegetables.
  • Letter-post items containing bees; leeches; silkworms; parasites; destroyers of noxious insects intended for the control of those insects; and flies of the family Drosophilidae for biomedical research.
  • Marijuana; hemp leaves; hempseed or products containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
  • Firearms; parts and accessories thereof; replica firearms and articles made to resemble firearms. This prohibition includes goods under the following chapters of the Harmonized System (HS):
    • Chapter 93: Weapons and ammunition; parts and accessories thereof.
    • Chapter 95: Toy guns.
    • Chapter 97: Weapons, antiques over 100 years.
  • Please check on the destination customs website for any other restrictions and prohibitions.
Restrictions1See under PARCEL POST.

Gifts for private persons sent by letter post are subject to the same conditions as gifts sent by parcel post.
Packing and MarkingSee under PARCEL POST.
AddressSee under PARCEL POST.
PARCEL POST
Supplementary Services AvailableInsurance, air only, limit $3,800.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesParcel Despatch Note. Declarations should show the involved value of each kind of goods and should be prepared in German or French as well as English. Parcels accompanied by customs declarations that are not fully completed in accordance with Austrian requirements are subject to delay.
Prohibitions1
  • Letters, except those exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel.
  • All postal items subject to veterinary or phytosanitary inspection by border control agents. Furthermore; the following goods are also subject to phytosanitary inspection: living plants (also tissue cultures; pollen for pollination; scions; cuttings; etc.); seeds; fruits and vegetables.
  • Letter-post items containing bees; leeches; silkworms; parasites; destroyers of noxious insects intended for the control of those insects; and flies of the family Drosophilidae for biomedical research.
  • Marijuana; hemp leaves; hempseed or products containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
  • Firearms; parts and accessories thereof; replica firearms and articles made to resemble firearms. This prohibition includes goods under the following chapters of the Harmonized System (HS):
    • Chapter 93: Weapons and ammunition; parts and accessories thereof.
    • Chapter 95: Toy guns.
    • Chapter 97: Weapons, antiques over 100 years.
  • Please check on the destination customs website for any other restrictions and prohibitions.
Restrictions1Restrictions apply to the importation of – animal products; Austrian coins; fruits;  medicines; precious metals; salt; spirits of alcoholic beverages; tobacco; radio and television sets.

FFP2 masks conforming to the EN 149 standard are subject to import restrictions, as they are considered under European Union (EU) legislation to be personal protective equipment (PPE) subject to Regulation (EU) 2016/425. This same regulation is applicable to any other filtering FFP masks conforming to similar standards which are intended for use as protective respiratory devices to protect against particles (e.g. KN95, N95, GB 2626-2006, KP95, DS2, DL2, BIS P2, etc.). Consequently, they must meet the following criteria:
  1. CE marking "":
    • The CE marking, indicating the conformity of the product, must be followed by the identification number of the notified body responsible for quality assurance.
    • The CE marking must be applied visibly, legibly and indelibly to each FFP2 mask.
  2. Each FFP2 mask must be accompanied by instructions for its usage in the German language.
  3. EU declaration of conformity in German:
    • Manufacturers must ensure that each FFP2 mask is accompanied either by a copy of the EU declaration of conformity in German, or by the Internet address at which the EU declaration of conformity can be accessed.
    • The EU declaration of conformity must include the following information:
      • Name and address of the manufacturer and, where applicable, its authorized representative;
      • Description of the PPE (product, type, batch or serial number);
      • Object of the declaration (identification of PPE allowing traceability; where necessary for the identification of the PPE, a colour image of sufficient clarity may be included);
      • Declaration of conformity with the relevant Union harmonization legislation (PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425);
      • References to the relevant harmonized standards used, including the date of the standard, or references to the other technical specifications, including the date of the specifications, in relation to which conformity is declared;
      • Name and address or number of the notified body that performed the EU type-examination and issued the EU type-examination certificate, including reference to that certificate;
      • Name and address or number of the notified body responsible for the quality assurance of the production process;
      • Place and date of issue;
      • Name and function of the signatory.
 

Postal items containing the abovementioned masks that are not accompanied by a valid EU declaration of conformity in German affixed to the outside of the item will be considered as wrongly admitted by Austrian Customs.

 

Shipments containing human remains (including ashes) will only be accepted when these are sent by insured parcels.

DocumentationCustoms declarations should be accompanied by invoices (two copies) and any other necessary documents. Certificates of origin or import permits are required for certain types of goods. In cases where import licences have to be obtained by the addressee, the sender should ascertain that the necessary documents are held before the parcel is despatched.
Gift ParcelsImport licences are not in general required for gift parcels sent by private persons to private persons when the value does not exceed 500 Austrian schillings. Customs duties are not raised on used clothing, or medicines to needy persons.
AddressThe relative postal code number should appear in the address of all postal packets on the left, before the name of the office of destination, eg.

