The CN23 is a mandatory customs document for shipments outside the EU zone. The implementation of the Brexit has accentuated its democratization. In addition to its one-click print function for pre-filled CN23 forms, ShippingBo’s article provides you with all you need to know about this customs declaration. Find out here what the CN23 customs declaration is, how it differs from the CN22, what information you need to complete it and how to obtain it.
Brexit: what impact will it have on your shipments to the UK?
As of January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom will no longer be part of the European Union. This decision has a major impact on shipments from France to the UK. In addition to variations in transit times due to the control of goods, numerous changes are to be expected for European shippers, notably with regard to the CN23 customs declaration.
If you wish to ship a product from Europe to the UK, you will now need a tax declaration, and therefore an EORI number. You must also apply for a customs code for each of your products registered in the Harmonized System. For all exports over £123, the sender must pay the VAT himself. Below this value, VAT will be paid directly by the buyer.
Finally, you need a CN22 or CN23 customs form to send your parcels to the UK, and generally outside the EU zone.
Definition: CN23
The CN23 is a mandatory customs form for all shipments of goods valued at over €380. For all shipments over €1001, the CN23 must be accompanied by a customs declaration, drawn up and deposited by La Poste. This form can be supplied as an individual sheet or as part of the CP72 postal bundle.
The CN23 customs declaration is also compulsory for all shipments from France to the French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, Mayotte, Réunion) with a value of €205 or more.
As you can see, a CN23 customs declaration form is mandatory for all shipments over €380 outside the EU zone. It enables you to justify your exports and benefit from VAT exemption for exports under €1,000. Above this amount (from €1001 upwards), you need to contact the administrative services of the destination country beforehand, and keep copy number 3 of the SAD stamped by the customs service at the point of exit from the European Union.
What is the DAU?
The Single Administrative Document (SAD) is an essential element in the customs clearance process, both for customs authorities and for companies involved in international trade. Its main purpose is to facilitate customs clearance by the competent authorities.
CN22 and CN23, what’s the difference?
When shipping goods internationally, choosing the right customs form, CN22 or CN23, is crucial. These forms are mandatory for shipments outside the European Union (EU) zone, and their use depends on the value and weight of the package.
The CN22 customs declaration is compulsory for small consignments worth €380 or less. This form is also compulsory for all exports of goods outside the European Union. In both cases (CN22 or CN23 customs declaration), transiting shipments may be automatically opened by customs.
The choice of declaration form will therefore depend on the value of your shipments. These forms must be enclosed with your shipments. Depending on the carrier, a commercial invoice may also be required.
CN22 is generally less detailed than CN23. It is often used in the form of a sticker affixed to the side of the package address.
For both types of form, it is important to note that shipments can be opened and inspected by customs, regardless of the declaration used.
The choice between CN22 and CN23 forms depends mainly on the value and weight of your shipment. It is essential to select the appropriate form to ensure efficient customs processing and avoid delays in delivery. The inclusion of a commercial invoice, when required, is also a crucial element in facilitating the customs clearance process.
How do I fill out a CN23 form?
To complete the CN23 form, you need the following information:
- Sender’s name and address
- Name and address of recipient (including telephone number if available).
- Detailed description of contents: select the type of shipment (commercial sample, return shipment, other) and enter the weight and volume.
- Number of objects sent
- Tariff number (in accordance with the goods’ customs nomenclature)
- Country of origin of goods
- Return instructions: indicate whether or not you wish the package to be returned to you in the event of non-delivery. This may be due to incorrect information, incomplete customs documents or refusal by the recipient. Please note that return fees may apply.
Enter your product’s Harmonized System code (HS code) . This 10-digit code is crucial for customs classification. The first six digits are internationally standardized. Include at least these six digits and, if possible, the sub-category of your product.
Also remember to mention if there are any special restrictions linked to your products (quarantine, sanitary restrictions, etc.). This is important for items such as food, medicines or living organisms.
Sign and date the form to confirm the accuracy of the information and declare that the parcel does not contain any prohibited or dangerous items. Without signature and date, the form is invalid.
If you’re importing or exporting outside the EU, you’ll need to include your EORI number. This number is essential for customs identification within the EU.
If you don’t yet have an EORI number, apply to the tax authorities for one. It will be issued free of charge within 3 days.
Where can I find the CN23 form?
The CN23 form can easily be obtained online. It is available on the websites of many carriers and postal services. These platforms often offer interactive tools for completing the CN23 form directly online, simplifying the process by guiding the user through each required step. These online tools are particularly useful for ensuring that all the necessary information is correctly filled in.
You can generate a blank CN23 form directly on the service-public.fr website .
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the CN23 form is also available from post offices and shipping agencies. You can visit any of these establishments to obtain a paper copy of the form. On-site staff can also offer assistance and advice on filling in the form, ensuring that all information is entered correctly.
If you choose to fill in the CN23 form manually, there are a few tips to follow to avoid common errors:
- For best legibility, we recommend using a black pen.
- Write clearly in capital letters. This ensures that information is easy for customs officers to read and understand.
- Ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete to avoid delays or problems during the customs clearance process.
Where to place the CN23 form on your parcel?
The CN23 form, with its level of detail, plays a crucial role in the customs clearance process of your shipment. Its correct placement on the parcel is essential to ensure that the information is easily accessible to customs officials, helping to prevent possible delays in shipment.
The CN23 form must be placed on the outside of the parcel. To do this, use a transparent envelope specially designed to hold customs documents. This envelope ensures that the form remains visible and protected during transport.
We recommend that you attach this transparent envelope containing the CN23 to the same side as your parcel’s shipping label . This enables agents to process shipping information and customs details simultaneously, facilitating fast and efficient processing.
Correctly positioning the CN23 form is an important step in preparing your international shipment. By ensuring that the form is clearly visible and securely attached, you help to guarantee a smooth, delay-free customs clearance process for your parcel.
Generate pre-filled CN23 forms in a single click
Shippingbo’s SaaS mode logistics solution lets you edit your pre-filled CN23 forms in just one click. Shippingbo automatically completes the form for you, based on your order and product information. It then simultaneously prints the CN23 and the transport label. This saves you an enormous amount of time on your shipments outside the EU zone, and eliminates the risk of manual errors in the information entered on the form.
The solution also optimizes the process of preparing customs documents, an often tedious and error-prone aspect.
In addition to pre-filling the form, Shippingbo enables simultaneous printing of the CN23 and the shipping label. This integration guarantees consistency of information between the customs form and the shipping label, ensuring greater accuracy and reducing the risk of delays due to documentation errors.
Using Shippingbo to manage CN23 forms offers many advantages for companies.
The time savings are substantial, especially for those companies handling large volumes of international shipments. Automating this process considerably reduces processing times, optimizing the supply chain workflow. What’s more, the increased accuracy of form completion ensures better customs compliance, reducing the risk of delays due to documentation problems during shipment.
Finally, the enhanced user experience makes international shipment management more accessible, even for companies without specialized logistics resources.
In short, Shippingbo transforms the international shipping process by simplifying and securing the management of CN23 forms, making it an essential tool for companies looking to optimize their international logistics.
The need for the CN23 form in the post-Brexit context
With the UK’s exit from the European Union, the CN23 customs declaration is more topical than ever. This form is mandatory for all shipments of goods worth more than €380 outside the EU zone. It is also mandatory for all shipments from France to the French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Mayotte, Réunion) with a value of €205 or more. ShippingBo lets you edit your pre-filled customs forms in just one click. You’ll save an enormous amount of time on your international shipments.
