📋 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

The commercial invoice is the form the express carriers use in place of a CN22 or CN23, and the one customs officers read first. If you are on the receiving end and trying to work out what a supplier's invoice is telling you, our guide on how to read a customs invoice, field by field decodes every line, including Incoterms and HS codes.

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

Related guides

Need a deep dive on one form? See the dedicated CN22 form guide (with a filled example and "what value to put") and the CN23 form guide (who fills it out, returns and RMA shipments).

The customs form is one piece. Once it's accepted, the customs authority calculates what's owed — see duties, taxes, and total landed cost for how the duty, VAT, and brokerage line items add up. If your declared weight or contents look off, the parcel may also be reweighed; see dimensional weight for why pricing can shift after pickup. For high-value contents, also read shipping insurance — accurate value declared on the customs form is a prerequisite for any meaningful claim.

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