How to Fill Out the US Post Office Customs Form (2026)

• 10 min read

Sending a package internationally can feel a little daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. For orientation, start with this how to ship internationally overview. The key is understanding the paperwork, and the most important document you’ll need is the us post office customs form. Think of it as your package’s passport. It tells customs officials in other countries exactly what’s inside, what it’s worth, and where it’s going.

Getting this form right is crucial. In fact, the USPS handles over 1 million international packages every single day, and each one needs accurate documentation to arrive safely and on time. An incomplete or incorrect form can lead to major headaches, including delays, your package being returned, or even confiscation.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the us post office customs form, from filling it out online to understanding all the specific requirements.

The Modern Way: Completing Your Customs Form Online

Long gone are the days of messy, handwritten carbon copy forms. Today, the standard and required method for completing a us post office customs form is online. This process ensures your information is clear, legible, and sent to customs officials electronically before your package even arrives, which can significantly speed up clearance.

There are a few ways to do this:

Printing a Shipping Label with a Customs Form

The most efficient method is to use an online service that integrates the customs declaration directly into the shipping label. If you’re new to what appears on your shipping label, this quick guide breaks it down. When you enter your package details and pay for postage online, the system generates a single, combined document that serves as both your postage and your customs form.

This has huge benefits:

  • It saves time. You handle everything at once, no separate forms needed.
  • It ensures accuracy. The system automatically chooses the correct form for the service you’ve selected.
  • It’s required. This method satisfies the mandate for electronic customs data transmission.

Using USPS Click N Ship for Customs Forms

USPS’s own Click N Ship platform is a popular tool for this. You enter all your shipment information, including a detailed description of the contents, and the system automatically generates the correct, all in one shipping label and us post office customs form. Once you’ve paid, you simply print the label, attach it to your package, and you’re ready to go—or schedule a free USPS pickup.

Preparing Your Electronically Generated Form

After you print your label, a couple of small steps remain:

  1. Print Clearly: Make sure your printer has enough ink. A smudged or faded barcode can cause scanning errors and delays.
  2. Sign and Date: Most forms have a space for your signature. Signing the form is your legal certification that the information is accurate and the contents are not prohibited.
  3. Attach Securely: Place the label on the largest side of the package. If your form prints as multiple pages, you’ll need a special plastic pouch to hold them.

Need to Do It at the Post Office?

If you don’t have access to a computer or printer, you can still complete the customs process at a Post Office location. You will be asked to fill out a PS Form 2976 R, which is a customs declaration worksheet.

You’ll handwrite all the necessary information on this worksheet. The postal clerk will then take your sheet and enter the data into their computer system, which prints the official, barcoded us post office customs form. The worksheet itself does not go on your package; it is only used for data entry.

What Information Goes on the Form? The Mandatory Details

Every us post office customs form requires a specific set of information, known as mandatory data elements. Leaving any of these fields blank can cause your package to be rejected.

Detailed and Acceptable Item Descriptions

This is one of the most important parts. Vague, one word descriptions like “gift,” “clothes,” or “electronics” are no longer acceptable. You must provide a specific and detailed description for every item in the box.

For example:

  • Unacceptable: Clothes
  • Acceptable: Men’s cotton shirts
  • Unacceptable: Gift
  • Acceptable: Remote controlled toy car

The goal is to be so clear that anyone reading the description knows exactly what is inside. If your description is too generic, customs officials may reject or return the package.

HS Tariff Code

A Harmonized System (HS) code is a universal numeric code used to classify products for customs purposes. As of September 1, 2025, USPS requires a 6 digit HS code for each item in commercial international shipments. These codes help customs officers quickly determine if any duties, taxes, or restrictions apply. If you’re unsure of the code for your item, USPS provides an HS Code Lookup tool to help you find it.

Sender and Recipient Information

You must provide the full name and address for both yourself (the sender) and the person receiving the package (the recipient). It’s also highly recommended to include the recipient’s phone number and email address, as many countries now use this information to contact them for duty payments or delivery arrangements.

Item Value, Weight, and Category

For each item, you must declare its value in U.S. dollars, its net weight, and its quantity. Be honest and accurate. Undervaluing items to avoid taxes is illegal and can result in your package being seized. The declared value is also used for insurance purposes. If you’re unsure how these inputs affect postage, see our guide on how to calculate shipping costs.

