How to fill in a customs declaration?
To clear your item, the Customs in the country of destination need to know exactly what the contents are. A false or misleading declaration may lead to a fine or to seizure of the item.
Your goods may be subject to restrictions. It is your responsibility to enquire into import and export regulations (prohibitions, restrictions such as quarantine, pharmaceutical restrictions, etc.) and to find out what documents, if any (commercial invoice, certificate of origin, health certificate, licence, authorization for goods subject to quarantine (plant, animal, food products, etc.) are required in the destination country.
To accelerate customs clearance, complete this declaration in English (preferably), French or in a language accepted by the origin and destination countries.
An item is considered to be commercial in nature if there is a financial transaction between the sender and addressee associated with it.
- Give a detailed description of each article in the item, e.g. “men's cotton shirts”. General descriptions, e.g. “spare parts”, “samples” or “food products” are not permitted.
- The HS tariff number (6-digit) must be based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System developed by the World Customs Organization.
- “Country of origin” means the country where the goods originated, e.g. were produced/manufactured or assembled. Senders of commercial items are advised to supply this information as it will assist Customs in processing the items.
- Tick the box or boxes specifying the category of item. ("Gift (non-commercial)" is not an acceptable reason for export for commercial items.) “Commercial sale of goods (B2B)” is to be used only for items sent from one business to another business. “E-commerce goods” is to be used only for items sent as a result of an online (B2C) transaction.
- If your item is accompanied by a licence or a certificate, fill in the appropriate box and state the number. You should attach an invoice for all commercial items.