How To: Create New Customer with a BFPO Address
Table Of Contents
This article explains how to set up and manage customers with British Forces Post Office (BFPO) addresses in Khaos Control.
Using the correct address format is important to ensure mail is delivered successfully and complies with BFPO and postal requirements.
BFPO Address Format
According to the British Forces Post Office (BFPO), customer addresses should be entered using the following format:
| Field Name | Contents | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Service Number, Rank and Name | 1234567 Pte Joe Bloggs |
| Address Line 1 | Company or Unit | 1st Battalion, Scots Guards |
| Town | Regiment or Operation Number | Operation KIPION |
| Postcode | BFPO Number | BFPO 639 |
| Country | Always enter "United Kingdom" | United Kingdom |
Important Address Rules
When entering a BFPO address:
- Do not include the destination town or country in the address.
- Always ensure the BFPO number is entered in the Postcode field.
- The BFPO number should appear as the last printed line of the address.
- Enter United Kingdom in the Country field.
Khaos Control automatically suppresses the country name when printing the address. This ensures the BFPO number remains the final line of the printed address, as required by BFPO guidelines.
Creating a New BFPO Customer
When creating a new retail customer with a BFPO address, complete the address fields using the format shown above.
Carefully check that:
- The service number, rank and name are entered correctly.
- The unit or company information is entered in Address Line 1.
- The operation or regiment information is entered in the Town field.
- The correct BFPO number is entered as the postcode.
- The country is set to United Kingdom.
Customs Requirements
For all BFPO destinations where the shipment contains goods, Royal Mail requires a completed customs declaration to be attached to the outside of the package.
This applies:
- Regardless of the value of the goods.
- Whether the BFPO destination is within the UK, Europe, or elsewhere.
Depending on the shipment, you may need to complete either:
- CN22 Customs Declaration
- CN23 Customs Declaration
According to the Royal Mail guidance, HM Customs and Excise pays particular attention to mail entering or leaving the UK through HM Forces postal services.
It is important that customs declarations are completed accurately and signed where required. Overseas military locations may also inspect incoming mail and apply local customs charges in accordance with local regulations.
VAT Considerations
VAT treatment for BFPO customers depends on the location of the BFPO destination.
BFPO addresses can be located:
- Within the UK
- Within the EU but outside the UK
- Outside both the UK and the EU
BFPO Customers Within the UK
Customers whose BFPO address is treated as a UK destination should be charged UK VAT in the same way as any other UK customer.
BFPO Customers Outside the UK
For BFPO destinations outside the UK, VAT treatment may vary depending on the customer's location and status.
If the customer is based within the EU but outside the UK, refer to:
Always ensure your VAT setup reflects the customer's actual BFPO location and your organisation's VAT obligations.
Additional Information
For the latest BFPO addressing requirements, refer to the official British Forces Post Office website. Changes to postal regulations or customs requirements should be reviewed periodically to ensure continued compliance.