You’ll also need to check a box indicating the category of the shipment, such as “Merchandise,” “Gift,” or “Documents.” This distinction is important because “Documents” are typically not subject to duties, while “Merchandise” (any physical good) is.

Choosing the Correct US Post Office Customs Form

The specific us post office customs form you need depends entirely on the mail service you choose. Fortunately, when you create a label online, the system selects the correct one for you. However, it’s helpful to know the different types.

Before you choose a service, it’s a great idea to see how the costs stack up. Using an online shipping calculator lets you compare rates from different carriers side by side, ensuring you don’t overpay. If you’re considering USPS packaging, compare when USPS Flat Rate Boxes beat variable‑rate options.

PS Form 2976 (Customs Declaration CN 22)

This is the simple, small customs form used for most lightweight and lower value shipments. It’s typically required for:

  • First Class Package International Service shipments valued at $400 or less.

PS Form 2976 A (Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note CP 72)

This is a more detailed, multi page form used for larger or more valuable shipments. It’s required for:

  • All Priority Mail International shipments.
  • Any shipment with a value over $400.
  • Any package that requires an export license.

PS Form 2976 B (Priority Mail Express International Label and Form)

This is a special, all in one shipping label and customs form used exclusively for:

  • Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) shipments.
  • Priority Mail Express shipments going to APO/FPO/DPO military addresses.

PS Form 6182 (Commercial Invoice)

This document is not a standard customs form but a detailed invoice for customs purposes. It is required for all Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) shipments.

PS Form 2976 E (Customs Declaration Envelope)

This isn’t a form you fill out, but a clear plastic pouch that holds your multi page customs forms (like the PS Form 2976 A) and attaches to the outside of your package. USPS provides these for free at the post office.

Special Shipping Requirements

Beyond the basics, a few special situations have their own rules for the us post office customs form.

Shipping to Military and Diplomatic Addresses (APO/FPO/DPO)

Even though you pay domestic rates to send packages to military and diplomatic posts, they often require a us post office customs form. As of July 2024, USPS mandates a customs form for all packages containing goods sent to APO, FPO, and DPO destinations. Treat these shipments like any other international package and fill out the declaration accurately to avoid delays.

Place of Mailing Rules

For security reasons, you cannot simply drop any international package into a blue collection box. Any international package weighing over 13 ounces that uses only stamps for postage must be presented to a USPS employee at a retail counter. If you’ve printed an all in one label online, you can typically schedule a free USPS pickup or drop it off at the counter.

Frequently Asked Questions about the US Post Office Customs Form

1. What is the easiest way to fill out a US Post Office customs form?
The easiest and most recommended way is to use an online shipping service like USPS Click N Ship or another approved postage provider. These platforms combine the shipping label and customs form into one document, automatically select the correct form, and transmit the data electronically.

2. Do I need a customs form to ship to Canada or Mexico?
Yes. Any time you send a package containing merchandise outside of the United States, including to Canada and Mexico, a completed us post office customs form is required. For country‑specific tips, see our guide to shipping to Mexico.

3. Can I still fill out a customs form by hand at the post office?
You cannot use a handwritten form on your package. However, you can fill out a worksheet (Form 2976 R) by hand at the post office, which a clerk will then use to key in your information and print a barcoded, electronic form for you.

4. What happens if I make a mistake on my customs form?
A mistake could cause delays, return of the package, or other issues. If you realize you made an error after printing a label online but before mailing, it is best to void that label and create a new, correct one. If the package is already in transit, there is little you can do but wait and see if it is returned or if the recipient is contacted by their country’s customs agency.

5. Why does my US Post Office customs form need an HS code?
The 6 digit HS code is a global standard that helps customs authorities everywhere quickly and accurately classify your item. This speeds up processing and ensures any duties or taxes are assessed correctly. It is becoming a mandatory requirement for most international shipments.

6. Is a US Post Office customs form required for military mail (APO/FPO)?
Yes, in most cases. A customs form is now required for all packages containing goods going to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses. Only document only mail (like a simple letter) may be exempt.

Navigating international shipping is much simpler once you understand the role of the us post office customs form. By taking the time to fill it out accurately online, you ensure your package has the best chance of a speedy and smooth journey. And if you want to make sure you’re not overpaying for that journey, you can always find the cheapest shipping rates before you buy your postage. For additional strategies specific to cross‑border parcels, see our guide to cheapest international shipping.