Customs is a government agency responsible for regulating postages entering a country. All packages being sent to and from a country must clear customs first. Merchandise exported into another country must clear customs and may incur a customs duty.

Note: Goods can be held up if your carrier does not arrange for a customs broker in advance. (Most carriers provide this service automatically).

Customs documentation

Accurate documentation such as an invoice is required for postage anything other than letters and documents. Your postage carrier will be able assist you with appropriate documentation.

There are a number of resources to promote international trade and to help businesses of all sizes familiarise themselves with export regulations, and postage companies offer special services to businesses that regularly send goods overseas. Information about these resources can be found at:

• Singapore Customs Web site

• Royal Malaysian Customs Web site

• Bureau of Customs Philippines Web site