Phone numbers wanted on customs form?

[BlackCurtains]

I mailed a package this morning to Canada and as I handed the green customs form to the PO worker, she told me I needed to include my phone number and the number of the addressee. I've never had to do that before. She said that customs now requires it

Of course, I do not have the number of the person I'm sending to, and she said it was fine for this time and to just write mine.

Is my post office being nit-picky or is this really a thing now? I guess regardless I have to ask swap hosts for my partners phone number from now on

[achab1984]

I have never been asked that before. I even have to take two packages today that are going to Germany and Canada. I will see if they need it or not. Last week I sent a package and they did not ask for it.

[NoDivision]

If there is not a line on the form for it, then they should not ask for it. If it is required information, then they need to update the forms. But honestly, how many people know the phone number of the person they are mailing to? Family and friends sure, but I sure as heck never do.

[HawaiianRain]

I've never been asked and I send out of country often. Maybe it's something really new? I've never seen it on a form where it's required. The white labels do have it but it's not required.

[kitkatvintage]

I had this pop up once when buying international postage on usps.com. I found a way to print the form without it, but I don't remember how I got around needing the phone number. I've never been asked at the post office, though.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

I've been asked before a few times but they were understanding that I did not have the phone number of the addressee and the post office was fine with including just my phone number.  Not that I like my phone number visibly going across the continent on the outside of a box (violation of privacy anyone???) but if that's how they insisted on mailing it, I had little other choices.

[xeevee]

make one up

[Ringlets]

I've received parcels from the US with the phone number of the sender on, but I wasnt aware that it was required - plus I think most people dont know the phone number of the majority of people they send parcels to  

[RockinPrettyBeats]

In my opinion, they should require the phone numbers but as far as I know, they don't.

So this lady either has no idea what she is talking about (there are a lot of postal workers that don't) or this is something very very new.

If it is new, then as was mentioned they need to update the online forms and the on hand forms. No one puts the phone numbers in.

[ponylady]

I honestly am not sure??  I have not used one of those forms in a long time. 

I did try to do a quick search regarding it and came up with nothing. I guess if it is going to be something that is required, only time will tell.

[coinoperatedgirl]

When I print out customs forms, it's required.  I just put mine in the box for the addressee, it's not like it's difficult for a buyer to get mine anyway.

[tulagirl]

Yes I have actually had to do this when shipping a box and honestly its a good idea because if there is any problem at all...like they can't read something or they want more details..having your number can mean the difference between something being delivered and something not.  I ordered something from Germany once and it was quite expensive.  Customs actually called me and wanted all the details before they would okay me even getting my box.  It was a small Annette Himstedt Doll club mini doll but they were all freaked out about it.

[Taxel]

What? They want you to put your phone number on a package tons of postal workers could see? That's ridiculous. I've never been asked to put a phone number, and if I was they'd be out of luck because I don't have a working phone.

[RockinPrettyBeats]

What? They want you to put your phone number on a package tons of postal workers could see? That's ridiculous. I've never been asked to put a phone number, and if I was they'd be out of luck because I don't have a working phone.

It's not ridiculous. They know where you live...

[Izrabeth]

My two cents. When I ship goods to customers with UPS courier they ask me to put a telephone number of the receiver, maybe USPS started do it too?
Also I use to buy my jewelry from an US seller which always ask me my number to put on on the parcels.
I think it's not ridiculous but helpful if they don't find the receiver and don't really think that a postal worker decides to use your number just for fun LOL what's the purpose?