When sending parcels from the USA to Russia, we are necessarily faced with the need to fill out accompanying documents for customs services. This is due to the fact that the parcel can cross the borders of several states at once. And so that customs officers do not open all the parcels in a row in search of prohibited items, the relevant documents must be attached to the parcel. This refers to a declaration describing the contents, which indicates the type of product, its quantity and price.
There is another important point: customs restrictions. According to the norms of the Federal Customs Service (FCS), each “Individual, within one month, has the right to duty-free receipt of goods for personal use in international mail (IPO) for an amount not exceeding 500 euros (starting from January 1, 2019) and weighing no more than 31 kg.” Simply put, customs officers are required to check parcels for compliance with limits, and the declaration greatly simplifies their work, speeding up the processing of parcels.
Why is it important to fill out the declaration correctly? Customs officers are strict people. They strictly follow official instructions. If any parcel raises questions or suspicions, it will be detained to clarify all the circumstances. And this can last a long time. To avoid such delays, it is better to spend a little time on correctly completing the customs declaration. Moreover, it is not very complicated.
Secrets and rules for completing a customs declaration ( except Boxberry)
- Write to English language. Not in Russian, not in translit. English only. If necessary, use online translators. Imagine how surprised the average American will be when he sees unfamiliar gibberish instead of familiar names in the accompanying documentation. Of course, he will delay the parcel. Or even bring her back.
- Use simple words to describe products (t-shirt, jeans, pants, skirt, coat, etc.). If your package contains 10 sweaters, you do not need to write “sweaters - 10”. The parcel may be given commercial status. It is safer to write “pullover - 4”, “sweater - 3”, “shirt - 3”. To find other variants of words to describe a product, use English synonym services. For example, this one.
- Do not send more than 5 units of the same product in a parcel. This may be regarded as a commercial shipment. And you will have to pay tax.
- Remove the names of famous brands from the description. There is no point in teasing the customs officer with words like Rolex, Lego, Timberland, etc. Instead, just include: watch, toys, shoes.
- Never mention the Apple brand in your declaration. Any iPhone, iPod and other equipment can be listed as an electronic device. Or even a refurbished electronic device, if you need to explain the low cost of the device.
- Do not indicate the size of clothes and shoes so that thieves will not be able to take the model that suits them after seeing the necessary information in the declaration. It is not at all necessary to indicate that the clothes are women's, children's or men's. That is, you can, but only if it’s more convenient for you. The impersonality of things is their best protection from dishonest people.
- Describe each product item so that, if necessary, you can quickly find out what is missing. Such accuracy also helps when visiting customs, if the need arises.
- Be honest. Indicate in the declaration the price you paid for the goods. We cannot recommend understating the value of goods in a parcel, leaving this at your discretion.
- Don't use dangerous words (eg guns). For example, if the parcel contains a lighter in the shape of a pistol or a watch in the shape of a grenade, it is highly not recommended to indicate a gun lighter or grenade watch in the declaration. A customs officer will definitely react to a dangerous word.
You can read about filling out a declaration for Boxberry.
How to fill out a customs declaration in fishisfast?
There is no fundamental difference between the customs declaration for different postal services. It's quite simple. You can specify everything right on the page. This option is suitable for those who do not have a lot of goods in their parcel.
Or, when registering a parcel (section “Collecting the parcel”), you can check the box “Manually filling out the declaration”. The fishisfast system allows you to upload an Excel file with a description of the goods. You can simply fill out all category fields manually on the site. Please note that when filling out the declaration, it is enough to approximately determine the weight of each item. It is important that the total weight in the declaration does not exceed the actual weight of the parcel with items.
The Excel declaration should look like this:
Don't forget to indicate your preferred delivery method and type of item (usually "Gift" or "Goods", but customs officers do not see much difference between these two categories).
If necessary, you can always return to the “Parcel collection” section and make changes to the declaration. Upload a new one, add/delete an item, etc. The system will inform you that you have already created a declaration and offer several options for action.
Upload the data, click “Continue” and follow the system instructions. You are done with customs clearance. Congratulations!
