Understanding Customs Forms

Everything you need to know about customs forms when shipping internationally or to APO addresses.

So, what's a customs form? It's a special document that has detailed information on the package contents that are being sent outside the United States. This form ensures that your package reaches its international destination without a hitch. In this article, we'll walk you through how Ship.com takes care of generating that customs form for you.

How to create a customs form

You don't need to research your customer's shipping address to know if a customs form is needed to ship the package. When you're purchasing a shipping label for your package, the system will automatically check with the courier to see if the shipping address needs a customs form. 

Using all of the order information provided, the system will fill out a majority of the customs form automatically for you. You will need to enter the HS tariff code for each product in the package.

After you enter the HS Tariff code then you'll be able to select which postage type you'd like to use. The label will generate with the customs form automatically. In some cases the customs forma may be generated as a separate form, depending on the country's requirements. 

If the customs forms is on the label then just apply the label to your package and feel relieved to know that your package is going to make it safely to its destination!
If the customs form is separate then you can include it on the outside of the package by using a clear document sleeve like this one.

Information that is included on the customs form

There is a lot of information included on a customs form. All of the following information will be pulled from the system before generating the customs form. Please note that any inaccurate information may result in a delay of the delivery of the item. Make sure that the following information is accurate on your order before shipping: 

Sender Information - No abbreviations; include First and Last Name, Full Address, and Up To Date Contact Information (email, phone).
Recipient Information - No abbreviations; include First and Last Name, Full Address, and Up To Date Contact Information (email, phone).
Item Description - Must include specific and accurate description of every item included, see below for specific examples.
Item Value - Each item must have a value to it and the order must also have a total value; this is handled through the order information and can be edited before purchasing a label.
Package Weight - This information does not need to be included in the order information and will be added to the customs form based on your postage selection.

Understanding HS (Harmonized Code) Tariff Codes

Just think of HS tariff codes as your package's special labels. These little codes make sure that customs can quickly and accurately understand what's inside your package, which, in turn, helps ensure a smooth and speedy delivery. 

Since HS Tariff codes can be very specific then it is up to the shipper to ensure that the correct HS Tariff codes are provided with the form. But don't worry, you don't have to memorize all 17,000+ unique codes. You can use this website to search for your tariff code to find the one that best matches the description of your product.

When purchasing a shipping label that will require an HS Tariff Code you'll be prompted to enter the code through the following notification:

Guidance for Acceptable Descriptions