USPS changes customs form process

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Krystal Ardrey
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  As part of an effort to streamline the APO mailing system, the United States Postal Service is introducing a new way to minimize wait times for post office patrons mailing  items to or from an APO address.

Individuals mailing a parcel requiring a customs declaration can use the online USPS website to fill out the declaration form online and print it before arriving at the post office. Additionally, a second option of using the USPS Click-N-Ship feature where the user establishes and account, fills out their customs declarations and pays online is available. Hard copies will still be available at the Incirlik Post Office until Oct. 1, 2015.

According to Senior Airman Darren Marcus, 39th Communication Squadron custodian of postal effects, there is a computer terminal in the Incirlik Post Office lobby where patrons will be able to fill out the online customs declaration form in the event they do not have the resources to do so beforehand

When asked what would happen if patrons did not fill out the customs form prior to arriving at the Incirlik Post Office, Marcus said there were only two options, "We are going to have to turn people away that don't have it filled out or advise them to use the system [in the lobby]."

The implementation of the new policies worldwide is due to changes in the requirements of Global Trade Compliance. The changes will allow the USPS, Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to have an increased level of awareness on packages arriving in the U.S.

Marcus is expecting the new system will reduce wait times at the Incirlik Post Office once it has been implemented. To cut down on time even further, he recommended that ODC patrons begin using the online forms even before the hard copies will no longer be available.

"Once you're in the USPS system it should be a lot quicker," Marcus said. "You don't have to refill the information if you are sending something somewhere commonly. You can save that information."

For questions regarding the new process, visit www.usps.com or contact the Incirlik ODC at 676-3150.