The Customs Form

Filling out a customs form for the first time

can be kind of intimidating.

Yea, they give you instructions and have cute

little boxes to make it "easy" to fill out.

But when you have a crazy FPO/APO address to

send to, you can get lost pretty quickly. 

So I decided to share how I fill out my customs

forms when I'm sending my hubby a care package. 

Hopefully this will help some of you

sending a care package for the first time!

Step 1: From

Pretty self explanatory if you know yourself.

No need to fill out "Business" unless you're a business.

Step 2: To

The confusing part for an FPO/APO address.

Lets just say I'm sending a package to

 

Sgt Mouse, Mickey

1/2 D Co ABC Bn

Unit 12345

FPO AE 67890-1234 

Here is how I fill it out. No need to add "Country".

Step 3: Box 1-4, 8-9

For "Detailed Description" try to be as specific

as possible. I never follow their directions exactly

because I usually pack more into the box than what

fits in the spaces, so this is how I do it.

I add the estimated value of what's inside 

and the post office worker calculates the weight 

and writes that part in, I don't worry with the specifics.

Step 4: Boxes 5-7, 10-13

Box 5 mark "Gift"

Box 6 mark "Airmail"

Box 7 leave blank

Box 10 mark "Return to Sender"

Box 11 leave blank

Box 12 leave blank

Box 13 sign and date

And I leave the rest of this blank.

And thats it!! I've been through a few deployments

and my packages have always arrived, so you should

have no problem with your mail if you follow my directions!

Note: If your package weighs less than 1 lb 

you do not need a customs form!

Also, if you didn't know this already,

you can call the post office and order

a free kit of packing supplies for military

care packages. Everything from boxes, to tape

to customs forms so you can fill them out at home

instead of looking like a lost puppy at the post office!

Just call 1-800-610-8734 to request your kit!