The International Documentation Guide with Horizon Pack and Ship

1. Customs Declaration Forms: CN22 vs. CN23

These are the standard forms used primarily by national postal services.

• CN22 (The Sticker): For lower-value shipments (usually under $400) and lightweight items. It’s often a single adhesive label.

• CN23 (The Document): For higher-value or heavier packages. This is a more detailed form often placed in a clear plastic pouch on the outside of the box.

The Golden Rule: Be specific. Instead of "Gift," write "Hand-knit Wool Sweater." Instead of "Samples," write "Plastic Component Prototypes for Testing."

2. The Commercial Invoice (CI)

This is the most critical document for any business shipment or high-value sale.

• What it must include: Full seller/buyer contact info, a granular item breakdown, the currency used (e.g., USD, EUR), and the Reason for Export (e.g., "Permanent Export for Retail Sale").

• The "Rule of Three": Print three copies. One goes inside the box; two go in the external clear pouch.

3. Specialty Documents (The "Red Tape")

Depending on your product, you might need:

• Certificate of Origin: Required by some countries to prove where the goods were manufactured (often used for trade agreement benefits).

• FDA/Agricultural Forms: Essential for anything that is ingested, applied to the skin, or made of organic material (wood, plants).

Common Documentation "Trapdoors"

Avoid these four mistakes that lead to fines or confiscation:

• Undervaluing: Never list a lower price to "help" the customer save on taxes. Customs officials use software to flag items that seem suspiciously cheap.

• Vague Descriptions: "Electronics" is a red flag. "Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones" is a green light.

• Missing Signatures: Many customs agents will reject a Commercial Invoice if it isn't physically signed and dated in blue or black ink.

• Inconsistency: Ensure the value on your website/receipt matches the value on the CN23 and the Commercial Invoice exactly.

Pro Tip: The Professional Review

In 2026, customs regulations are more digitized and strict. If you are shipping something complex, visiting a local shipping store for a document audit can save you hundreds of dollars in "storage fees" that carriers charge while a package is stuck in customs.

International Shipping: The 2026 Ready-to-Ship Checklist

1. Financials & Strategy

• [ ] Landed Cost Verified: I have calculated the total price (Product + Shipping + Insurance + Duties/Taxes).

• [ ] Payment Terms (Incoterms): I have clearly selected DDP (I pay duties) or DDU/DAP (Customer pays).

• [ ] Customer Notified: If shipping DDU, the customer has been warned about potential "Surprise Bills" to prevent refusal.

2. The Physical Package ("Prepare for Battle")

• [ ] New Box Used: No old barcodes, recycled diaper boxes, or thin cardboard.

• [ ] The "Shake Test" Passed: I shook the box and felt/heard zero movement.

• [ ] H-Tape Method: All seams (center and sides) are sealed with heavy-duty tape.

• [ ] The "Inside Job": A duplicate shipping label and Commercial Invoice are placed inside the box on top of the items.

• [ ] A Clean Slate: All old shipping labels or hazardous material stickers (like "Lithium Battery" if not applicable) have been removed.

3. The Paperwork ("The Passport")

• [ ] Detailed Descriptions: Descriptions follow the "What/Why/Material" rule (e.g., "Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife for Home Use").

• [ ] HS Code Included: The 6–10 digit code is clearly listed for every item.

• [ ] Accurate Valuation: The value on the paperwork matches the customer’s receipt exactly (No undervaluing).

• [ ] Rule of Three: I have three printed copies of the Commercial Invoice (1 inside, 2 in the external pouch).

• [ ] Ink Signature: All invoices are signed in blue or black ink (required by many countries).

4. Final Tracking & Logistics

• [ ] Digital Data (EDI/ETD): My carrier has received the customs data electronically (if using software like UPS/FedEx/DHL).

• [ ] Recipient Contact Info: I have included the recipient’s local phone number and email address for customs notifications.

• [ ] Weight & Dimensions: I have double-checked that the weight on the label matches the actual weight of the packed box.

Pro-Tip for 2026: If shipping to the U.S. or EU, remember that the "De Minimis" (tax-free) thresholds have shifted. Ensure you have checked for the latest Flat Entry Fees for your specific product category to avoid an unexpected debit to your shipping account.

Come Ship with Horizon Pack and Ship from Elizabethtown, KY