CN22 vs. CN23: Difference and use for shippers
CN22 is used for small postal items with a value of up to approximately 300 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs); CN23 is required for heavier or more expensive packages exceeding this limit. Both forms are customs declarations issued by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and are used exclusively for postal shipments to countries outside the EU. Courier and express services such as DHL Express, UPS, and FedEx require different accompanying documents.
The most important decision criteria at a glance:
- Goods value up to approx. 300 SDRCN22
- Goods value exceeding approximately 300 SDR or weight over 2 kg: CN23
- Shipping method: Only postal shipments (Deutsche Post / DHL International Parcels) use CN22 or CN23
- Type of shipmentGifts, product samples, and returns can use CN22 if the value is low; commercial sales above the limit require CN23.
- When in doubtChoose CN23, as more complete information reduces customs delays.
German customs uses these forms to check whether import duties are payable. Missing or inaccurate information can delay shipments or lead to their return.
Table of Contents
- What are CN22 and CN23, and what are they used for?
- When does CN22 apply, and when does CN23 apply? The specific differences.
- Fill out CN22 step by step
- How to correctly fill out CN23: Mandatory information and special features
- Which form is suitable for which shipping scenario?
- Where and how is the customs declaration attached to the package?
- When do CN22 and CN23 not apply? Courier and express shipping
- Checklist before sending: What to check?
- Key insights
- International parcel service: Automatically and error-free creation of customs documents
- Official sources and further links
What are CN22 and CN23, and what are they used for?
CN22 and CN23 are standardized customs declarations of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) for postal shipments to third countries. They are attached to the outside of the shipment and inform customs in the destination country about the contents, value of the goods, and type of shipment.
Purpose of the forms: CN22 and CN23 enable customs authorities in the recipient country to assess the contents of a postal shipment, calculate import duties and identify prohibited goods — without having to open the package.
Both forms are only valid for shipments via the postal network, such as those sent via Deutsche Post or DHL International Parcel. A common misconception: CN22 and CN23 are not required for shipments within the EU, as no customs duties apply there. Therefore, anyone sending a package to France or Poland does not need either of these forms. They only become relevant for destinations such as Switzerland, the USA, Great Britain, or Japan.
When does CN22 apply, and when does CN23 apply? The specific differences.
The CN22 vs. CN23 difference can be broken down into three axes: value of goods, weight, and level of detail in the information.
| Criterion | CN22 | CN23 |
|---|---|---|
| cart value | Up to approximately 300 SDR | Over approximately 300 SDR |
| Weight | Usually up to 2 kg | From approximately 2 kg or heavier |
| Format | Small label | Larger form with detail fields |
| Type of shipment | Gifts, samples, documents, small goods | Commercial sales, more expensive goods |
| Additional documents | Usually not required | Commercial invoice, EORI number if applicable |
| Electronic advance notification | Partly required | Frequently required (since 2021) |
The euro equivalent of 300 SDRs fluctuates with the exchange rate of the International Monetary Fund. Anyone who sends money regularly should check the current rate instead of assuming a fixed euro amount.
Since 2021, physical forms are no longer sufficient in many cases: customs data must also be submitted electronically in advance. Deutsche Post and DHL integrate this automatically into their online postage services.
The sender is responsible for providing correct information. DHL expressly points out that incorrect declarations may lead to liability claims.
Pro tip: When in doubt, always choose CN23. The more detailed form contains all the fields of CN22 and more — complete information reduces delays, incomplete information causes them.
Fill out CN22 step by step
The CN22 form is compact. It fits directly onto the shipment as a label and contains only a few mandatory fields.
- Select the shipment type: Gift, merchandise, samples, documents or return — select only one option.
- Enter content descriptionBe specific and in English or the language of the destination country. Not "clothing", but "1x men's T-shirt, cotton".
- Specify quantity: Number of items included.
- Enter net weight: Weight of the contents without packaging, in grams or kilograms.
- Specify the value of the goods.In euros, with currency code. No under- or overvaluation — the actual market value applies.
