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[forwardauspost]

AusPost Raw Address File

In today's data-driven world, address accuracy is critical for logistics, compliance, and customer satisfaction. The Australia Post Raw Address File (RAF) is one of the most reliable tools for businesses operating in Australia. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the AusPost RAF, its use cases, structure, licensing, and integration tips to help streamline operations and enhance data accuracy.

What Is the AusPost Raw Address File?

The AusPost Raw Address File is a comprehensive, structured dataset maintained by Australia Post. It contains validated and standardized address data for every deliverable address across the country. This includes residential, commercial, and PO Box addresses.

Why Is the AusPost RAF Important?

Businesses and government agencies rely on the RAF to:

Validate customer address entries in real-time

Improve logistics and last-mile delivery

Enhance customer service accuracy

Reduce returned mail and failed deliveries

Comply with regulatory and insurance requirements

Key Features of the Raw Address File

Over 13 million address points from across Australia

Regular updates to reflect new developments, removals, or corrections

Address metadata like locality, postcode, state, and delivery point identifier (DPID)

Compatible with Australia Post’s sorting and barcoding systems

Structure of the AusPost RAF

The AusPost Address File follows a structured format, typically provided as a flat file (CSV or fixed-width text) with fields such as:

DPID (Delivery Point Identifier)

Thoroughfare Number and Name

Locality/Suburb

State

Postcode

Address Type Indicator

Street Suffixes and Prefixes

Delivery Address Indicator (for PO Boxes, Locked Bags, etc.)

Example entry:

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CopyEdit

DPID | Street Number | Street Name | Street Type | Suburb | State | Postcode 12345678 | 12 | Smith | St | Melbourne | VIC | 3000

How to Access the Raw Address File

The RAF is available for licensed users only. To access:

Visit the Australia Post Licensing Portal

Apply for the Australia Post Data License

Choose a subscription based on volume, access needs, and update frequency

Download via secure FTP or API (if applicable)

Use Cases of AusPost RAF

Ecommerce Platforms: For accurate checkout address entry and fulfillment

CRM Systems: Cleansing and standardizing customer address records

Direct Mail Campaigns: Improved targeting and delivery success

Insurance & Utilities: Verifying customer residence and geolocation

Government: Electoral roll management, census, and service delivery

Benefits of Using the AusPost RAF

BenefitDescription📦 Improved DeliveryReduce missed deliveries by up to 98%🛡️ Regulatory ComplianceMeet standards for customer data accuracy🧹 Data HygieneClean existing databases and maintain long-term accuracy🚀 SpeedAutocomplete & autofill capabilities speed up checkout🔄 Seamless IntegrationEasy to embed into websites, CRMs, or ERPs via APIs

Licensing and Compliance

License Types: Corporate, Developer, Distributor

Data Protection: Must comply with Australia’s Privacy Act 1988

Usage Limits: Restricted to agreed use-case; redistribution prohibited without consent

How to Integrate AusPost RAF Into Your System

Choose a Suitable Format – CSV for spreadsheets or API for web apps

Normalize Existing Data – Map current address fields to RAF structure

Use an Address Autocomplete API – Such as Australia Post’s Address Search API

Validate Inputs in Real-Time – During form entries or customer onboarding

Maintain Update Schedule – Incorporate monthly or quarterly data refresh

Best Practices for Implementation

Use drop-downs for state and postcode to reduce input errors

Implement address field suggestions as users type

Validate against DPID to match AusPost delivery records

Keep logs of mismatches to improve future entries

Common Issues and Solutions

ProblemSolutionMissing suburb or postcodeValidate with postcode-locality cross-checkAbbreviated street namesStandardize using AusPost’s abbreviation guidelinesDuplicate recordsUse DPID as a unique identifierNon-standard PO BoxesSeparate delivery type from street address in UI

Who Should Use the RAF?

Logistics companies

Real estate and utilities

Financial institutions

Marketing firms

Government departments

Alternatives to the Raw Address File

While the RAF is the most authoritative source, alternatives include:

G-NAF (Geocoded National Address File)

Commercial address validation APIs like Loqate or Melissa

Third-party CRM plugins with built-in AusPost validation

Conclusion

The AusPost Raw Address File is a powerful tool for improving delivery accuracy, streamlining operations, and maintaining data integrity. Whether you're a growing business or a government agency, using the RAF can significantly improve your operational efficiency.

SITES WE SUPPORT

Forward AusPost With Address – ​​​Wix