How to Fill Out a USPS Customs Form

Expanding your e-commerce sales into international markets is a great way to grow revenue.  And when shipping to international destinations, you must declare the contents of your package on a Customs Form so the destination country can inspect the product and determine if a duty or tax is required.

While some people think the process of completing a Custom Form is complicated, it really is a very simple process. And Stamps.com has made the process easy by AUTOMATICALLY filling out most of the required fields in the custom form!

There are four main section on a U.S. Postal Service Customs Form that require attention (example above is CN 22/PS Form 2976, commonly referred to as “1 page form”):

#1 Merchandise Info:  This is the area that you state the product description and value. If you use Stamps.com, the data can be automatically imported from your data source such eBay, Amazon.com, Etsy or your Shopping Cart.

#2 Address Info: This is the “from” address stating where the package is coming from, and the “to” or delivery address for where the package is traveling to.  Stamps.com automatically imports this info from the original data source (eBay, Carts, etc.) into the Customs Form

#3 Signature and Date: The USPS requires all international shippers to sign and date the Customs Form.  But with Stamps.com, you are a known shipper” and no signature is required.  Stamps.com automatically includes your name and date on form.

#4 Electronic Round Stamp: The USPS requires all Customs Forms to be stamped at the Post Office, providing an official “proof of mailing.”  But Stamps.com automatically prints an “electronic round stamp” on the Customs Form.  This allows you to

The USPS has three separate Customs Forms to use, depending on the type of mail class used, the value of the product and the destination country.  Generally speaking, all the three forms contain similar info.  It comes down to the number of copies that are included on the package.

Get more info on USPS Customs Forms.

Summary: How to Fill Out a USPS Customs Form (Step-by-Step)

If you’re shipping internationally, filling out a USPS customs form is essential. Here’s how to complete it accurately and avoid delays.

Step 1: Provide merchandise details

List each item in the package, including description, quantity, weight, and value. Be specific—for example, write “men’s cotton t-shirt” instead of just “clothing.” This info helps customs determine if duties or restrictions apply.

Step 2: Add sender and recipient addresses

Enter the full sender and recipient information, including names, street addresses, cities, postal codes, and countries. Double-check for accuracy to avoid delivery issues.

Step 3: Include your signature and the shipping date

USPS requires a signature to certify the accuracy of the information. Sign the form and include the mailing date in the designated fields.

Step 4: Add the Electronic Round Stamp (if applicable)

When you create your customs form electronically via Stamps.com, an official USPS Electronic Round Stamp is automatically applied. This eliminates the need to go to the Post Office.

Step 5: Print and attach the form

After completing all sections, print the form and securely attach it to your international shipment using a clear adhesive pouch or sleeve.

Frequently Asked Questions