When to complete a CN22 customs form

The CN22 is a customs form used when sending gifts and goods abroad worth less than £270 with Royal Mail.

CN22 form guide

Custom forms are mandatory for all gifts and goods sent outside the UK from England, Scotland or Wales. If posting from Northern Ireland, they're only needed for non-EU destinations, except the UK.

If you have a printer, you can complete this form online or download a blank copy to fill in by hand before you visit a branch. If you don't have a printer, you can pick one up in branch.

Customs forms are scanned by optical character recognition, so it's important to fill them in legibly and in BLOCK CAPITALS.

Incomplete or missing customs forms are likely to result in items being returned to the sender.

Example of the CN22 form

  1. Sender's name and address are mandatory – include your full name and address including postcode
  2. Content type and description of contents are mandatory – include an accurate description of each item enclosed. This will help to avoid delays or customs officials needing to open your item
  3. Value, quantity and weight of each item are mandatory
  4. Total quantity is mandatory – add the total number of items within your package
  5. Total weight is mandatory – this is the total weight of your item. If you don’t know and can’t easily find out, weigh your package and complete in branch
  6. Total value is mandatory – this is the total value of all the items in the package. Write the value in British Pounds (GBP)
  7. HS tariff number – is mandatory for businesses only – you need to provide the HS tariff code which you can find at GOV.UK
  8. VAT reg number / EORI number – are mandatory for businesses only – if your business has both, please use the EORI number
  9. Signature and date are mandatory – you must physically sign and date the customs forms on the day you post the item

Fill in your form online

If you have a printer, you can complete this form online. If you don't, you can pick one up in branch

Prefer to fill it in by hand?

If you have a printer, you can download a blank copy to fill in by hand. If you don't, you can pick one up in branch

Common questions about customs forms

Why do I need to fill out a customs form?

Custom forms are mandatory for all gifts and goods sent outside the UK from England, Scotland or Wales. If posting from Northern Ireland, they're only needed for non-EU destinations, except the UK. They help local customs authorities identify if items you’re sending internationally are allowed into their destination country and calculate any duties or taxes due. Incomplete or missing customs forms are likely to result in items being returned to the sender.

Why don’t I need a customs form if I’m sending mail from Northern Ireland to EU destinations?

No declaration requirements for goods moved directly between Northern Ireland and the European Union currently exist. Customs forms are still needed if posting from Northern Ireland to non-EU destinations, except the UK. The latest UK Government guidance provides more information on sending mail from Northern Ireland.

What if I don’t have a printer at home?

All Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide custom forms are available in Post Office branches. Remember to keep the details you need to fill it in handy.