Herrn Franz Huber
Hatlerstrasse 6
6850 DORNBIRN
AUSTRIA
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

AZERBAIJAN (Republic of)

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Printed papers. (2) Registration. (3) Small packets. (4) Blind literature.
Customs DeclarationsValue up to $700 – CN 22;

Value over $700 – Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.
Prohibitions1Printed and electronic material and films prejudicial to Azerbaijan; pornographic, obscene and erotic materials; currency, bonds and paper securities of Azerbaijan; undeveloped cinema and photographic films, photographic paper; coins, banks notes, currency notes or bearer securities of any kind; platinum, gold, silver, manufactured or not, precious stones, jewellery and other precious objects.
Restrictions1Cancelled or non-cancelled stamps are admitted only as part of an organised philatelic exchange; medicines and vitamins are only admitted on authorisation of the Ministry of Public Health of Azerbaijan; hunting weapons and ammunition, require import authorization issued by the Ministry of the Interior of Azerbaijan; radio-electronic devices and high-frequency equipment, with authorization obtained from the Ministry of PTT, Azerbaijan; animals, medicaments, biological and veterinary products used in veterinary medicine and raw materials of animal or plant origin, with authorization from the competent veterinary and State bodies responsible for the quarantining of plants; seeds and plants require authorisation of the State Inspectorate for Quarantine of the Agricultural and Industrial Commission of Azerbaijan. Printed papers are admitted provided they do not contain printed material prejudicial to Azerbaijan, pornographic, obscene or erotic material.

Ordinary and registered letters must only contain private written messages, documents, receipts, invoices, accounts and private photographs.
Customs DutySee under PARCEL POST.
PARCEL POST
Supplementary Services AvailableNone.
Customs DeclarationsParcel Despatch Note.
Prohibitions1

Personal correspondence in parcels; raw eggs; honey, pollen, wax, honeycomb; firearms, blade weapons and any types of items that can be used for attack or self-defence (eg. Stilettos, knuckledusters etc); electronic and high frequency machines; copier machines, except typewriters; items prohibited in the Letter Post. If prohibited items are sent in postal articles, one of the following three procedures is followed:

Confiscation of the entire article;

Confiscation of prohibited items only, the reminder being delivered to the addressee; or

Return of article to country of origin.

Restrictions1Senders should ascertain import requirements from the Azerbaijan authorities before posting the following: Bees, leeches and silkworms; raw products of animal origin; dairy and fish products; seeds, plants and parts of plants; fruit and vegetables; hunting weapons.
Customs Duty

Within a 30-day period, importation of postal items containing merchandise (goods), with a total value of USD 1,000 may be admitted free of duty. To assist the Customs service in evaluating these items, relevant invoices should be attached to postal items.

 

Inherited goods originating from abroad are allowed into Azerbaijan, free of customs duty, if certificates are received from foreign consulates as regards the right of inheritance and the composition of the legacy. Documents issued by foreign authorities or public bodies should be stamp by a consul of Azerbaijan.

Articles or parts of articles sent to Azerbaijan for repairs or replacement are admitted free of customs duty, if a written declaration from the sender is inserted in the parcel.

Import Permits and InvoicesPostal articles sent to state institutions and co-operatives, containing items of commercial value are admitted subject to an import permit issued by the Ministry for Foreign Trade of Azerbaijan. Invoices must accompany postal articles with a commercial value, which are delivered on presentation of the appropriate import permits and payment of customs duty.
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.

AZORES

LETTER POST
Supplementary Services Available(1) Dutiable goods admitted in the letter post. (2) Printed papers. (3) Small packets. (4) Registration. (5) Blind literature.
Customs Declarations and
Languages
Value up to $700 – CN 22;

Value over $700 – Parcel Despatch Note in addition to upper part of CN 22.

Portuguese or French as well as English.
Prohibitions1Coin, gold, jewellery, platinum, precious stones, silver; tobacco; butane gas lighters and refills.
Restrictions1Restrictions apply to the importation of medicines and plants.
PARCEL POST
Supplementary Services AvailableNone.
Customs Declarations and LanguagesParcel Despatch Note.

Portuguese or French as well as English.
Prohibitions1Letters, except those exchanged between the sender and the addressee of the parcel or persons residing with them; tobacco; unobliterated postage and other stamps, bonds and orders payable to bearer. Butane gas lighters and refills.
Restrictions1Restrictions apply to importation of medicines, plants saccharin and similar substances.
InvoicesTwo or more copies of the commercial invoice should be supplied. These invoices should not accompany the parcels but should be sent direct to the addressee.
PackingCelluloid (seasoned), films and other articles made on celluloid must be packed in soldered tin boxes enclosed in strong wooden boxes.
1 Senders should determine import restrictions/prohibitions of destination country before posting.