- Signature and dateThe sender confirms the accuracy of the information.
Completed example: Shipment type “commercial goods”, contents “1x men’s T-shirt, cotton, size M”, quantity 1, weight 250 g, value 15,00 €, country of origin Germany.
Language and currency: English is the most widely used international language; the Euro is the correct currency for shipments from Germany. According to the shipping glossary, vague descriptions such as "clothing" or "gift" often lead to delays or rejection by customs.
Pro tip: Add the HS code (Harmonized System) if known. It also speeds up customs clearance on the CN22 form because the customs officer can immediately classify the item.
How to correctly fill out CN23: Mandatory information and special features
The CN23 form is significantly more comprehensive. It contains a table listing all items, complete sender and recipient details, as well as fields for commercial invoice numbers and HS codes.
Required fields in CN23:
- Full sender and recipient address
- Detailed list of contents: description, quantity, unit price, total value per item
- Country of origin of each item
- Total weight (net and gross)
- Total value of the shipment in euros
- Shipment type (merchandise, gift, sample, return)
- Signature and date of sender
The following applies to commercial shippers: For sales to recipients outside the EU, a commercial invoice should always be attached to the CN23 form. Eori number This is relevant for regular commercial exports and should appear on the invoice. HS codes must be specified for commercial shipments—they expedite processing and reduce queries.
Completed example: Sender: Sample Company GmbH, Sample Street 1, 10115 Berlin, Germany. Recipient: John Smith, 123 Main St, New York, USA. Contents: 2 x ceramic mugs, handmade, origin Germany, unit price €22,00, total value €44,00. HS code: 6912.00. Shipment type: Commercial goods. Enclose commercial invoice no. 2024-0042.
Consistently entering HS codes and complete sender information saves time on average during customs clearance. Incorrect or missing information is the most frequent cause of delays.
Which form is suitable for which shipping scenario?
| scenario | form | Additional documents |
|---|---|---|
| Gift to a private individual, value under €45 | CN22 | None |
| Gift, value under approx. 300 SDR (approx. €325–380 depending on the exchange rate) | CN22 | None (recipient may pay import duties) |
| Online shop sale, value under approx. 300 SDR (approx. €325–380 depending on the exchange rate) | CN22 | Recommended: Enclose invoice |
| Online shop sale, value over approx. 300 SDR (approx. €325–380 depending on the exchange rate) | CN23 | Commercial invoice, possibly EORI |
| Samples sent to retailers | CN23 | Commercial invoice with note "Sample without commercial value" |
| Return, value under approx. 300 SDR (approx. €325–380 depending on the exchange rate) | CN22 | Return receipt |
| Mixed shipment: 3 items, total value €350 | CN23 | Commercial invoice |
| Documents (not goods) | CN22 or no form | Depending on the destination country |
A special case that often raises questions: If you're shipping three inexpensive items that together exceed 300 SDR (Special Drawing Rights), you need CN23, even if each individual item is well below that value. The decisive factor is the total value of the shipment. For mixed shipments, shipping experts like Sendcloud generally recommend CN23 because it lists all items individually, thus avoiding queries.
Where and how is the customs declaration attached to the package?
- CN22 It is applied directly to the outside of the package as a self-adhesive label, clearly visible on the address side.
- CN23 It goes into a transparent clear plastic sleeve, which is also attached to the address side. The form must be completely legible—no stickers or tape covering it.
- Both forms must not be obscured by the shipping label. Customs officials must be able to read the contents without opening the envelope.
- When using online postage via Deutsche Post/DHL, customs information is automatically integrated into the label and printed. However, please still include a physical copy of the printout unless the system generates a separate CN23 document.
- Commercial invoices should also be placed in the clear plastic sleeve, not inside the package. Customs authorities inspect accompanying documents from the outside.
When do CN22 and CN23 not apply? Courier and express shipping
CN22 and CN23 are documents of the Universal Postal Service. They apply exclusively to shipments via the postal network—that is, Deutsche Post International parcels and packages. Those sending via courier or express services need different accompanying documents.
For couriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL Express, the Commercial invoice (Commercial Invoice) the customs declaration. For shipments with a value exceeding €1.000, an additional customs declaration is required in Germany. Export declaration (eAD, electronic export accompanying document) required via the ATLAS system of German Customs. Paket-international supports the automatic creation of Export accompanying documents directly on the platform.
Anyone who mistakenly affixes CN22 or CN23 to a courier shipment risks delays or rejection because the courier service uses its own customs procedures and the postal forms are not recognized there.
Pro tip: Shipping software should only automatically generate CN22/CN23 forms if the shipping method is indeed the postal network. Incorrect form selection by the system is a common, avoidable error.
Anyone planning forwarding orders or larger goods transports, for example at a Company relocation abroadThe distinction between commercial invoice and customs declaration should be clarified with the freight forwarder, as separate customs procedures apply there.
Checklist before sending: What to check?
Before each shipment to a non-EU country, go through these points:
- Determine the value of goods in euros and compare with the current SDR limit — CN22 or CN23?
- Formulate a precise description of the content.Material type, intended use, quantity. No generic terms.
- Research HS code and enter it if possible. The German Customs tariff portal helps with classification.
- Sender and recipient details complete Please provide: Name, street, city, country, telephone number.
- Enclose commercial invoice for commercial shipments, even if the value is below the CN23 limit.
- Check EORI number in the case of regular commercial exports.
- Electronic advance notification Ensure this — usually automatically with online postage, checked separately with manual postage.
- Prohibited and restricted goods Clarify the destination country in advance with German customs or the embassy of the receiving country.
Key insights
CN22 applies to postal items with low value and weight; CN23 is required for heavier or more expensive parcels and commercial sales to non-EU countries.
| Theme | Details |
|---|---|
| Form selection based on value | CN22 up to approx. 300 SDR (approx. €325–380 depending on the exchange rate), CN23 above that — the total value of the shipment decides. |
| For postal use only | CN22 and CN23 apply exclusively to the postal network; courier services require a commercial invoice and, if applicable, an eAD. |
| Electronic advance notification | Since 2021, in many cases an electronic submission is required in addition to the physical declaration. |
| HS codes speed up processing | For commercial shipments, please provide the HS code, commercial invoice and EORI number to avoid delays. |
| International package | Automated CN22/CN23 creation, commercial invoices and electronic pre-notification for traders with regular export volume. |
International parcel service: Automatically and error-free creation of customs documents
Anyone who regularly ships to third countries knows the problem: CN23, commercial invoice, electronic pre-declaration – every document has to be correct, otherwise the shipment gets held up at customs. Paket-international solves exactly this problem through complete automation.
The platform automatically detects whether a CN22 or CN23 document is required based on the goods value, weight, and shipping route, and generates the appropriate document directly when the shipping label is created. Commercial invoices, HS codes, and EORI data are entered once and automatically applied to every shipment. Errors due to manual entry are eliminated. Online retailer with international shipping This means less effort, fewer customs delays, and a central dashboard for all shipments and documents.
Now shipping costs and customs fees are added to the price. paket-international.com Calculate and take the first step towards error-free export shipping.
Official sources and further links
- Universal Postal Union (UPU): upu.int — Origin and official definition of the CN22/CN23 forms
- German Customs: zoll.de — Customs tariff portal, HS code search, export regulations
- Deutsche Post / DHL: dhl.de/customsinformation — Customs information for international parcel shipping, online postage
- EORI number (Wikipedia): EORI number — Declaration and application for commercial exporters
- Parcel international export documents: paket-international.com/exportdocuments — Automated creation of export accompanying documents and customs forms
- International parcel customs clearance: paket-international.com/customs clearance Compare shipping prices and calculate customs fees
This article provides general information only. For binding customs and export regulations in specific cases, it is recommended to consult with German Customs or an authorized customs forwarder.
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