Sending Mail to a BFPO

Sending Mail to a BFPO

Sending Mail to a BFPO

The last posting dates for sending presents in time for Christmas to those in the Armed Forces is fast approaching. Below we have some important information about what you can send, how to send it and when.


  • It’s really important that you only use BFPO to send mail to someone you know.

  • Write the address clearly in capital letters, keeping exactly to the format for the role of the person you’re posting to.

  • Write a return address on the back of the mail.

  • Do not write anything else on the packaging - your mail may be delayed or sent to the wrong place.

  • DO NOT PUT ON A POSTCODE OR NAME OF COUNTRY!

  • You’ll need to make a customs declaration if you’re sending something outside of the EU.

  • Your parcel may be free to send, click here to check


How to address your parcel:


Address format for service personnel

SERVICE NUMBER, RANK and NAME

UNIT or REGIMENT

OPERATION or LOCATION NAME (if applicable)

BFPO number


Address format for family

Use this format if the item is for a dependant of a serving member of HM Forces.

NAME OF DEPENDANT

C/O SERVICE NUMBER, RANK and NAME

UNIT or REGIMENT

OPERATION or LOCATION NAME (if applicable)

BFPO number


Address format for non-service personnel

Use this format if the item is for an employee of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), or another official organisation, who’s entitled to use BFPO.

STAFF NUMBER (if available)

NAME

UNIT/DEPARTMENT (school name)

LOCATION NAME (if applicable)

BFPO number


 What you cannot send:

There are a number of things you cannot send to a BFPO, for the full list click here. 

If you send these items, your whole parcel may be delayed or returned to you.

One of the most common items we find people trying to send are aerosols - deodorants and air fresheners for example. Some other items that can’t be sent are:

  • alcoholic beverages

  • arms and ammunition

  • batteries

  • Christmas crackers

  • financial documents

  • fragile items

  • indecent, obscene or offensive articles

  • prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific purposes

  • pressurised containers (including aerosols like deodorants and shaving foams or gels)

  • sharp objects and instruments (including scissors and kitchen knives or utensils)

 

When to send it by:


The last posting dates for BFPO are as follows:

  • Airmail to Operational BFPO's - Monday 25th November
  • Airmail to Static BFPOs - Friday 13th December.


For more information regarding sending mail to BFPOs, please visit the the Government's website here