Mail forwarding businesses

Those businesses within the Greater London area which forward mail as part of their business functions are now subject to registration by their borough under section 75 London Local Authorities Act 2007. Mail includes a letter, parcel, packet or other article transmissable by post.

The licensing requirements, which will vary between boroughs councils, apply to those businesses such as lawyers and accountants in London who provide registered office facilities, and similar. Licensing is entirely separate to similar registrations, most particularly those required under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007.

Failure to comply with these new mail forwarding licensing requirements can result in a fine of up to £5,000. London borough councils will have the power to enter premises, and to seize goods and documents, in their enforcement of the legislation.

Information for those affected businesses within the City of Westminster can be found here.