CN23: The Complete Guide to Sending Parcels Abroad
CN23 Form: Everything You Need to Know for International Shipments
Sending parcels abroad is subject to specific customs rules. Among the essential documents is the CN23 form, required for shipments outside the European Union. Whether you are an individual, a business, an online seller or an SME, understanding the purpose of the CN23 will help you save time, avoid customs delays, and ensure smooth delivery without surprises.
In this article, we explain in detail what the CN23 form is, what it’s used for, how to complete it properly, and when you need to include it.
What Is the CN23 Form?
The CN23 form is an essential customs document for sending goods to countries outside the European Union. It is required by customs authorities to identify the contents of your parcel, specify its value and type, and determine whether it is subject to taxes, import duties, or restrictions.
Unlike the simpler CN22 (used for small parcels under 2 kg or with low value), the CN23 becomes mandatory when:
- The parcel weighs more than 2 kg
- Its declared value exceeds €300
- It is shipped outside the European Union
- It contains restricted goods
This document allows customs authorities to assess any applicable duties and taxes, and to ensure that your parcel does not contain prohibited or dangerous items.
If you’re preparing a shipment to Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, or any non-EU country, here’s what you need to know about this form—and how Happy-Post can help you complete it without errors.
What Is the Purpose of the CN23?
The CN23 form serves several key purposes:
- To inform the customs of the destination country about the nature and value of the items being sent
- To facilitate customs clearance and avoid delays or blockages
- To ensure that your shipment complies with international regulations
- To provide transparency in case of inspection
- To protect the sender in case of dispute (loss, damage, seizure)
It is often accompanied by other documents, such as a commercial invoice or a certificate of origin for specific goods. Without the CN23, your parcel may be held at customs or even returned to the sender. By filling it in correctly, you help ensure a smooth clearance process and avoid unnecessary delays. The CN23 also protects you as the sender, as it serves as proof of the contents and declared value of your shipment.
Customs authorities use the information on the CN23 to verify the legality of the shipment, identify any duties or taxes, and confirm that the contents comply with the laws of the destination country.
How to Fill in a CN23 Form?
Completing a CN23 correctly ensures that your parcel reaches its destination without delay or additional costs. The CN23 form can be completed online or by hand, depending on the carrier you use. With modern logistics services such as Happy-Post, the process is simplified: documents can be generated automatically from your order details.
The key information required on a CN23 includes:
- Full name and address of the sender
- Full name and address of the recipient
- Phone number and email of both parties
- Detailed description of each item (avoid generic terms such as “gift” or “sample”)
- Quantity, weight, unit value, and total value of the items
- HS code (Harmonised System code) for customs classification
- Country of origin of the goods
- Reason for shipment: sale, gift, return, commercial sample, documents, etc.
- Licence or certificate number, if required
- Sender’s signature and date
Be as precise as possible when describing your items. Vague or incomplete descriptions may result in customs inspections or even refusal of entry.
Where to Attach the CN23 on Your Parcel?
The CN23 form must be attached to the outside of the parcel in a transparent plastic sleeve (usually provided by your carrier), along with any commercial invoices. It must be clearly visible and easily accessible to customs officers without opening the parcel.
CN23 and E-commerce: A Strategic Factor
For online retailers, the CN23 form is a key element of international shipping. An incorrectly completed form can lead to delivery delays, unexpected charges for customers, loss of trust, or even returns to the sender. This negatively affects the shopping experience and the shop’s reputation.
Innovative solutions now make the process easier and more secure. Happy-Post is one such solution—designed for individuals, SMEs, and e-commerce businesses. It automates the generation of CN23 forms directly from your e-commerce platform (Shopify, Wix, etc.). In just a few clicks, shipping labels and customs documents are ready, minimising human error and saving valuable time.
International Shipping: Save Time and Money with Happy-Post
Happy-Post makes life easier for anyone sending parcels within France or abroad. Whether you’re an individual sending a gift to a friend or a company shipping products to customers, you’ll enjoy an intuitive platform, competitive rates, and comprehensive logistics support.
Efficient Parcel Management
Managed by Landmark Global, a subsidiary of the Belgian postal group Bpost, Happy-Post relies on a high-performance logistics network with facilities near Paris and London. The result: parcels are quickly processed and shipped to over 250 destinations worldwide.
For online sellers, integrations are available with major platforms like Shopify and Wix. Once connected, orders are synchronised automatically, and shipping labels and customs documents (including the CN23) are generated in just a few clicks. Each parcel can then be tracked in real time—no more manual input or tedious processes.
Businesses also benefit from simplified billing: multiple shipments can be grouped into a single payment, making accounting easier. Individuals can create a shipment in minutes, print the label, and drop their parcel off at a nearby collection point—or even arrange a home pickup for added convenience.
Tangible Benefits for All Users
What makes Happy-Post stand out is its balance of simplicity, accessibility, and reliability. Its prices are among the most competitive on the market, including for international shipments. Parcel tracking is included, and you can choose between several options (standard or express delivery, with or without signature, collection point or home delivery, etc.).
Above all, everything is designed to save you time—whether you send one parcel or hundreds each month. Customs formalities such as the CN23 are fully integrated and automated.
Whether you’re an individual sending a parcel to a loved one, an e-commerce seller shipping worldwide, or an SME looking to optimise logistics, Happy-Post is the ideal solution.
Why Choose Happy-Post for Your CN23 Shipments?
- Ultra-competitive rates: Enjoy the best prices for domestic and international shipping.
- Simplicity: Automatic generation of customs documents (CN23, labels, etc.).
- E-commerce integrations: Shopify, Wix… save time with real-time synchronisation.
- Collection or home pickup: Choose the most convenient option.
- Real-time tracking: Track your parcels easily from your account.
- Single payment for all shipments: Simplify your accounting.
Ship with Happy-Post: A Trusted Parcel Delivery Partner
The CN23 form is essential for any non-EU shipment containing goods. It ensures your parcel complies with the customs rules of the destination country and helps avoid costly or time-consuming complications.
Instead of managing paperwork manually, why not use a service designed to make your life easier? With Happy-Post, you can ship parcels worldwide at competitive rates while automatically generating customs documents such as the CN23.
Start your next shipment today at happy-post.com and discover a service designed for individuals, SMEs, and e-commerce sellers. Simple shipping, guaranteed tracking, and controlled prices—you’ve got everything to gain.