India Post Custom Declaration Form CN22 & CN23: Complete Guide 2026

Updated: April 17, 2026

India Post Customs Declaration Form CN22 and CN23 Guide

Sending an international parcel through India Post can be delayed, returned, or inspected if the customs declaration is incomplete or vague. The CN22 or CN23 form tells customs officers what is inside the package, how much it is worth, where it was made, and whether duties or restrictions may apply.


The safest rule is simple: describe every item clearly, declare the real value, attach the form on the outside of the parcel, and check both India Post rules and the destination country’s import rules before posting.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: CN22 and CN23 Forms

CN22 and CN23 are customs declaration forms used for international mail sent through India Post. CN22 is normally used for smaller or lower-value postal items, while CN23 is used for higher-value, heavier, or more detailed shipments. The form must be accurate and attached to the outside of the parcel.

Question Practical Answer
Do I need a customs form for international mail? Yes, if the item contains goods, gifts, samples, merchandise or anything with value
Which form is smaller? CN22
Which form is more detailed? CN23
Where do I attach it? On the outside of the parcel, usually on the address side
Can I write “gift” only? No, describe the actual contents clearly
Can I get the form at the post office? Yes, and India Post also provides customs declaration forms online
India Post office for international parcel customs declaration

What Is an India Post Customs Declaration?

An India Post customs declaration is a form attached to an international postal item so customs authorities can identify the contents, quantity, value, weight, origin and purpose of export. It helps the destination country decide whether duty, tax, inspection, permit or restriction applies.

For personal parcels, the declaration tells customs whether the package is a gift, documents, returned goods or personal items. For business parcels, it helps classify the goods and match them with invoices, HS codes and export records.

Important: the declaration is not just a postal label. It is a customs document. False or incomplete details can cause delay, return, seizure, penalty or delivery problems in the destination country.

CN22 vs CN23: What Is the Difference?

CN22 is the simpler declaration. CN23 is more detailed and is commonly used when the shipment value is higher, the parcel is heavier, the item is commercial, or customs needs more information.

Feature CN22 CN23
Best for Small, lower-value international postal items Higher-value, heavier, or more detailed parcels
Detail level Short declaration label Detailed customs declaration
Common threshold Often used up to 300 SDR value Often used above 300 SDR or where full details are needed
Commercial shipments May be accepted for simple low-value shipments Usually better when invoice, HS code and detailed values matter
Attachment On the outside of the parcel Usually in a document pouch on the outside of the parcel

Do not choose by guesswork only. The correct form can depend on service type, value, weight, destination country and India Post acceptance rules. Ask the post office if your parcel is high-value, commercial, restricted or unusual.

When Is a Customs Declaration Required?

A customs declaration is normally required when you send goods outside India through India Post. This includes gifts, personal effects, samples, sale goods, returned goods, replacement items and anything that customs can value or inspect.

You usually need CN22 or CN23 for

  • Gifts sent to family or friends abroad.
  • Clothes, shoes, accessories or personal items.
  • Books, handicrafts, toys or household goods.
  • Commercial samples.
  • Online sales and e-commerce exports.
  • Returned goods sent back to a seller.
  • Replacement items sent to a customer.
  • Documents with goods or merchandise enclosed.

You may not need a goods declaration for

  • Ordinary letters containing only written communication.
  • Pure documents with no commercial goods, depending on service and destination rules.

Simple rule: if the package contains anything customs may value, tax, restrict, inspect or return, prepare a customs declaration.

Where to Get CN22 and CN23 Forms

You can get customs declaration forms from an India Post counter or use the official India Post customs declaration form page. The official India Post page allows users to download CN22 and generate CN23 forms for international postal shipments.

Use the official India Post Customs Declaration Forms page for CN22 and CN23 forms. You can also ask at the post office when booking an international article.

Before going to the post office: prepare item descriptions, quantity, value, weight, recipient address, sender address, destination country and invoice details. This avoids rewriting the form at the counter.

How to Fill CN22 Form for India Post

The CN22 form must be clear, specific and honest. Customs officers do not want broad words like “gift,” “clothes,” “items,” “sample,” or “personal things” without details.

