COMD BFB DIRECTION ON THE BFPO SERVICE
The use of the British Forces Post Office by SP across the globe is a huge privilege. Changes in the UK’s trading and customs regulations over recent years have created uncertainty around what constitutes acceptable fair use of the system.
Here in Brunei, we have a very limited capacity per week to send consignments via BFPO, and recent inspections have shown that up to half of this allocation has been used for dried goods. This has drawn attention at BFPO HQ, where similar patterns in other regions have triggered intervention from HMRC and resulted in permanent reduced allowances and referral to the Customs Compliance Team. I want to avoid that happening here. Particularly over the unit move, we must protect and prioritise access to the BFPO service, something that remains a privilege, not a right.
In line with guidance from BFPO HQ, I have temporarily suspended the consignment of dried goods via BFPO 11 to prevent excessive gifting and avoid triggering customs scrutiny. I recognise that sending gifts is a valued tradition in our community, but until the move is complete, I ask that you consider more appropriate alternatives to safeguard the system for all.
We kindly ask all customers to treat our Post Office staff with courtesy and respect. If you have any concerns or queries, please direct them to the SO3 Logistic Support, Capt Dan Knott RLC.
Proof of ID Card
With immediate effect, BFB personnel who wish to send a parcel through the British Forces Post Office MUST present a valid ID Card at the counter. The name on the ID must correspond exactly with the senders name stated on the Customs Declaration Form. Unfortunately, parcels will not be accepted for dispatch without valid identification.
Restricted items in the mail (BFPO 11 Service)1.
Sold goods. Commercial postage of clothing, apparels and services for personal gain through the BFPO is strictly prohibited.
2.
Any misuse of BFPO services, such as using them for personal business purposes, constitutes an abuse of resources and is subject to disciplinary action. Misuse compromises the integrity and efficiency of services intended to support BFB’s Directives.
Prohibited itemsThe Following items are not to be sent via the BFPO mail system, for further advice, please contact the Post Office located in the Chit Chat Community Centre.
Compressed gases – butane, oxygen, propane, camping gas cylinders, gas lighter refills, aqua lungs, aerosol (including medicinal and toilet articles including aerosols such as hairsprays, perfumes, shaving foams, medicines, drugs and nail varnish.
Corrosive – acids, alkaline, wet-cell batteries, Bluetooth speakers, power banks and remote controllers vinegar, photographic chemicals, mercury or any items containing mercury.
Infectious substances – bacteria, viruses, medical and pathological specimens, except under the IPBS rules
Oxidising materials – bleaching agent, peroxides and chlorate
Poison – Arsenic, Cyanides, insecticides and weed killers.
Explosives - fireworks, sparklers, flares, toy caps and ammunition
Perishable foods - Dried Fish of any kind, Dairy Products of any kind, Any perishable food items.
Weapons - Knives, Khukuris, Ninja throwing stars (any sharp instruments are not to be sent via the post).
For more information visit:
www.gov.uk/bfpo
International Driving Permits (IDPs)
International Driving Permits (IDPs) can be issued from the Post office at no cost to authorised BFB personnel and families.
Please note the following:
The validity periods of IDPs remain extant, only request, as required.
A passport sized photo and valid driving license is required for IDP issuance.
More information about IDPs can be found at https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/get-an-idp, https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/what-is-an-idp/ or on the Royal Mail website.
Forces Post Office (FPO) Chip & Pin Service
Customers are reminded of the upper limit when withdrawing or depositing cash at the PO is the local equivalent of £250 per day, and a maximum limit of £1000.00 per month respectively. This cash limit also applies to MoneyGram services.
Please do not approach the counter staff requesting more than the afore stated amounts. If you require a larger withdrawal, you must first seek permission from SO3 Log Sp or the DCOS, through your CoC if appropriate, in the first instance. Also, a 5 days’ notice must be given in order to ensure enough cash is available at the counter.
Post Office Ration Card 2025/26
QR Code for Post Office Ration Card 2025/26 Renewal
Please be advised, the issuance of the 2025/26 cash transaction cards is through a request system.
Please click HERE for the link or scan the QR code below is the mode of requesting new cards.
Upon submission a message will be displayed, indicating the date for collection.
Address Format for Service Personnel/ Garrison Support Personnel:
Service/Staff number, Title/Rank, Full Name
Unit (1 or 2 RGR, HQ Brunei Garrison, BFB)
Sub Unit (HQ, A, B, C Coy/Department)
Tuker/Medicina Lines
BFPO 11 or BF1 3AG
Address Format for Families:
Title, Full Name
(C/O) Service/Staff number, Title/Rank, Full Name
Unit (1 or 2 RGR, HQ Brunei Garrison, BFB)
Sub Unit (HQ, A, B, C Coy/Department)
Tuker/Medicina Lines
BFPO 11 or BF1 3AG
BFPO Price/Size Guide
Please click the image to enlarge.
Postage requirements
When customers come to the Post Office with parcels to send, please make sure the items are already correctly addressed and securely sealed.
When Posting Parcels please ensure they are clearly addressed properly and within the dimensions of Depth (460mm) x Length (610mm) x Width (460mm) and no heavier than 20Kg.
Use of BFPO to Operate a Business
‘Customers who are operating a business overseas for personal gain, are not authorised to use the BFPO facilities to forward or receive mail items connected with that business. The MOD pays for the transportation of mail to and from overseas by air or surface means. To allow customers to use the BFPO to operate a business for personal gain would constitute an abuse of public funds.
Individuals, who are authorised or choose to operate businesses overseas, are advised to use local civilian post offices to receive or send goods connected with their business, whereby full international rates of postage will be paid.
Should a violation of this Guidance & Direction be suspected, the Chain of Command will be notified and disciplinary action may be taken against offenders’.
Contact information:
For general BFPO enquiries please use the following information
Email: bfpoenquiries@gmail.com
For BFPO mail tracking/ issues, please contact service desk
Email : desbfpo-enquiries@mod.gov.uk
Tel Military: 94676 3450
Tel Civil: +44 (0)345 769 7978 (calls are charged at local rate in the UK)
Alternative: +44 (0)20 8589 3450
Post Office, Chit Chat Community Centre:
Email: BruneiGar-HQ-Post-SNCO
Christopher.Locke173@mod.gov.uk
Phone – (+673) 3224101 ext. 3218
Duty mobile – (+673) 9330239
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
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