Did you receive your Military Kit and you need help figuring out how to fill out those darn customs form (PS Form 2976-A)? Is this your first time sending a package to your spouse, family or friend?
Don't worry, this one is a popular question that has been asked many times. I remember the first time I sent my "boyfriend" at the time his first care package. I had no idea on how to fill out the customs form.
Today, I will walk you through the process of filling out a Customs Form, AKA Customs Sheet, in simple to follow, step by step instructions that should set you up for success the next time you want to send a military care package overseas.
NOTE: You may also hear the Customs Form referred to as a Customs Sheet, Custom Form or Custom Sheet, or the plural of those references Customs Forms (correct), Customs Sheets, Custom Forms or Custom Sheets. Regardless of what you hear it being called, when shipping a package to an APO, DPO or FPO address you will need a PS Form 2976-A and you will need a separate form for each package you send. Hopefully this information helps.
This picture (above) is a very popular form that is much easier and less of a hassle to fill out. I believe you do have to get this forms at your local post office.
In the picture (below) this form is usually sent with your military kit package when you order it from your local USPS.
Instructions for completing the Customs Form (PS Form 2976–A)
NOTE: These instructions are only for APO, FPO, and DPO addresses. If you are mailing a package to an address that’s not an APO, FPO or DPO address, do not follow these instructions. Instead, contact your Post Office and ask for help.
The “To” section of the US Customs Form is where you will include the military member’s name and mailing address. Use the examples above and below as a guide for how this section should look. And please, do not include the country they are deployed to. You can leave “Country” blank. I have made the mistake of writing down "USA" many times.
Business (optional): write the unit number or company information you may also leave this blank
Address: write the unit number or other address identifier (FOB, COP, etc)
City: write the APO/DPO/FPO designation
State/Province: write the AE/AP/AA designation
Post Code: write the 5 or 9 digit zip code
Because the Department of Defense no longer allows care packages to be addressed to “Any Service Member” or the like, all care packages sent to deployed troops are required to contain a full name and address for a specific person. This sometimes leads to returned care packages due to incorrect zip codes, unit numbers, spellings of names, and especially when the service member returns home. For most people it would be best to select the “Return to Sender” option unless you have another address for the intended recipient where the mail may be redirected to.
Date and Signature
The final portion of filling out the US Customs Form is to date and sign the form. The date you sign the form must be the same date you send the package.
NOTICE: For security purposes, Do Not include addresses in the comments below. If you have questions specific to an address you have been given, please contact your local Post Office. https://www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-dpo.htm
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