International Mail Manual

As required under 123.6 , a fully completed electronically generated customs form is required for international mail. A mailer may obtain an electronically generated customs form by using Click-N-Ship service, the Customs Form Online application, or USPS-approved vendor software, as described in 123.3 . Alternatively, a mailer may obtain an electronically generated customs form by presenting a fully completed PS Form 2976-R at a USPS retail service counter. The following forms are available for international mail:

  1. Electronically Generated Customs Forms:
    1. PS Form 2976,Customs Declaration CN 22 — Sender’s Declaration.
    2. PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note — CP 72.
    3. PS Form 2976-B,Priority Mail Express International Shipping Label and Customs Form.

      PS Form 2976-R,USPS Customs Declaration and DispatchNote. This form is available only as a hard copy that customers use as a worksheet that they must present with their mail item at a USPS retail service counter. The retail associate enters the information into the retail system or Customs Form Online application (see 123.722 ), and then generates and prints the applicable customs form to affix to the mail item. Customers cannot use PS Form 2976-R as a stand-alone customs form.

    1. PS Form 2976-E,Customs Declaration Envelope — CP 91, is a plastic envelope that is used to carry and protect customs declaration form sets and other documentation needed for customs clearance (see 123.73 ).
    2. PS Form 2976-ES, Small Customs Declaration Envelope, is a small plastic envelope that is used to carry and protect customs declaration form sets and other documentation needed for customs clearance used with Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes and other small parcels that require a customs form (see123.73 ).
    123.12 Authorized Editions
    1. Electronically generated customs forms PS Form 2976, PS Form 2976–A, and PS Form 2976-B produced through an approved USPS system capable of electronically transmitting the associated customs data. Current authorized editions are available in the Guidelines for Privately Printed Customs Declaration Forms athttps://postalpro.usps.com/node/2713%postalpro.usps.com/node/2713 .
    2. Customs forms generated through the online service using Click-N-Ship service.
    3. Customs forms generated through the process of using the Customs Form Online application.
    4. The USPS-supplied hard copy edition PS Form 2976-R (dated April 2016), which a mailer uses to provide handwritten customs information when presenting a mailpiece at a USPS retail service counter. The retail associate uses this form to generate and print the appropriate customs form and to electronically transmit the associated customs data. A mailer may not use PS Form 2976-R as a stand-alone customs form. See123.11b .

    123.2 Availability

    PS Form 2976-R, USPS Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note, is available without charge at Post Office facilities. Mailers may request a reasonable supply for mail preparation; however, mailers must induct their prepared mailpieces only at a USPS retail service counter. Customs declaration forms are available through an online customs form application at usps.com/international/customs-forms.htm .

    123.3 Privately Printed Forms

    123.31 Authorization
    1. By calling the NCSC at 877-264-9693 (select option 3 for barcode certification).
    2. By visitingpostalpro.usps.com/node/2713 .
    3. By written request to the following address:
    123.32 Required Electronic Transmission of Customs Declaration Information

    For an item bearing a privately printed customs form under 123.31 , a mailer must electronically transmit customs declaration information by using USPS-produced Global Shipping Software (GSS), Shipping Services File 1.7 or higher, or other USPS-approved software. Failure to provide electronically transmitted customs declaration information before tendering the mailing may result in refusal at acceptance, delay in processing, and/or return of mail to the sender.

    123.4 Nonpostal Forms

    123.41 Nonpostal Export Regulations
    123.42 Commercial Invoices
    1. Seller’s complete contact information.
    2. Receiver’s complete contact information.
    3. Consignee’s complete contact information (if it is different from the buyer’s).
    4. Country of origin.
    5. Destination country.
    6. Reason for export.
    7. Total commercial value of the item(s) shipped.
    8. Sales and payment terms (if any).
    9. Currency of sale.
    10. Full quantities and description of the merchandise.
    11. A statement certifying that the invoice is correct.