Field-by-field checklist

  1. Category of item: tick the correct type, such as gift, documents, commercial sample, sale of goods, returned goods or other category where shown.
  2. Detailed description: write the exact item name, material and use where helpful.
  3. Quantity: state the number of items.
  4. Net weight: write the weight of the item or item group in kilograms.
  5. Value: declare the real value and currency.
  6. HS tariff number: add the HS code for commercial goods or where known.
  7. Country of origin: state where the goods were made or produced.
  8. Total weight and value: check that totals match the parcel and invoice.
  9. Date and signature: sign and date the declaration.
Bad Description Better Description
Clothes 2 women’s cotton kurtas
Gift 1 wooden photo frame gift
Sample 3 cotton fabric samples, no commercial sale
Electronics 1 used mobile phone for repair return
Food 2 sealed packets of dry tea leaves

Do not under-declare value. A low fake value can cause customs suspicion, insurance problems, buyer disputes and penalties. Declare the actual transaction value or reasonable market value.

How to Fill CN23 Form

CN23 is more detailed than CN22 and is commonly used when customs needs full information about the parcel. It is especially useful for higher-value goods, commercial shipments, returned goods, repairs and parcels with multiple item types.

CN23 information commonly needed

  • Sender name, address, phone number and email where required.
  • Recipient name, full address, phone number and email where required.
  • Detailed item description for each item type.
  • Quantity of each item.
  • Net weight and total weight.
  • Value of each item and total declared value.
  • Currency used.
  • HS tariff code for commercial goods.
  • Country of origin.
  • Reason for export, such as gift, sale, return, sample or repair.
  • Invoice number where applicable.
  • Signature and date.

CN23 tip: if the parcel has many different items, prepare a small item list before filling the form. The form should match the invoice, parcel contents and postal booking details.

Where to Put the Customs Declaration on a Package

The customs declaration should be attached securely to the outside of the parcel, usually on the same side as the address label or close to it. Customs and postal staff should be able to read it without opening the parcel.

Placement checklist

  • Attach CN22 flat on the outside of the parcel.
  • Use a transparent pouch for CN23 and supporting documents where available.
  • Do not cover barcodes, address labels or tracking labels.
  • Make sure the declaration is not folded over an edge.
  • Protect the form from rain, tearing and smudging.
  • Keep invoice copies with the declaration for commercial parcels.
  • Make sure the sender and recipient details match the parcel label.

Good placement matters: if customs cannot read the form quickly, the parcel may be delayed, opened for inspection, returned or held for clarification.

Can You Complete a Customs Declaration Online?

Yes. India Post provides an online customs declaration form page where users can select the destination and generate or download customs forms. Availability and workflow may vary by service, post office and shipment type.

For business exporters, postal exports may also involve electronic declaration and processing through customs-linked systems or Dak Niryat Kendra facilities where available. Commercial exporters should confirm the latest process at the booking post office or official export portal before dispatch.

Best practice: complete the customs information electronically where available, print clearly, and still carry supporting documents when you visit the post office.

Do You Need CN22 or CN23 for the USA?

Yes, goods sent from India to the USA normally need a customs declaration. The correct form depends on the postal service, value, weight and contents. For goods, do not send an international parcel to the United States without a clear contents declaration.

US-bound postal shipments can also be affected by changing US customs and duty rules. Before sending goods to the USA, check current India Post service availability, duty-paid requirements, prohibited items and destination rules.

For USA parcels, double-check

  • Whether the item is allowed into the USA.
  • Whether India Post currently accepts that service to the USA.
  • Whether CN22 or CN23 is required for the service and value.
  • Whether a commercial invoice is needed.
  • Whether duties or taxes must be paid by sender or recipient.
  • Whether food, medicines, cosmetics, electronics or seeds need extra checks.

USA warning: customs rules for US-bound parcels have changed in recent years. Check the latest India Post and US customs requirements before sending sale goods, e-commerce orders or high-value parcels.

Commercial Shipments and Small Exports

Commercial shipments need more care than personal gifts. If the parcel contains goods sold online, samples for a buyer, return merchandise or business stock, the customs declaration should match the invoice and export purpose.

