We’re announcing today that service personnel overseas will enjoy the same access to goods and services on the internet as they do at home - thanks to new online postcodes.
Together with the Ministry of Defence, and British Forces Post Office (BFPO), we’ve introduced UK-style postcodes for 100,000 personnel and their families in places such as Germany, Cyprus and the Falkland Islands.
The new online postcodes will improve their access to products and services from the internet.
It will also help personnel maintain a UK credit history recognised by financial service providers.
Around the world
BFPO numbers are not compatible with many online ordering systems, including credit agencies.
However, under the changes, service personnel will be able to order everyday products online and have better access to mortgages and credit cards.
The improvements will also mean UK businesses will be able to make their goods and services available to British Forces stationed around the world, simply by updating their online ordering systems.
‘Big difference’
Mike Newnham, our chief customer officer, says: ‘Royal Mail is intensely proud of its strong and enduring links with the British Forces and we are delighted we have played our part in implementing this important initiative.
‘We understand how much service personnel and their families based overseas value being able to shop online and how they will benefit from gaining access to a range of online services too.
‘We have been working closely with the BFPO to develop an address and postcode structure consistent with Royal Mail’s Postcode Address File that will provide businesses with the opportunity to make these services available.’
BFPO head of policy and plans, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Stark, says: ‘For our personnel stationed abroad, this will make a big difference.’
BFPO numbers take the form BFPO 123. Each BFPO number will now be linked with a unique UK style (but non-geographic) postcode solely for use online. BFPO numbers as the location descriptor for mail are to be retained.