I got a request to send a package to an APO address. I went to the USPS website to print out the customs form, and it appears that the customs form requires the recpient's phone number. Is this right/am I looking at the right thing? This is the page I'm getting the form from. I PMed the member, to see if this was the correct form, and to get their phone number if it is required, but I haven't heard back from them, and it's been three days.

Any advice/guidance on customs forms would be most appreciated

Not required when shipping to an APO/FPO address, but the online form won't allow you to omit it.  Simply put in your own number, or 555-1212

Bernhard is one of our local APO experts Caleb, so go for it!!

also the postal employee at my post office prefered the form available in the post office to the online ones because they are self stick and can put the part needed on the package.  Didn't give me any problems with using the one on-line, she had to cut it up and tape it to the package, but just asked to use the forms from the store instead in the future since they would be easier.

I just sent a book out today to an APO, had it all ready and took it to the post office for the customs form, and the clerk told me that I didn't need one because it was under 16 oz.  I sure hope he was right, because I had already put the PBS postage and DC on it and he just took it and put it in the mail bag he had there.

I used the customs form from the PO. I didn't have to write her phone number and she received the book with no problem.

No Marilyn, your clerk was wrong.  The customs form on packages containing merchandise (and PBS books are considered as such) is a military PO requirement.  Not all postal clerks understand this and just go by the regular international rules, which don't apply to military mail.

ETA: The book will probably still get there, but will likely take a bit longer, and will probably be marked "lost" by the PBS system before it actually arrives.

This link gives a lot more info, and also contains links to the specific information for military packages.  If you are shipping to an APO or FPO

Caleb--In AUG  I just moved back to USA after 4 years in Germany using an APO address. Neither of the two customs forms has a place for a phone number. You should be using the small green form that has a white piece attached to it for your adress and the receiver's address.  The larger all white form (5x7) is only if you're mailing more than 3 different types of items.   :)

I just had the same thing happen - the online form requires a phone #.  I wondered about using my own phone #, but was concerned that it might cause problems down the line.  If I need to do that again, I'll use the 555-1212

  When I used Priority Flat-Rate to send a book to a friend in South Africa, the customs declaration was part of the online postage label and DIDN'T require a phone # - go figure...

Caleb, I just mailed my first book to an APO in Europe and had no problem. I put all 0's in for the (required field) phone # of addressee so I could print it out online (same site you refer to).  Took the 5 copies (you need all 5 that are automatically printed) to the post office with the packaged book and it went very smoothly.  I guess the forms you get directly from the post office have carbon copies.  It saved time by doing it at home on line.  Same price as here in the States. 

I know this thread started quite a while ago, but thought it might help others.

Trish