Mailing To Brunei: Addressing Your Letters Correctly

Sending mail to Brunei Darussalam requires adherence to specific guidelines and restrictions. Postal codes in Brunei, also known as postcodes, are alphanumeric and consist of two letters followed by four digits. The first two letters denote the district and sub-district, respectively, while the first two digits represent the village code. The last two digits correspond to the post office code or the function of the place, often referring to government ministries or departments. It is important to correctly display the recipient's landline, mobile number, and email address on the address label or customs form. Additionally, certain items, such as coins, banknotes, jewellery, and perishable infectious substances, are prohibited or restricted from being mailed to Brunei.

Postal codes in Brunei

The postcode system in Brunei is organised by the Postal Services Department, a government department under the Ministry of Communications. The postcode denotes the district (Malay: daerah), then the mukim (sub-district), and then villages and post offices. The first letter of a postcode corresponds to the district, and the second letter to the mukim or sub-district. The first two digits following the letters represent the village, and the final two digits represent the post office.

Some larger villages may have more than one postcode, and some postcodes may represent defunct or subsumed villages. A few postcodes are for government agencies, and these always have the last digit '0'. For example, BB3510 is the postcode for Bolkiah Garrison and the Ministry of Defence building.

When addressing mail to Brunei, it is important to include the recipient's landline number, mobile telephone number, and email address, if possible, on the address label or customs form.

Address format

To ensure your mail reaches its destination in Brunei, it is important to follow the correct addressing format. Here is a guide on how to address mail to Brunei:

The address should be written in English, using a clear and simple font such as Arial or Times New Roman, with capital letters to aid readability. The address should be written in the following order:

Recipient's name

House number and street name

Village/Sub-district (Mukim)

District (Daerah)

Postcode

Country

For example:

Mr. Lee Chin

32 Jalan Sungai

Kampung Sungai Besar

Belait

BB3713

Brunei Darussalam

The postal code or postcode in Brunei is alphanumeric and consists of six characters: two uppercase letters followed by four numbers. The first two letters of the postal code denote the district, and the second letter represents the sub-district or mukim. The first two numbers represent the village code, and the last two digits are the post office code.

When addressing mail to Brunei, it is also recommended to include the recipient's landline and mobile phone number, as well as their email address, on the customs form or address label.

Additionally, be sure to check with the postal service in your country for any specific requirements or restrictions they may have for international mail to Brunei.

Prohibited items

When sending mail to Brunei, it is important to be aware of the prohibited and restricted items that cannot be sent through the postal service. These items are classified as forbidden and must not be sent, while restricted items may be allowed under certain conditions. It is the sender's responsibility to check and comply with the destination country's regulations.

• Illegal drugs and narcotics
• Dangerous goods, including corrosives and radioactive materials.
• Lithium batteries, dry ice, and perfume (these can be classified as dangerous when not handled properly).
• Perishable items, such as food, organic waste, and plants, which can degrade and harm the ecosystem.
• Items that are too large to fit on a pallet, like agricultural equipment, vehicles, and furniture.
• Certain high-value items, including large amounts of currency, jewellery, precious metals, antiques, fine art, and gemstones.
• Biological substances, including blood samples, live and dead animals, animal fur, and human organs or remains.
• Alcohol and tobacco, the quantities of which are strictly regulated by customs authorities.
• Other restricted items such as asbestos, pornography, ivory, passports, and endangered plants and species.

Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and specific country restrictions may be enforced or updated without notice. Always check with the relevant authorities in Brunei for the most up-to-date information on prohibited and restricted items.

Restricted items

When sending mail to Brunei, it is important to be aware of the restricted items that may require special handling or are prohibited from being sent. Here is a detailed list of restricted items for mailing to Brunei:

Coins, Banknotes, and Securities

Items such as coins, banknotes, currency notes (paper money), securities payable to the bearer, traveler's checks, and other valuable articles are restricted. These items may be prohibited or have special requirements, so it is important to check with the relevant postal service for specific guidelines.

