I just sent my husband to the post office (not our local one as we are elsewhere) with a very small package destined for the UK. Apparently they charged him extra on top of the postage charges, because they had to fill out details in their computer (including phone numbers and addresses of both sender and receiver) which he should/could have done online. I have never come across this before - anyone know what it's all about?

They do that here too but for customs - they charge me 3fr for filing the info (addy, name, content and value). You can do it online and then pay only postage. I think he was charged for customs declaration.

It's is the info needed for customs (mainly value of the content). And yes, they take something like 3 CHF for filling it out.

Never had to do it before, only fill out the green sticker. Is it a post Brexit thing?
Anyone got the online link? I couldn’t find it on their website!

It got changed, yes, but for other countries, too. I know that for the US they wanted 3fr for customs filing as well.

Nothing to do with Brexit. It’s been like this for well over a year and is not just for the UK.
They charge you if they have to do it at the post office so I always do it all at home now.

https://www.post.ch/en/sending-parce...hrough-customs

Thank you

Hmmm, sure I’ve sent an international parcel in the last year, but first time I’ve come across this! Strange!

I've had to do this 3 times now this year. I don't know when it started as I only moved back here last year. It's fairly easy to do - you scan the QR code and then fill out the customs declaration online (either at home or at the post office) then once filled out you get a barcode which they scan at the Post office.

Yep, since Christmas '20 - the first time I noticed this - I've had to pay the admin surcharge for packages sent to the US.

Seems to be standard (at least at our Post) now: Either you do the paperwork online in advance, or you pay the admin fee for them to enter the info.

Looks very easy - if you know about it

it's odd the post office staff didn't inform your husband and give him the option to do it himself - i was given the option all three visits. i would have been annoyed too if they just went ahead and charged me for the service.

Yep - they told him after they had done it for him. Switzerlanded

Correct. I had to do it for a package I was sending within Switzerland.