If every second person sent letters and parcels across Russia, then with small packages and parcels abroad the situation is a little more complicated. It doesn’t matter whether you’re sending an item sold in your Etsy store or sending a gift to your friends.
In this article, I will talk about what you need to know before sending a package abroad (to the USA, Europe, Australia and any other country).
At first, I did not plan to write a separate article on the topic of sending parcels. After all, there are already enough similar articles on the Internet. But just the other day, a good friend of mine who opened a store on Etsy, by the way, quite recently, made her first sale. And in a panic she turned to me for help. And then I thought that if I write an article taking into account the information that a beginner needs, formatting it in stages, it will be convenient and clear. And it will calm the sender of the parcel a little.
Step 1: Find out if there are any restrictions on sending abroad
Check on the Russian Post website, on this page, to see if the item you plan to send abroad is on the list of prohibited goods.
On the same page you can familiarize yourself with the choice and size of the package, as well as the dimensions of the items. Therefore, I will not duplicate this information here.
If everything is in order, we move on to the next stage.
Step 2: Choose a sending method
You can send items and products by letter, small package and parcel. The choice of shipping method depends on the weight of the product, dimensions, and strength.
Letter
The letter is intended for personal correspondence, sending documents, papers, magazines, postcards and other printed materials. Maximum weight - 2 kg. The maximum size is A4.
If you, for example, are a designer of postcards, brochures, pictures, then you can choose this method.
Parcel
This is a shipment that is larger in size or weight than a letter, but the same as a letter containing paper products and printed materials: books, magazines, posters.
The maximum weight of a parcel is 5 kg. The maximum sum of three dimensions (length+width+height) is 90 cm. Or the maximum length of a parcel is 60 cm.
Small package
This is a small international parcel containing unbreakable items.
Maximum weight 2 kg. As for the sizes, the maximum sum of three dimensions (length+width+height) is 90 cm. Or the maximum length of a small package is 60 cm.
If you are sending goods from Russia, then you can view the Post rates at this link (item International parcels, shipping by air). Without VAT - payment is in stamps, with VAT - in cash.
Sending small packages and parcels to stamps is cheaper than sending cash. For example, if your parcel weighs less than 100 grams, then you will pay 300 rubles in stamps for sending it, or 354 rubles if you pay in cash at the branch.
New tariffs are effective from December 3, 2018. You can read about how much it cost to send parcels and small packages in the past.
If you want to send something small and not very fragile abroad (for example, bracelets, earrings, keychains, bars of soap, a knitted sweater, etc.), then this method is the most optimal and inexpensive.
Package
This method can be used to send items with a total weight of up to 20 kg. If you need to send a heavier package, you can use EMS.
The longest side of an international parcel must be less than 105 cm.
The cost of sending a parcel depends on both the weight and the destination country. For example, sending a parcel of up to 1 kg to America costs 1,180 rubles (or a little cheaper, about 980 rubles, when sending with stamps). And, for example, to Germany - 1510 and 1260 rubles, respectively.
You can read more about this shipping method on the postal website. Also there you can calculate online the cost of sending a parcel, indicating its approximate weight and country.
Step 3: Package items to be shipped
Products must be packaged in such a way as to prevent damage during delivery. But you also need to take into account that customs officers may suspect something is wrong and open your parcel for inspection.
Envelopes and boxes can usually be purchased at the post office. But it’s best to do this in advance, because... on the day of sending there may not be a box or envelope of the required size and then you will have to resolve this issue in a hurry.
If you are sending items that may become deformed during transportation, such as shaped candles, vases, clay figurines, etc., you can wrap each item individually in bubble wrap. This film is sold in large construction stores.
It will also be a good idea if you weigh your products in advance - this will be useful to you at the next stage.
Step 4: Filling out the customs declaration
Once you have resolved the packaging issue, you need to fill out a customs declaration. Or download it all from the same Russian Post website (at the very bottom of the page), or get e e at the post office.
Addition: you can fill out the CN 23 declaration online on this resource, and then download and print it. I myself use this resource very often.
Important: the declaration is filled out in triplicate in the language accepted in the country of destination (for example, English, French, etc.). The information must be reliable and well written to avoid all sorts of misunderstandings.
