The CN22 is a customs form used when sending gifts and goods internationally worth less than £270 with Royal Mail. They are mandatory for all gifts and goods being sent internationally from England, Scotland, or Wales. If you are shipping from Northern Ireland, they are only needed for posting to non-EU destinations.
The new CN22 forms
Royal Mail has now introduced two new forms, CN22A and CN22B, to replace the old CN22 forms. The new forms contain more information, like the sender's name and address as well as the VAT number, and they are bigger in length than the old forms. Each one of them is used for different international Royal Mail services.
More specifically:
If you are sending items with Royal Mail International Tracking and Signature services, you'll need a CN22A form.
If you are shipping your items with Royal Mail International Economy or International Standard services, you'll need a CN22B form that includes a barcode unique to your shipment.
How to enable the new CN22 forms in Shiptheory
Shiptheory can automatically generate, auto-fill, and print customs documentation required to export shipments worldwide while generating your shipment's shipping labels. This includes CN22A, CN22B, CN23, Commercial Invoices and Electronic Paperless Trade Documents (where the respective carrier and country supports it).
Although the old CN22 forms are still supported, we strongly recommend enabling the new forms on your Shiptheory account. That will significantly reduce the chance of your international shipments being delayed, returned, or paying more tax.
To enable the new CN22 forms on your Shiptheory account, follow the next steps:
1. Click on your account name in the top right of any page in Shiptheory.
2. Under Advanced, select Import/Export Documents.
3. In the bottom left of the Import/Export Documents settings page, click the Advanced Settings icon.
4. From the CN22 Form Type drop-down menu, you can select the new CN22 forms.
Important: It is worth noticing that the new CN22 forms are slightly longer: 4" x 6" instead of the old 4" x 4".
If you have any queries regarding the new CN22 customs forms, please do not hesitate to reach out to support. Our shipping specialists are more than happy to answer your questions and help you with your international shipping.
Otherwise, create a free Shiptheory account, generate your customs forms and shipping labels automatically, and start shipping smarter and faster today!
