USPS New Requirement: Detailed Content Descriptions for All International Packages (Customs Declarations & Harmonized Tariffs)

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Customs Forms​

Filling Out Customs Forms Online​

When you ship items from the U.S. to another country, you must fill out customs forms (except for First-Class Mail International® letters and large envelopes under 15.994 oz):

• The form you need depends on the USPS® mail service you use (and the total value of what you send).
• You can print just a customs form and save time at the Post Office™ with Customs Form Online, or use Click-N-Ship® service to pay for postage and print an international shipping label and customs form.

Create Customs Form Now (link)

Click-N-Ship: Shipping Label & Customs Form

Customs forms for all packages sent internationally now require more detailed item descriptions. Learn what you need to do. (link)

New Requirement: Detailed Content Descriptions for All International Packages​

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If you're sending packages from the U.S. to any other country, you must now put more detailed item descriptions on your customs forms.

If you don't follow customs forms requirements, the customs officials in the receiving country may reject, return, or potentially even destroy your package.

Note: If you're mailing First-Class Mail International® service envelopes containing only documents that don't require customs forms, these new rules don't apply to you.

These rules apply to all international packages, here's what you need to know:

1. All outbound international packages, including small personal gifts, ecommerce orders, and military and diplomatic mail (APO/DPO/FPO) must follow these rules.
2. Every item in your package needs an appropriately detailed description on the customs form.
3. Each description must be specific: Detailed descriptions should make it clear what the item is, what it's made of, and what its purpose is. For example, instead of a general category like "electronics," you must be specific about the type of electronics, like "laptop computer," "mobile phone," or "television."

Guidance for Acceptable Descriptions​

USPS tools may also ask for other types of information (like the Universal Product Code, known as "UPC code," the brand name, etc.) to help identify the right Harmonized System (HS) code for an item.

Customers do not need to look up these numerical codes themselves; if you use USPS tools (like Click-N-Ship, Customs Forms Online, the International Retail Postage Price Calculator, or Global Shipping Software) and give acceptable descriptions, USPS will be able to assign the correct HS Codes on your customs declaration form.

Why do item descriptions need more detail?​

Customs authorities worldwide require HS Codes to screen incoming goods. By writing an acceptable item description on your customs form, you help to:

• Streamline customs processing
• Prevent delays
• Improve the efficiency of cross-border ecommerce
• Meet safety and security requirements

Harmonized System Tariff Codes are very complex. You can learn more about HS Tariff Codes here. (link)

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What to Include on Your Customs Form

Sender Information

Do not use any abbreviations.

• Name: Complete First Name and Last Name
• Address: Road Name, Number, ZIP Code™, City, State
• Contact Information: Phone, Email

Recipient Information

Do not use any abbreviations.

Name: Complete First Name and Last Name
Address: Road Name, Number, ZIP Code™, City, State
Contact Information: Phone, Email

Item Value
You must include a separate and specific value for all items in your shipment. Once calculated, include a total value for the shipment. Show LessItem Value

Item Description
When you ship internationally, every item in your package must now have a detailed, clear, and specific description on the customs form that makes it clear:

What the item is
What it's made of
What its purpose is

Instead of naming a general category, your description must be specific. For example: Instead of "tools," you must specify the type of tools, like "a screwdriver" or "power drill."

For additional information, view the Detailed Content Descriptions for All International Packages (link) section above.

Packet or Package Weight
You must include the total gross weight of the package and the unit of calculation (i.e., pounds or kilograms). Show LessPacket or Package Weight

HS Tariff Code
As described above, Harmonized System (HS) Tariff Codes are 6-to-10-digit identifiers linked to specific goods descriptions. Customs authorities worldwide use them to ensure safety, security, and efficiency in the international shipping process.

As a customer, you are responsible for accurately describing the item you are shipping, and USPS will provide an HS Code for your customs form during processing.

While your role as a customer is simple, Harmonized System Codes can be complex. You can learn more about HS codes here or by reading the details below.

What is the Harmonized System?

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, generally referred to as "Harmonized System" or "HS," is a multipurpose international product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The system categorizes commodity groups by six-digit codes, creating a universal economic language for the shipping of goods. These codes are used for internal taxes, trade policies, monitoring of controlled goods, rules of origin, freight tariffs, transport statistics, price monitoring, quota controls, compilation of national accounts, and economic research and analysis. The WCO updates the HS every 5 years.<a href="https://www.usps.com/international/customs-forms.htm#1">1</a>

Countries often add additional digits to the end of the six-digit code to further classify products. The United States uses a 10-digit code to classify products. (2)

For example, a generic description like "tools" is not enough to narrow down an HS code. However, "power drill" is enough to identify a specific HS code (8467.21).

What are the Challenges?

• The Harmonized System is complex; it is difficult and expensive to implement and requires extensive training.
• Countries create unique sub-classifications that do not align internationally.
• The WCO recommends quantities associated with the HS codes which do not always align with the quantities used in industry practices that vary across countries.
• Frequent revisions of the HS result in the discontinuation or merging of some codes every five years, causing issues in analysis and implementation across countries.

It is recognized that many of the challenges faced by the HS are inherent and unavoidable in any multipurpose international commodity classification.

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Need a Customs Form?​

• FAQs

The form you need depends on the service you're using and the value of your shipment.
Let us guide you through the process. It's quick and easy!

Note: A customs form is not required if you are shipping within the United States to locations other than a U.S. Territory or a military base.

Here is what you need to get started​

Total Package Weight​

The total weight of your package so we can provide you with accurate pricing.

Package Dimensions​

If you know the measurements of your package (length, width, height), we can provide you with lowest cost and fastest delivery shipping recommendations.

Item Information​

Shipments to the EU* will require an HS Tariff Code based on item description. If you do not have one, you will be able to look it up as you add items to your shipment.

Sender & Recipient Address​

Your full name and address along with the full name and address for the person or business to whom the shipment will be sent.

Create Customs Form (link)

*The list of EU countries and countries that follow EU regulations are: (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland)

https://cfo.usps.com/