What is CN22?
CN22 is a short-form postal customs declaration. It is typically used for lower-value, lower-weight postal parcels where the destination postal operator and customs authority allow a simplified customs declaration. CN22 usually captures sender, recipient, contents summary, weight, and value. It is not a duty-free guarantee.
What is CN23?
CN23 is the longer-form postal customs declaration. It typically supports multiple line items with individual descriptions, quantities, weights, values, HS codes where required, and country of origin. Postal operators and destination customs authorities often require CN23 when parcels exceed configured value or weight thresholds, contain multiple items, or require more detailed customs review.
CN22 vs CN23 comparison
CN22 is usually a single-section form with summary contents. CN23 typically has a dedicated line-item table for each parcel item. In practice, CN22 is used for simpler shipments and CN23 is used for more detailed shipments. The exact thresholds vary by postal operator, destination, and current policy. Always confirm with the postal operator and destination customs authority before mailing.
Postal vs courier, express, freight, and marketplace channels
CN22 and CN23 are postal customs forms. Courier, express, freight, and most marketplace label shipments rely on the carrier or label platform’s own electronic customs data plus a commercial invoice. CN22/CN23 alone may not be accepted for those channels. Use the CN22/CN23 Generator decision helper to confirm whether your shipment channel calls for a postal declaration or a carrier-driven customs workflow.
Required fields checklist
A complete postal customs declaration draft usually includes sender name and address, recipient name and address, destination country, parcel weight, total declared value, currency, item description with material and function, quantity, country of origin, HS code where required by destination, nature of goods (sale, gift, sample, return, documents), and a signature or date placeholder. Low-value treatment depends on destination rules and current customs policy.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include vague item descriptions such as gift, sample, accessory, parts, or product, missing country of origin, missing value, missing weight, assuming the parcel is duty-free only because the declared value is low, and assuming CN22 is always accepted when CN23 is required by destination rules.
Example 1: small low-value apparel parcel
A 0.8 kg postal parcel containing two cotton T-shirts with a declared value of USD 80 and destination United States may fit within default CN22 thresholds. The declaration draft should still include sender, recipient, destination, item description (cotton knitted T-shirt), quantity, weight, value, currency, country of origin (for example China), and HS code candidate where required.
Example 2: multi-item commercial shipment
A 2.4 kg postal parcel containing mixed apparel, accessories, and sample products with declared value USD 320 may exceed default CN22 thresholds. The postal operator may require CN23 with a separate line for each item, individual weights, individual values, descriptions, and origin. If the same shipment is sent through a courier or marketplace label, the carrier’s electronic customs data plus a commercial invoice is the more typical path.
When to use a Commercial Invoice instead
Use a Commercial Invoice instead of CN22 or CN23 when the shipment is sent through a courier, express carrier, freight forwarder, or marketplace label platform. In those cases, customs data is usually transmitted electronically by the carrier alongside the commercial invoice, and a standalone CN22/CN23 may not be accepted.
Use the CN22/CN23 Generator
Use the CN22/CN23 Generator to enter shipment channel, parcel weight, declared value, item details, and configurable thresholds. The generator recommends a form, drafts the declaration, calculates readiness, checks description quality, and produces a printable PDF draft.