📋 International Customs Forms Guide

Everything you need to know about CN22, CN23, and commercial invoices for international shipping

⚠️ Critical Importance of Customs Forms

Incorrect or missing customs forms are the #1 reason for:

  • Package delays (average 7-14 extra days)
  • Returns to sender (at your expense)
  • Package seizure or destruction
  • Fines and penalties

Take 5 extra minutes to fill forms correctly - it saves weeks of problems!

Which Customs Form Do I Need?

CN22 Form

USPS Form PS 2976

  • Value under $400 USD
  • Weight under 4 lbs
  • Personal shipments
  • Gifts and documents
Size: 4.25" x 5.5"
Copies: 1 original

CN23 Form

USPS Form PS 2976-A

  • Value over $400 USD
  • Weight over 4 lbs
  • All Priority Express
  • Commercial goods
Size: 6" x 8.5"
Copies: 2-5 copies

Commercial Invoice

Business Shipments

  • All B2B shipments
  • Sales transactions
  • Sample products
  • Returns/repairs
Size: 8.5" x 11"
Copies: 3 copies

How to Fill Out CN22 (Small Packages)

CN22 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Check appropriate box:
    • ☐ Gift (personal gift, no payment)
    • ☐ Documents (papers only, no commercial value)
    • ☐ Commercial Sample (product samples, minimal value)
    • ☐ Merchandise (sold goods)
    • ☐ Return Merchandise (returning to origin)
    • ☐ Other (specify in description)
  2. Detailed Description of Contents:
    • BE SPECIFIC: "Men's cotton t-shirt" not "clothing"
    • Include material: "Sterling silver necklace" not "jewelry"
    • Mention brand if relevant: "Apple iPhone case"
    • List each different item type separately
  3. Quantity: Number of each item type
  4. Weight: In lbs and oz (will be converted to kg)
  5. Value: In USD - actual value, not shipping cost
  6. Country of Origin: Where item was manufactured (usually "United States")
  7. Date and Signature: Must be signed in ink
Pro Tip: Write clearly in CAPITAL LETTERS with black or blue ink. Customs officers in 190+ countries need to read your form!

How to Fill Out CN23 (Larger Packages)

CN23 Detailed Requirements

CN23 requires more detail than CN22. Here's what you need:

Section 1: Sender Information

  • Full name (no nicknames)
  • Complete street address
  • City, State, ZIP
  • Phone number with country code
  • Email address (recommended)

Section 2: Recipient Information

  • Full name as on ID
  • Complete delivery address
  • Phone number (critical for delivery)
  • Email if available
  • Tax ID/VAT number if business

Section 3: Detailed Content Description

Description HS Code Country Qty Weight Value
Women's leather handbag 4202.21 USA 1 2 lbs $150
Stainless steel watch 9102.11 USA 1 0.5 lbs $200

Section 4: Declaration

  • Total weight (lbs/kg)
  • Total value (USD)
  • Shipping cost (separate)
  • Insurance value
  • Signature and date

Commercial Invoice Requirements

Required Information

  • Invoice number: Unique identifier
  • Invoice date: Date of creation
  • Seller details: Name, address, tax ID
  • Buyer details: Name, address, tax ID
  • Ship to: If different from buyer
  • Terms of sale: FOB, CIF, DDP, etc.
  • Payment terms: Prepaid, COD, Net 30
  • Currency: USD, EUR, GBP, etc.
  • Country of origin: For each item
  • HS codes: Harmonized tariff codes
  • Detailed description: Each line item
  • Unit price: Per item
  • Total value: Sum of all items
  • Signature: Authorized person

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Vague descriptions: "Stuff" or "Goods"
  • ❌ Wrong values: Undervaluing for tax evasion
  • ❌ Missing signature: Forms must be signed
  • ❌ No phone number: Delays delivery
  • ❌ Wrong HS codes: Causes duty errors
  • ❌ Grouping different items: List separately
  • ❌ Using nicknames: Use legal names
  • ❌ Missing country of origin: Required field
  • ❌ No invoice number: Tracking problems
  • ❌ Illegible writing: Use block letters
  • ❌ Using pencil: Must use ink
  • ❌ Old forms: Use current versions

Special Situations

Gifts

  • Mark as "GIFT" clearly
  • Include gift card if present
  • State relationship to recipient
  • Many countries have gift exemptions
  • Cannot be commercial transaction

Documents Only

  • Mark "DOCUMENTS - NO COMMERCIAL VALUE"
  • List type: contracts, certificates, etc.
  • Can use simpler forms
  • Often duty-free
  • Faster customs clearance

Samples

  • Mark "COMMERCIAL SAMPLE"
  • State "NOT FOR RESALE"
  • Mutilate if required
  • Minimal value declaration
  • Include business context

Returns/Repairs

  • Mark "RETURNED GOODS"
  • Include original invoice
  • State reason for return
  • Reference original shipment
  • May avoid duties

Personal Effects

  • Mark "PERSONAL EFFECTS"
  • Used items being relocated
  • Include ownership duration
  • Not for sale
  • May need inventory list

Warranty Replacement

  • Mark "WARRANTY REPLACEMENT"
  • Include warranty documentation
  • Reference original purchase
  • State "NO CHARGE"
  • Often duty-free

Electronic Customs Forms

Online Options Available

USPS Click-N-Ship

  • Fill forms online
  • Print with postage
  • Auto-saves information
  • Address validation
  • Free service

Carrier Websites

  • UPS.com - Electronic forms
  • FedEx.com - Integrated customs
  • DHL.com - Paperless trade
  • Auto-populate from address book
  • Save templates

✅ Best Practices Checklist

  • ☐ Use the correct form (CN22 vs CN23)
  • ☐ Write in English (or destination country language)
  • ☐ Be specific in descriptions
  • ☐ Include phone numbers
  • ☐ Declare actual values
  • ☐ Sign and date the form
  • ☐ Keep copies for your records
  • ☐ Attach forms securely in plastic pouch
  • ☐ Include commercial invoice if B2B
  • ☐ Verify destination country requirements
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