Sample of filling out the CN 22 customs declaration
Sample of filling out the CN 23 customs declaration
Explanations for the CN 23 customs declaration
Both declarations contain a clause stating what kind of shipment it is. You can select, for example, Gift, Commercial Sample or Other. Parcels marked as “Gift” are often less likely to qualify.
CN23 is most often not needed for small packages.
If you want to insure your shipment, this can only be done with parcels (small packages cannot be insured). And if something happens to your shipment, the post office will reimburse you for the insurance amount.
Stage 5: Pay for the shipment and receive a tracking number
After everything is packaged, executed and signed, you pay for this service and receive a check in which the postal identifier will be written - a numeric combination of letters and numbers.
First, be sure to save the receipt until the recipient receives the shipment. .
When moving goods within the framework of foreign economic activity using IPO channels for small packages and parcels, a customs declaration of form CN 23 is filled out. The customs declaration and the documents attached to it are firmly attached to the outside of the shipment or, preferably, placed in a transparent self-adhesive envelope.
To speed up customs processing, the customs declaration is drawn up in French, English or any other language accepted in the country of destination.
For customs inspection of a shipment, the customs office of the destination country must know exactly what it contains. Therefore, the declaration must be completed completely and clearly. Otherwise, this may lead to delays in sending the item, as well as other inconveniences for the recipient. Any false or unclear declaration may result in a fine or confiscation of the item.
Included items may be subject to restrictions. Therefore, the sender should inquire about import and export possibilities (prohibitions, restrictions such as quarantine, restrictions regarding pharmaceutical products, etc.) and inquire about documents (goods invoice, certificate of origin, health certificate, license, product permit, subject to quarantine (products of animal, plant origin, food, etc.)), which may be required in the country of destination.
A commercial consignment means any product exported or imported as part of any transaction, regardless of whether it is sold for any amount or exchanged without the security of money supply.
(1) A detailed description of each item contained in the shipment must be provided (for example, “men's cotton shirts”). General statements such as “spare parts”, “samples”, “food products”, etc. are not permitted.
(2) State the quantity of each item and specify the unit of measurement used.
(3) and (4) Enter the net weight of each item (in kg) and the total weight of the item with packaging (in kg) when weighed at the post office at the time of delivery.
(5) and (6) Indicate the cost of each item and the total cost, specifying the currency (eg CHF for Swiss francs).
(7) and (8) The HS code (six-digit index) is determined according to the harmonized system of description and coding of goods developed by the International Customs Organization. The term "country of origin" refers to the country of origin of the goods (for example, the country where they were produced, manufactured or completed).
(9) Enter the amount of tariff paid for the postal item. Please list any other fees (such as insurance fees) separately.
(10) Cross out the box or boxes indicating the category of the item.
(11) Please clarify if the investment (products of animal, plant origin, food, etc.) is subject to quarantine or other restrictions.
(12), (13) and (14) If your shipment is accompanied by a license or certificate, cross out the appropriate box and indicate the number. You must include an invoice with all commercial shipments.
(15) Your signature and date confirm your responsibility for the shipment.
Instructions
Pour accélérer le dédouanement, veuillez remplir cette déclaration en anglais, en français, ou dans une langue admise dans le pays de destination. Quand la valeur du contenu excède 300 DTS, vous devez utiliser une formule CN23. Vous devez inscrire le nom et l'adresse complets de l'expéditeur au recto de l'envoi.
(1) Veuillez fournir une description détaillée de chaque objet et préciser la quantité ainsi que l'unité de mesure utilisée (p. ex. “2 chemises homme en coton”), notamment pour les objets soumis à quarantaine (produits d'origine animale , végétale, alimentaire, etc.).
(2), (3), (6) et (7) Veuillez mentionner le poids et la valeur de chaque objet et le poids et la valeur totaux de l'envoi. Veuillez préciser la monnaie utilisée (p. ex. CHF pour franc suisse).
(4) et (5) Le n˚ tarifaire du SH (à six chiffres) doit être basé sur le Système harmonisé de désignation et de codification des marchandises élaboré par l’Organisation mondiale des douanes. Le terme “pays d’origine” désigne le pays d’où proviennen les marchandises (p. ex. le pays où elles ont été produites, fabriquées ou assemblées). Il est recommandé de fournir ces informations et de fixer une facture à l’extérieur de l’envoi, afin de faciliter le traitement de l’envoi par la douane.
