CN22 & CN23 Customs Declarations Explained

CN22 and CN23 are customs declaration documents that detail the contents of a package being sent outside of the UK when being sent through the Royal Mail. They assist the process customs go through when checking packages, and they detail important information about the contents of anything being posted.

Any letter or parcel that is considered to contain ‘commercial value’ requires a CN22/23, as these items are subject to fees and taxes. For example, if you’re sending a letter to a pen pal who lives in Beijing, you do not need to include a customs declaration form. However, if you’re sending this same friend a gift or parcel, you do need to attach the appropriate CN22/23 form.

It's essential that importers and exporters are aware of what electronic customs content data is, how to correctly complete it, and where you can get them from. This is because any mail items being sent to overseas countries through the Royal Mail will require a CN22/23.

Difference between CN22/23 and commercial invoices

CN22 and CN23 documents are exclusively required when sending goods outside of the UK when shipping through the Royal Mail. International couriers such as DHL or DPD do not require a CN22/23, but rather a Commercial Invoice or their own variation of a customs declaration form. The information and use of this invoice functions similarly to CN22/23, but you'll need to complete the correct form for your preferred shipping courier.

Why are they needed?

They assist customs in checking the contents of packages leaving the UK via the Royal Mail.
They help customs to assign the correct duties and charges that need to be applied.
The forms aid in the monitoring of prohibited goods being shipped.
Avoid your package being inspected, held, delayed or seized.

CN22

Must be used if your goods are being transported outside of the UK, up to the value of £270*

CN22A - Use this version when sending post via the International Tracking and Signature services.

CN22B - Use this version if you’re sending mail through the International Economy and International Standard service.

CN23

If the value of your goods being transported outside of the UK have a value of over £270, then a CN23 is needed instead of a CN22
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If you’re posting from Northern Ireland, you only need to include these forms when posting to non-EU destinations

What information you’ll need to include

You must complete your CN22/23 fully and honestly. The sender of the package is legally responsible for the customs declaration, and the sender of the package must sign it.

Any misinformation or lack of completion can result in delays in processing, mail return or seizure by customs authorities. It’s essential that you truthfully and accurately declare the items being sent. Here’s everything you should prepare for your CN22/23 customs declaration form:

A detailed description of your product - do not be vague, make it easy for customs to read and understand what you’re sending
The quantity of goods being sent within the package, i.e. if you’re mailing 10 steering wheel covers, you must detail ‘10 steering wheel covers’.
The weight of the contents given in Kilograms.
The value of the contents, given in the Great British Pounds (GBP)
Harmonised Code - a set of digits that categorise what your goods are and the category they belong to. This is used to assist customs in applying the correct fees and charges. Harmony Codes will become a necessity for sending goods abroad in the near future, so it’s important that you understand what they are and accurately include this information on anything you send. You can find information about your code through the government trade tariff look up tool.
The country of origin.
A signature of the sender, and the date that the CN22/23 was signed.

Where do you include your CN22/23

As the CN22/23 customs declaration needs to be inspected for processing, it should be attached to the outside of the parcel in a protective sleeve to avoid any damage. Failure to do so will result in your package being inspected, held, delayed or seized.

Where can you get a CN22/CN23

If you need a CN22 or CN23 document, these are available at your local Post Office or available online through the Royal Mail.

CN22/CN23 through UK Postbox

When using Royal Mail through our service, we’ll make sure to ask you for the relevant information within our mail management app. This may be in the form of electronic customs content data which will ask you for all the information required for your item to ship. We require this information before posting it on your behalf.