I just wanted to update other sellers who sell in the EU, where a customer who orders an none tracked item waits a considerable time before claiming to have not received their order. I have always wondered what the barcode on the CN22 customs document actually does. I asked Royal Mail if you would kind enough to explain the process, please find a copy of their communication which will be useful for many sellers who sell internationally.
Please find below their response:-
If you use the CN22 for Standard/Economy items, it contains an S10 UPU barcode; this number is for your electronic customs information to be uploaded against.
This electronic information is taken by Royal Mail (either when you send postage online or via your account, or by reading your customs declaration via an OCR machine if you post at a Post Office) and uploaded against the barcode.
When the barcode is then scanned by UK customs and overseas customs, they can view all of the electronic information and process your item through customs. The barcode is scanned at multiple points by both Royal Mail, customs in the UK and overseas, and by La Poste in France.
Which now tells me the three claims made by three females where all false.