Commercial shipment checklist

  • Use the correct sender/exporter details.
  • Write a specific item description, not only “sample” or “product.”
  • Attach a commercial invoice where required.
  • Add HS codes where applicable.
  • State the correct country of origin.
  • Declare actual transaction value.
  • Do not mark sale goods as gifts.
  • Check whether IEC, Postal Bill of Export, export incentives or Dak Niryat Kendra process applies.
  • Keep proof of posting, invoice and tracking records.

For repeat exports: keep a spreadsheet of product descriptions, HS codes, weights, declared values and destination restrictions. Consistent declarations reduce mistakes and counter questions.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

A correct CN22 or CN23 form does not make a prohibited item legal. India Post rules, Indian export rules, airline safety rules and destination-country import rules can all apply.

Items that need extra care

  • Medicines and supplements.
  • Food, spices, seeds and agricultural products.
  • Perfume, aerosols, liquids and flammable items.
  • Electronics with lithium batteries.
  • Jewellery, precious metals and precious stones.
  • Currency, coins, financial instruments and valuables.
  • Religious, cultural or antique items.
  • Animal products, leather, shells or wildlife-related goods.
  • Cosmetics and personal care products.
  • Documents mixed with goods.

Check the official India Post Prohibited Items page and the destination country’s customs rules before posting restricted items.

Do not rely only on the post office accepting the parcel. Destination customs can still inspect, tax, reject, destroy or return goods if local import rules are not met.

Common Mistakes That Delay Parcels

  • Writing vague descriptions such as “gift,” “clothes,” “things” or “items.”
  • Declaring a fake low value to avoid duty.
  • Using the wrong currency or no currency.
  • Forgetting quantity, weight or country of origin.
  • Not signing and dating the form.
  • Using CN22 when the shipment needs CN23.
  • Not attaching a commercial invoice for sale goods.
  • Marking business goods as gifts.
  • Placing the form inside the parcel instead of outside.
  • Covering the barcode or address label with the declaration.
  • Sending prohibited or restricted items without checking rules.
  • Ignoring destination-specific import rules.
Mistake Risk Fix
Vague item description Customs delay or inspection Describe item, material and use clearly
Wrong value Reassessment, penalty or claim issue Use actual value and currency
Missing invoice Commercial parcel held Attach invoice in clear pouch
Form inside package Customs cannot process quickly Attach form outside parcel
Prohibited item Return, seizure or destruction Check India Post and destination rules first

Bottom Line

Use CN22 or CN23 whenever you send goods internationally through India Post. CN22 is usually for smaller or lower-value postal items, while CN23 is used when more detail is needed, especially for higher-value, heavier or commercial parcels.

The safest customs declaration is specific, honest and easy to read. List every item clearly, declare real value, include weight and origin, attach invoices where needed, place the form outside the parcel, and check prohibited items before posting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a CN22 form from the post office?

Yes. CN22 forms are available at many India Post branches, and India Post also provides customs declaration forms online.

How do I fill CN22 form for India Post?

Fill in the item category, detailed description, quantity, weight, value, HS code where applicable, country of origin, date and signature. Avoid vague descriptions.

Can I complete a customs declaration online?

Yes. India Post provides an online customs declaration form page where users can download CN22 and generate CN23 forms. Commercial exports may require additional electronic processing.

What is the difference between CN22 and CN23?

CN22 is a simpler customs declaration for smaller or lower-value postal items. CN23 is more detailed and is used for higher-value, heavier, commercial or more complex shipments.

Is CN22 or CN23 mandatory for international mail?

A customs declaration is normally required when international mail contains goods, gifts, samples, merchandise or anything with value. Pure documents may follow different rules.

Where do you put CN22 on a parcel?

Attach CN22 on the outside of the parcel, preferably near the address label, without covering barcodes or tracking labels.

Do I need CN22 for the USA?

Yes, goods sent from India to the USA normally need a customs declaration. The exact form depends on service, value, weight and contents.

Can I write only “gift” on the customs form?

No. You can mark the parcel as a gift if accurate, but you must still describe the actual contents, such as “one cotton shirt” or “two wooden toys.”

What happens if the customs declaration is wrong?

The parcel may be delayed, returned, reassessed, taxed, seized or held for clarification. False declarations can also create penalties or legal problems.

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