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      USPS Customs Form Requirements for APO, FPO, Guam, and Puerto Rico Shipments

      Shipping Rules & Carrier Requirements

      🚨 Overview

      USPS has updated its rules around customs forms and labeling for shipments to U.S. military bases, diplomatic posts, and certain U.S. territories.

      As of July 2024, all shipments to APO, FPO, and DPO addresses, as well as some shipments to Guam and other territories, must include a customs form. If the form is missing or incomplete, USPS may delay or return your package.

       

      🧾 What Changed?

      USPS now requires a customs declaration for all shipments that:

      • Contain goods (non-document items), regardless of weight

      • Weigh 16 oz (1 lb) or more, even if contents are documents

      • Are addressed to APO / FPO / DPO or overseas U.S. embassies

      • Are going to Guam or other U.S. territories (see exceptions below)

      Shipments to Puerto Rico are generally treated as domestic and do not require customs forms, unless you’re sending via certain international services.

      Learn more on USPS.com →

       

      💡 How Ship.com Helps

      Ship.com automatically identifies when a shipment may require a customs form.

      When shipping to an APO/FPO/DPO or U.S. territory:

      1. Enter the address normally in Ship.com.

      2. If USPS rules apply, you’ll see a customs form prompt during label creation.

      3. Complete the item description, value, and quantity fields.

      4. We’ll generate a combined USPS label + customs declaration and transmit it electronically to USPS.

      5. Print the label and attach it to your package.

      No separate trip to the post office is required!

       

      🏷️ Correct Address Formatting

      Use these guidelines for APO/FPO/DPO addresses:

      Field What to Enter Example
      Name Recipient name John Doe
      Address Line 1 Unit / Box / PSC Unit 1234 Box 5678
      City APO / FPO / DPO APO
      State AA / AE / AP AE
      ZIP Code 5-digit ZIP 09012
      Country United States United States

       

      📦 Example:

       
      John Doe
      Unit 1234 Box 5678
      APO AE 09012
      United States

      Even though the base is located overseas, always list the country as “United States.”

       

      ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

      • Leaving off the customs form for goods or heavy packages

      • Using handwritten customs forms — USPS may reject or delay them

      • Incorrect city/state (must be APO/FPO/DPO + AA/AE/AP)

      • Vague item descriptions (e.g. “gift”) — always be specific (“cotton T-shirt,” “phone charger”)

      🧰 Exceptions

      • Government and “known mailer” shipments may have limited exemptions

      • Letters and printed documents under 1 lb may not need a customs form

      • Puerto Rico is treated as domestic in most cases

      If you’re unsure, it’s safest to include the form.

       

      ✅ Summary

      • Shipments to APO/FPO/DPO and U.S. territories must now include a customs form

      • Ship.com automatically adds the required data for you

      • Always use the correct military address format

      • Avoid handwritten forms and vague descriptions

      For the latest USPS guidance, visit:
      🔗 USPS Customs Forms — Official Rules

       

      💬 Need Help?

      If your shipment was returned or flagged by USPS, contact Ship.com Support and include your label ID or tracking number. We’ll help you correct the customs form and re-ship without delay.