Form CN22 vs CN23? Which One to Choose?
Key Takeaways:
- A CN22 customs form is used for international shipments weighing up to 2 kg and valued below the operator's threshold, such as £270 in the UK.
- A CN23 customs form is required for shipments that weigh over 2 kg or exceed the value threshold (e.g., £270), as it allows for more detailed information.
- The primary physical difference is that the CN22 is a simple adhesive label, while the CN23 is a larger, more detailed document placed in a transparent pouch.
- Since Brexit, customs declarations like the CN22 or CN23 (or their electronic equivalents) are mandatory for shipments from Great Britain to EU countries.
- Many postal operators now require electronic pre-advice of customs data (EAD) in addition to the physical paper form being attached to the parcel.
International shipping documentation can make or break your global e-commerce success, and choosing between CN22 and CN23 customs forms is one of the most fundamental decisions facing cross-border sellers. Understanding when to use CN22 or CN23 customs forms is crucial for ensuring smooth customs clearance, preventing costly delays, and maintaining customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive international marketplace. Since Brexit, customs declarations (paper CN22/CN23 or the required electronic pre-advice) are required for shipments from Great Britain to EU countries, although there are specific arrangements for Northern Ireland, making proper selection essential for business success.
Understanding CN22 and CN23: The Foundation of International Shipping
CN22 and CN23 forms are standardized customs declaration documents created by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and recognized by postal services and customs authorities worldwide. These forms communicate shipment contents, values, and origins to customs authorities to facilitate processing and duty assessment.
The CN22 form is the simpler option, designed for lower-value, lower-weight shipments where detailed documentation is unnecessary. It usually appears as a small sticker attached to the package alongside the shipping label and includes sender/recipient details, content descriptions, quantities, weights, values, and HS (tariff) codes.
The CN23 form provides more comprehensive information for higher-value or more complex consignments. CN23 includes additional fields for country of origin, currency, license/certificate references, and space for supplementary documentation; it is typically placed in a protective pouch on the outside of the package and is often accompanied by a postal dispatch note (e.g., CP72).
Both forms support efficient customs clearance; the choice depends primarily on the consignment’s value and weight, and sometimes on destination-specific rules or the carrier’s requirements (see our guidance on shipping strategies for different markets).
When to Use CN22: Streamlined Processing for Standard Shipments
CN22 declarations are used for international mail services that weigh up to 2 kg and whose value is below the small-packet threshold set by the UPU (locally implemented by postal operators). For UK postal services, this threshold is commonly expressed as £270 (roughly equivalent to common euro thresholds used by other operators). CN22 is therefore the usual choice for many standard consumer e-commerce parcels.
The sticker format and limited fields make CN22 ideal for high-volume, homogeneous shipments: it’s quick to complete, easier to affix during packing, and reduces the chance of simple omissions that cause delays. Many national operators and postal partners have CN22 variants for particular services (for example, Royal Mail uses CN22A/CN22B variants aligned with tracked vs economy services).
Note: While the 2 kg limit is the standard threshold for CN22 declarations, B2B shippers should exercise caution with bulky or oversized items. Even if a parcel weighs less than 2 kg, if its dimensions exceed the standard 'small packet' (Petit Paquet) definition or if the contents are subject to specific licensing, utilizing a CN23 form is highly recommended. This provides the necessary granular detail to prevent customs holds and ensures compliance with the increasingly strict Electronic Advance Data (EAD) requirements.
When to Use CN23: Comprehensive Documentation for Complex Shipments
CN23 declarations are required for larger or higher-value consignments, in UPU terms, for items whose declared value exceeds 300 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) or when weight exceeds the small-packet limit, and practically for many postal operators, this is implemented as shipments over 2 kg or above the operator’s monetary threshold (e.g., £270 in the UK). CN23 provides the space and fields needed for itemized descriptions, origin, license numbers, and additional reference data that customs authorities need for thorough assessment.
Commercial shippers and B2B consignments often prefer CN23 even when not strictly required because the extra detail reduces the risk of queries or holds in customs. Where a parcel contains multiple items with differing tariff treatments, CN23’s itemized format is strongly recommended.
Key Differences Between CN22 and CN23 Forms
- Detail: CN23 contains many more fields (country of origin, currency, license/certificate references) while CN22 captures essential information only.
- Format: CN22 is an adhesive label; CN23 is larger and is normally inserted into a transparent pouch and attached to the parcel.
- When used: CN22 for small packets (≤2 kg and below the operator’s value threshold); CN23 for heavier or higher-value consignments (or where itemization/extra data is required).
Practical Notes & Carrier Requirements
- Many postal operators now require electronic pre-advice of the CN22/CN23 data in addition to a physical form; this is increasingly mandatory to meet customs and security requirements and to avoid delays. Always check whether your carrier requires electronic data submission (EAD).
- Some carriers (Parcelforce, commercial couriers) use different dispatch forms (e.g., CP72 / PS Form 2976-A equivalents) or fully electronic manifests; check the carrier’s guidance before shipping.
- Where applicable, use CN23 for multi-item consignments, restricted-goods declarations, or when licenses/certificates apply. The CN23 pouch and accompanying dispatch note help customs handle and inspect goods without damaging packaging.
Summary
The choice between CN22 and CN23 affects customs speed, cost, and customer experience. Use CN22 for small packets (≤2 kg and below the national/local value threshold, such as £270 in the UK); use CN23 for heavier or higher-value consignments, multi-item packages, or any shipment requiring additional documentation. Always confirm the applicable local threshold and whether your postage method requires electronic pre-advice in addition to the paper form.
Post-Brexit rules have made accurate customs documentation and electronic pre-advice more critical for UK shippers to EU destinations. Get your CN form selection right, and partner with us for correct electronic data capture to avoid costly delays. Mastering CN22/CN23 selection is a small but powerful step toward reliable cross-border fulfillment and happier customers.
Sources:
- UPU Universal Postal Union https://www.upu.int/en/postal-solutions/programmes-services/postal-supply-chain/customs
- GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-need-to-register-for-plastic-packaging-tax
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The primary difference relates to the shipment's value and weight. A CN22 is a simplified sticker for items under 2 kg and below a value threshold (like £270), while a CN23 is a more detailed form for shipments exceeding those limits.
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A CN22 form is used for international postal shipments weighing up to 2 kg and valued below the established small-packet threshold, such as £270 in the UK.
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A CN23 form is required for consignments that weigh over 2 kg or have a value exceeding the local operator's threshold (e.g., £270). It is also the correct form for multi-item shipments or those needing detailed documentation like licenses.
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Yes, typically both are required. Most postal operators mandate electronic data submission (EAD) for pre-advice, but the corresponding physical CN22 or CN23 paper form must still be attached to the parcel.
