Starting March 1, 2023, packages sent to countries that follow European Union (EU) customs rules will need detailed and specific content descriptions for customs forms. Read our latest blog to learn what you need to do.
Shipping internationally can sometimes require you to provide additional information for your shipment.
Customs Forms
Shipments to international destinations, must be accompanied by a CN-22 customs form. Canadian shipments and shipments destined for the U.S. do not need an attached customs form.
When you purchase international postage from Chit Chats, our platform automatically generates the CN-22 form and includes it on the shipping label. However, there is the exception of some Chit Chats International Tracked Delivered Duties Paid (DDP) postage which does not require this information to be on the postage label. For all international postage, our partner carriers then receive this information electronically to facilitate smooth customs clearance for your shipments.
Some countries may require you to provide additional tax documentation for your shipments. As a shipper, it is important to research and know the requirements of the destination country you are sending to.
Customs Tax Reference Numbers
Some international shipments are subject to taxes and duties and the customs body in the destination country may request a tax reference number associated with your shipment. Be sure to research any specific requirements of the destination country you are shipping to.
As of July 1, 2021 all shipments destined to the European Union (EU) must include a customs tax reference number called an Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) number. This is needed to show that the appropriate value-added tax (VAT) was paid for the shipment. If this is not provided it could result in additional customs fees (such as your customer paying the VAT for their shipment twice), delays and the potential for non-delivery (meaning your shipment may either be returned to sender or destroyed).
You can easily enter this in the Customs Tax Reference Number field when creating shipments in your Chit Chats account. This is required if shipments are going to Great Britain or other EU countries. IOSS numbers must be a maximum of 15 characters in length.
Shipments that are charged value added tax (VAT) requiring an IOSS or VAT number must not exceed the following shipment retail value requirements:
- Addresses in the UK: $220 CAD*
- Addresses in the EU: $215 CAD*
Personal Customs Clearance Code
A Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC) may also be required when shipping to some countries including South Korea. It is typically a 12-digit number issued by country authorities to its citizens. A PCCC allows individuals to clear customs when shipping goods in and out of the country.
If you are sending to a country that requires a PCCC, clients will need to obtain this information from the recipient and provide it to customs or the tax authority upon request.
Recipient Contact Information
As of July 1, 2021 recipient phone numbers are required for all shipments to the EU as customs may attempt to notify the recipients of any outstanding duties or taxes. A failure to provide this information may result in additional customs delays, fees and the potential for non-delivery.
You can add your recipient's phone number when entering the address details for your shipment in your Chit Chats account.
