CN22 and CN23 Customs Forms: A Complete Guide

Help with customs matters and sending items abroad with Royal Mail If you are planning to send parcels outside the European Union from the UK, you need to know about the CN22 and CN23 customs forms. They are essential for correctly completing customs clearance. Do I need to fill in a customs declaration? A customs declaration is an official document that lists and gives details of goods being imported or exported. If you are sending goods or items with a commercial value (including gifts and samples) to a country outside the UK, you must complete a customs declaration. Incorrectly completed forms can lead to delays or the parcel being returned to the sender. Which customs declaration should I fill in? The choice between CN22 and CN23 depends on the weight and value of the parcel. Parcels weighing up to two kilograms with a value of up to £270 require a CN22 customs declaration. CN23 is used for parcels weighing between two and 20 kilograms with a value of £270 or more. How do I fill in the customs declaration? You must fill in all the relevant fields, writing in English, French or the language of the destination country. The description of the item must be accurate, e.g. "Men's cotton shirt". General descriptions such as "clothes" are not accepted. Sending items to the EU – VAT and duty Since 1 July 2021, most goods sent to the EU are subject to VAT and potentially a customs charge. These amounts can vary depending on the country. Sending items outside the EU – VAT and duty The same customs declaration requirements apply for goods sent to other countries outside the EU. The customs thresholds above which taxes and duties start to apply vary by country. Sending mail to the Channel Islands If you are sending any goods or gifts to these destinations, you must complete a customs declaration. This applies to Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark. Sending mail to the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) You must complete a customs declaration if you are sending gifts or goods to any BFPO destination, regardless of value. Summary The CN22 and CN23 customs forms are a key part of the international shipping process for anyone sending parcels from the UK. Properly understanding and completing these forms is essential for a smooth customs clearance. Errors in the documents can lead to delays, fines or even confiscation of parcels. With the tools available and the right knowledge, these risks can be minimised and parcels can reach their destination without obstacles.

---

Need help with the CN22/CN23 customs forms?

We help you correctly complete and submit CN22/CN23 customs declarations and advise on shipping parcels outside the EU.

Call: +44 333 335 5072 or go to the contact form. Individual quote provided after documents are submitted.

Customs agency registered with CDS, UK EORI number.