Precious Metals and Stones

Platinum, gold, silver, and other precious stones are restricted. These items may be subject to special regulations and may require additional documentation or packaging. Check with the postal service for detailed instructions.

Jewelry and Watches

Jewelry and watches are considered restricted items when sending mail to Brunei. Special care should be taken to ensure these items are properly declared and insured during transit.

Perishable Infectious and Non-infectious Biological Substances

Any perishable biological substances, whether infectious or non-infectious, are restricted. These items may require special handling and packaging to ensure they do not pose a health risk during transport.

Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials are strictly regulated and restricted. Sending radioactive materials will require special permits and compliance with international regulations.

Books, Magazines, Religious Materials, Cassettes, and Video Tapes

These items are subject to clearance from the Controller of Publications or the Religious Affairs Department in Brunei. It is important to obtain the necessary approvals before sending these items to ensure they do not get held up in customs.

Medicines, Drugs, and Insecticides

A license must be obtained from the Director of Medical Services for the importation of medicines, drugs, and insecticides. This applies regardless of whether they are consigned to commercial firms or private individuals.

Agricultural and Veterinary Products

For the importation of agricultural and veterinary products, a license must be obtained from the Director of Agriculture. This includes plants, seeds, and other similar items, which are also subject to permits issued in advance by the Department of Agriculture.

Customs Forms and Declarations

When sending restricted items, it is important to properly complete and attach the necessary customs forms. This includes providing detailed information about the contents and value of the package. Failure to do so may result in delays or confiscation of the items.

It is important to note that specific country restrictions may change, and it is the sender's responsibility to stay informed about any updates. Always refer to the most up-to-date guidelines provided by the postal service and customs authorities of both the origin and destination countries.

Customs forms and labels

Understanding Customs Forms:

• Purpose of Customs Forms: Customs forms provide details about the contents of your package to the authorities in the destination country. They help determine if the goods you are sending are allowed and calculate any duties or taxes payable.
• When Are Customs Forms Needed: Customs forms are mandatory for all gifts and goods sent to Brunei, as it is outside of the UK. However, if you are sending correspondence, commercial invoices, or shipping documents without goods from Northern Ireland to EU destinations, a customs form is not required.
• Online vs. Paper Forms: Royal Mail now requires all customs forms to be created electronically. You can use their online tool to generate your customs form, and you only need to provide the reference or barcode it creates.

Filling Out Customs Forms:

• Detailed Content Descriptions: When filling out customs forms, it is essential to provide specific and detailed descriptions of the items in your package. Instead of broad categories, be specific about the type of item. For example, specify "computer," "mobile phone," or "television" instead of just "electronics."
• Value and Weight Information: In addition to descriptions, you will need to list the value and weight of each item in your package. This information is crucial for customs evaluation and the calculation of duties and taxes.
• Brunei-Specific Requirements: When sending mail to Brunei, it is recommended to display both the recipient's landline number, mobile phone number (if possible), and email address (if available) on the address label or customs form.

Customs Forms for Different Carriers:

• Royal Mail: For items valued up to £270, use customs form CN22. For items valued over £270, use customs form CN23 and a clear plastic wallet (SP 126).
• USPS: The specific form you need depends on the mail service used and the total value of the items sent. For Priority Mail Express International® and other USPS international services, use PS Form 2976-R.
• DPD and Evri: When using DPD or Evri services, customs forms are typically completed online during the booking process or handled at the counter for branch purchases.

Generating Customs Labels:

• Automatic Generation: When you purchase postage online through certain services, such as Click & Drop or Click-N-Ship, a customs label will be generated automatically. These services also electronically transmit customs data to facilitate clearance.
• Manual Creation: If you are not using a service that automatically generates a customs label, you can obtain a customs declaration label online or at a post office branch. Fill out the form manually and attach it to your package.
• Information on the Label: Ensure that the customs label includes the recipient's full name or company name, city, subdivision (province, state, or county), and postal code. Write the delivery address in English and, if needed, include a translation in the local language below each line.

Frequently asked questions