(8) Votre signature et la date engagent votre resposabilité quant à l’envoi.
Instructions
To speed up customs clearance, the declaration is drawn up in English, French or any other language accepted in the country of destination. If the value of the investment exceeds 300 SDR, a CN 23 declaration must be filled out. The name and address of the sender must be indicated in full on the front side of the item.
(1) Provide a detailed description of each item and specify the quantity as well as the unit of measurement used (e.g. “men's cotton shirts”), especially for items subject to quarantine (animal products, plant products, food products, etc.) .
(2), (3), (6) and (7) Enter the weight and value of each item and the total weight and value of the shipment. Please specify the currency used (eg CHF for Swiss francs).
(4) and (5) The HS code (six-digit index) is determined according to the Harmonized System for Description and Coding of Goods developed by the International Customs Organization. “Country of origin” means the country of origin of the goods (eg the country where they were produced, manufactured or completed). To speed up customs clearance, it is recommended to provide the above information and attach the goods invoice to the outside of the shipment.
(8) Your signature and date confirm your responsibility for the shipment.
The form numbered cn23 plays the role of an accompanying document for international postal shipments - a customs declaration accompanies parcels with a value above 300 SDR (special drawing rights). For less valuable items, a different customs declaration form is used.
What information is indicated in the customs declaration cn 23?
In essence, form cn 23 is a detailed inventory of the investment. It is secured with transparent tape to the shipment packaging - a box or package so that the form and the information in it are clearly legible. Filling out the details is designed for individuals and legal entities - each sender fills out his own details.
- Departure category. An indication of the nature of the content is required. The form provides the option of a gift, return of goods, commercial sample, documents and other things. Additional explanations can be provided in the explanation column.
- The name of the items being sent. An accurate indication of their names will significantly speed up the processing of the parcel, both at the point of departure and receipt.
- Number of goods. It must be indicated - in case of non-delivery by the sender, this fact can be easily proven, as well as possible theft of contents in transit.
- Weight of positions. Investments are weighed before sealing the package. Their weight is indicated without taking into account the parcel container in the line with the name. The total weight of the shipment is indicated taking into account the packaging.
- The value of each investment is reflected in the declaration if desired. When evaluating, the price of each item line by line and the entire shipment as a whole is indicated.
You can download the cn 23 customs declaration form in word.
How to fill out a customs declaration for a parcel (cn23)
On the back of the form there are detailed instructions for filling it out.
- For letter designations, Latin letters and the recipient's language are used.
- Definitions and names are as accurate as possible.
- Unclear wording leads to the delay of the parcel at the post office until the contents are clarified or it is confiscated.
- Corrections in the customs declaration are not allowed. When they appear, you will have to fill out a new form.
- Compliance of the wording with the list of goods permitted for export from the territory of the Russian Federation.
- The names of the goods sent must contain the most complete and clear wording. General names such as “components”, “spare parts”, “samples”, “food” or “non-food products” are not acceptable. The name should indicate the model and composition, helping to identify the product. For example, “wool pullover,” but not “pullover.”
- Postal rates and fees. They are usually affixed by postal employees.
- Notes This reflects information about the need for quarantine and/or phytosanitary control in relation to food, medicine and other investments that are subject to restrictions.
The sample customs declaration form presented on our website will help you fill out the form correctly the first time.
Registration of commercial shipments
There is a special box for commercial shipments. These include parcels with goods sent to the counterparty as part of the transaction, regardless of their quantity and value.
- HS Code. This is a six-digit index in accordance with the WTO commodity coding system.
- Country of origin. The country in which the goods were manufactured and assembled is indicated, and not from where it is sent.
- License, certificate, invoice. If the parcel is accompanied by one or more of these documents, you need to cross out the corresponding box and enter the document number.
In the sample customs declaration, all data is filled out in accordance with modern requirements of the Russian Post. Form CN 23 is not filled out when sending parcels to Armenia. Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.