Customs Forms Guide

International Shipping Customs Forms Guide

Everything you need to know about customs forms for international shipping from Netcong, NJ.

Customs forms are required for nearly every international shipment leaving the United States. Filling them out correctly keeps your package moving smoothly through customs and helps your recipient avoid delays and unexpected fees. At Ship Center Plus in Netcong, NJ, we handle customs documentation for you — but this guide explains what is involved so you know what to expect and what to bring.

What Is a Customs Form?

A customs form (also called a customs declaration) is a document that tells the destination country what is in your package, what it is worth, and who it is going to. Every international shipment — whether personal or commercial — requires some form of customs documentation. The form helps the destination country assess whether import duties or taxes apply and whether the contents are allowed.

Types of Customs Documents

Customs Declaration Form (CN22 / CN23) — for postal/international packages
Commercial Invoice — required for commercial goods and most carrier shipments
Proforma Invoice — for samples or non-sale goods
Certificate of Origin — required for certain goods under trade agreements
Electronic Export Information (EEI) — for shipments above $2,500 value

What Information Goes on a Customs Form?

When you ship internationally with us, we prepare the customs forms for you. You will need to provide accurate information about your shipment so we can complete the paperwork correctly.

Sender name and address
Recipient name and address (including phone number)
Detailed description of each item (not just "gift" or "samples")
Quantity of each item
Value of each item (in USD)
Country of origin (where the item was manufactured)
Weight of the package
Purpose of shipment (personal gift, commercial sale, sample, etc.)

Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance

Accurate, detailed customs forms are the single best way to avoid delays and extra fees. Here are our top tips for smooth international customs clearance.

Describe items specifically — "men's cotton shirt" not "clothing"
Declare the true value — under-declaring can cause seizure or fines
List every item separately — do not bundle as "personal effects"
Include a recipient phone number — customs may need to contact them
Check restricted/prohibited items for the destination country
For commercial goods, include HS (Harmonized System) codes when possible

How We Help with Customs Forms

1

Bring your items and recipient info

Visit us with your items and the recipient's full address and phone number. Knowing the contents and values speeds things up.

2

We prepare the customs documentation

Our team fills out the customs declaration and commercial invoice accurately and completely for your destination country.

3

We attach everything and ship

We attach the customs forms to your package, create the carrier label, and hand it off to DHL, UPS, or FedEx — all tracked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to fill out customs forms myself?

No. We prepare all customs documentation for you at Ship Center Plus. You just need to provide accurate information about the contents and value of your shipment.

What happens if customs forms are wrong?

Incorrect or incomplete customs forms can cause delays, package holds, extra fees, or even seizure of the package. That is why we prepare them carefully for you.

Will my recipient have to pay customs fees?

Depending on the destination country and the value of the goods, the recipient may owe import duties or VAT. We help you declare accurately so there are no surprises.

Are gifts exempt from customs?

Some countries have a duty-free threshold for personal gifts, but it varies. We will advise you on the rules for your specific destination when you ship.

Need Help? We Are Here for You.

Visit Ship Center Plus in Netcong, NJ or call us with any questions. Walk-ins welcome — no appointment needed.

30 Main Street, Netcong, NJ 07857

(973) 527-3022

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed