What should be included in an international shipping customs declaration?

Including a detailed description of the contents, associated value, and destination information in an international shipping customs declaration is essential to comply with customs regulations. This information helps customs officials in the destination country understand what is in the package, assess its value for duties and taxes, and facilitate the timely clearance of the shipment.

A thorough description aids in preventing delays, as customs may require specific details to determine if the contents comply with local laws and regulations. Providing this information accurately ensures that shipments can be processed efficiently and reduces the likelihood of unexpected fees or returns due to insufficient documentation.

While personal information about the recipient and special notes about package handling may also be relevant in certain contexts, they do not constitute the core requirements for customs declarations, which primarily focus on the content, its value, and delivery specifics. Similarly, while a copy of the invoice can be helpful, the primary requirement remains the accurate declaration of contents, value, and destination.