USPS PS Form 2976: Short Customs Form for International Mail

USPS PS Form 2976, officially known as Customs Declaration CN 22, is the short customs form required when mailing small packages and parcels internationally from the United States. This USPS customs form PS Form 2976 is typically used for gifts, merchandise, or goods with lower values—often under $400, though exact thresholds vary by USPS service and destination country. This guide provides CN 22 customs form instructions, explains when to use this short customs form for international packages, and details the step-by-step filling process.

What is PS Form 2976?

PS Form 2976 is a small, adhesive-backed customs declaration form required by USPS for international mail containing goods, gifts, or merchandise. The form is also known as Customs Declaration CN 22 in international postal terminology. It provides customs officials in the destination country with information about what is in the package, its value, and whether it is a gift or merchandise. The form is designed for smaller, lower-value shipments and sticks directly to the outside of your envelope or package.

When to Use PS Form 2976

USPS typically requires PS Form 2976 when mailing:

• International packages or parcels containing merchandise, gifts, or commercial goods
• Items generally valued under $400 USD (exact thresholds depend on USPS service and destination country)
• Any mail service requiring customs clearance (First-Class Package International, Priority Mail International)

You do NOT need PS Form 2976 when:

• Mailing letters containing only documents or papers with no commercial value
• Sending higher-value items or when the destination requires a detailed form (use PS Form 2976-A instead)
• Using Priority Mail Express International (requires PS Form 2976-B)

How to Fill Out PS Form 2976: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sender Information (From)

• Name: Your full name or business name
• Address: Complete return address including street, city, state, ZIP code
• Country: United States

Step 2: Recipient Information (To)

• Name: Recipient's full name
• Address: Complete delivery address in destination country (see our envelope addressing guide for proper international address formatting)
• Country: Destination country name

Step 3: Contents Description

Describe what is in the package clearly and specifically. Customs officials need to know exactly what they are inspecting.

• Good: "3 cotton T-shirts, 1 coffee mug"
• Bad: "Gift" or "Merchandise"
• Be specific and honest—vague descriptions cause delays

Step 4: Quantity and Value

• Quantity: Number of each item
• Value: Total value in USD for each item type
• Total value: Sum of all items (if your shipment exceeds typical thresholds or requires more detail, you may need PS Form 2976-A instead)

Step 5: Weight

Enter the total weight of the package in pounds (lbs) and ounces (oz). USPS will weigh the package at the counter and verify this.

Step 6: Type of Contents

Check the appropriate box: Gift, Merchandise (for sale), Sample, Documents, or Other. If sending a gift, check "Gift" to potentially reduce import duties for the recipient.

Step 7: Signature and Date

Sign and date the form certifying that the information is accurate. False customs declarations can result in fines or legal action.

Step 8: Attach to Package

Peel off the backing and stick the form to the outside of your package in a visible location. Do not cover the barcode or address label.

Required Information for Customs

Customs requires the following information on PS Form 2976:

• Accurate contents description: Be specific and honest
• Value in USD: Fair market value of each item
• Weight: Total package weight
• Sender and recipient addresses: Complete and accurate
• Country of origin: Where items were manufactured (usually USA)
• HS tariff number (optional): Harmonized System code for commercial shipments. Most casual senders can leave this blank; it is primarily for businesses and detailed commercial declarations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague descriptions: "Gift" or "Personal items" is not acceptable—list specific items
• Undervaluing items: Listing a $200 watch as $20 to avoid duties is customs fraud
• Missing signature: Unsigned forms are invalid and packages will be returned
• Wrong form: Using 2976 for items over $400 (should use 2976-A)
• Incomplete addresses: Missing postal codes or country names delay delivery
• Prohibited items: Some items cannot be mailed internationally regardless of declaration

PS Form 2976 vs PS Form 2976-A

USPS offers different customs forms depending on package value and destination:

For more details on choosing the right form, see our guide to USPS customs forms.

FAQs

USPS PS Form 2976 is the CN 22 customs form most people use for small international packages. By understanding when to use this short customs form for international packages, filling it out accurately, and following USPS customs requirements, you can ensure smooth delivery. For higher-value shipments or when more detail is required, remember to use the appropriate detailed customs declaration instead.

Related Guides

• PS Form 2976-A: Detailed Customs Declaration
• PS Form 2976-B: Priority Mail Express International
• Which USPS Customs Form Do You Need?
• How to Address an Envelope