USPS Customs Form: Your Guide To Hassle-Free Shipping

Nick Leason

-Oct 10, 2025

USPS Customs Form: Your Guide To Hassle-Free Shipping

Navigating international shipping can seem daunting, but understanding the USPS customs form is crucial for smooth and compliant delivery. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to complete the form accurately and avoid delays.

Key Takeaways

A customs form is required for most international shipments via USPS.
Accurate and complete information on the form is essential to avoid delays or returns.
The type of form needed depends on the value and contents of your package.
You can complete the form online or at a USPS location.
Knowing the regulations of the destination country is crucial.
Failure to complete the form correctly can result in penalties.

Introduction

Shipping items internationally through the United States Postal Service (USPS) requires more than just postage. A crucial part of the process is the customs form. This document provides essential information to customs officials in the destination country, ensuring that your package complies with their import regulations. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of USPS customs forms, helping you understand why they're necessary, how to fill them out correctly, and what to expect throughout the international shipping process.

What & Why

What is a USPS Customs Form?

A USPS customs form is a declaration that provides details about the contents, value, and origin of your international shipment. It's essentially a manifest that helps customs officials assess duties and taxes, and ensure that no prohibited items are entering their country. The form accompanies your package and is reviewed by customs authorities upon arrival in the destination country.

Why is it Required?

Customs forms are mandatory for international shipments for several key reasons:

Compliance with International Laws: Every country has its own import regulations, including restrictions on certain items and requirements for duties and taxes. The customs form ensures compliance with these laws.
Assessment of Duties and Taxes: Customs officials use the information on the form to determine the applicable duties and taxes on your shipment. This is how they calculate the amount the recipient may need to pay before receiving the package.
Security: Customs forms help prevent the entry of prohibited or dangerous goods, such as illegal drugs, weapons, or hazardous materials.
Efficient Processing: Accurate and complete customs forms allow customs officials to process shipments quickly and efficiently, minimizing delays.

Benefits of Completing the Form Accurately

Faster Delivery: Accurate information leads to smoother processing and quicker delivery times.
Avoidance of Delays: Incorrect or incomplete forms can cause significant delays as customs officials investigate the shipment.
Prevention of Returns: If the customs form is inaccurate, the package may be returned to the sender at your expense.
No Unexpected Fees: Accurate valuation prevents surprise duty or tax assessments for the recipient.

Risks of Not Completing the Form Correctly

Delays: As mentioned, inaccurate forms are a primary cause of international shipping delays.
Returns: Customs officials may return the package to the sender if they cannot verify the information on the form.
Seizure of Goods: In some cases, prohibited items may be seized by customs authorities.
Fines and Penalties: Both the sender and recipient could face fines or penalties for providing false or misleading information on the customs form.

How-To: Completing the USPS Customs Form

Here's a step-by-step guide to completing the USPS customs form:

Determine the Correct Form: The type of form you need depends on the value and contents of your shipment. The most common forms are:
- PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22: This form is for shipments valued at $400 or less. It's a simplified form that requires basic information about the contents, value, and origin of the package.
- PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note – CP 72: This form is for shipments valued at more than $400. It requires more detailed information, including a description of each item, its value, and its country of origin.
Gather Necessary Information: Before you start filling out the form, gather all the necessary information, including:
- Sender's Name and Address: Your full name and address.
- Recipient's Name and Address: The recipient's full name and address.
- Detailed Description of Contents: A clear and accurate description of each item in the package. Avoid vague terms like "gifts" or "samples."
- Quantity of Each Item: The number of units of each item.
- Value of Each Item: The fair market value of each item in U.S. dollars.
- Country of Origin: The country where each item was manufactured or produced. Don't guess – use the actual origin.
- Weight of the Package: The total weight of the package in pounds and ounces or kilograms and grams.
- HS Tariff Number (Optional): If you know the Harmonized System (HS) tariff number for your items, include it on the form. This can help customs officials classify the goods more accurately.
Complete the Form: You can complete the customs form online or at a USPS location.
- Online: The USPS website allows you to complete and print customs forms online. This is the easiest and most convenient option.
- USPS Location: You can pick up a blank customs form at your local post office and fill it out by hand. Make sure to write clearly and legibly.
Sign and Date the Form: Once you've completed the form, sign and date it. Your signature certifies that the information you've provided is accurate and complete.
Attach the Form to Your Package: Affix the completed customs form to the outside of your package. If you're using PS Form 2976-A, place the form in a clear plastic pouch or envelope and attach it securely to the package. For PS Form 2976, simply affix the form to the package.

Key Fields to Pay Attention To

Detailed Description of Contents: Be as specific as possible. Instead of "clothing," write "1 cotton t-shirt, men's size large." Instead of "electronics," write "1 USB flash drive, 32GB."
Value: The value you declare should be the fair market value of the item, even if it's a gift. Understating the value can lead to penalties.
Country of Origin: This is where the item was manufactured, not necessarily where you purchased it.

Examples & Use Cases

Let's look at a few examples of how to complete the customs form:

Example 1: Sending a Gift to a Friend in Canada

You're sending a birthday gift to a friend in Canada. The gift includes a book (value: $20), a scarf (value: $30), and a box of chocolates (value: $15). You would complete PS Form 2976, listing each item with its description, quantity, value, and country of origin. The total value of the shipment is $65. — CVS Pharmacy Downey CA: Locations & Services

Example 2: Selling a Handmade Item to a Customer in the UK

You're selling a handmade necklace to a customer in the UK. The necklace is made of silver and gemstones (value: $150). You would complete PS Form 2976-A, providing a detailed description of the necklace, including the materials used, its dimensions, and its value. You would also need to include the country of origin of the materials used to make the necklace.

Example 3: Returning Merchandise to a Company in Germany

You're returning a defective electronic device to a company in Germany. The device has no value (since it's defective). You would still need to complete a customs form (likely PS Form 2976-A), indicating that the item is being returned for repair or replacement and has no commercial value. Be sure to include the original purchase date and any relevant warranty information.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Be Accurate and Honest: Always provide accurate and honest information on the customs form. Don't try to undervalue your shipment or misrepresent its contents.
Be Specific: Use detailed descriptions and avoid vague terms.
Use U.S. Dollars: Declare the value of your items in U.S. dollars.
Check the Destination Country's Regulations: Before shipping, research the import regulations of the destination country. Some countries have restrictions on certain items or require specific documentation.
Keep a Copy of the Form: Keep a copy of the completed customs form for your records.

Common Mistakes

Inaccurate or Incomplete Descriptions: Vague descriptions like "gifts" or "samples" can cause delays.
Understating the Value: Undervaluing your shipment can lead to penalties and delays.
Incorrect Country of Origin: Make sure you know the actual country of origin of your items.
Failure to Check Destination Country Regulations: Not knowing the import regulations of the destination country can result in your package being returned or seized.
Illegible Handwriting: If completing the form by hand, write clearly and legibly.

FAQs

1. What happens if I don't fill out a customs form?

If you don't fill out a customs form when required, your package will likely be returned to you by the USPS. International shipments require customs declarations to comply with international laws and regulations.

2. How do I know which customs form to use?

Use PS Form 2976 (Customs Declaration CN 22) for shipments valued at $400 or less. Use PS Form 2976-A (Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note – CP 72) for shipments valued at more than $400. — Wellington, FL Zip Codes: Complete List

3. Where can I find the HS tariff number for my item?

You can find HS tariff numbers on the U.S. International Trade Commission website or by using online HS code lookup tools. — Georgia Alcohol Laws: A Comprehensive Guide

4. Can I fill out the customs form online?

Yes, you can complete and print customs forms online through the USPS website. This is often the easiest and most efficient method.

5. What if I'm sending a gift? Do I still need to declare the value?

Yes, you still need to declare the value of the gift. The value should be the fair market value, even though it's a gift. Mark the item as a "gift" on the customs form.

6. What do I do if I make a mistake on the customs form?

If you make a mistake while completing the form online, simply correct the information before printing. If you've already printed the form or are filling it out by hand, it's best to start over with a new form to ensure accuracy.

Conclusion

Completing a USPS customs form might seem complicated, but with a little preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure your international shipments go smoothly. By understanding the requirements, following the steps outlined in this guide, and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently navigate the international shipping process. For more information and to complete your customs form online, visit the USPS website today.

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 14:15 UTC