**Short answer:** You fill in the customs declaration while you create your shipment in your account, listing what's inside and what you paid in USD. If any single Schedule B line is worth more than $2,500, the shipment also needs an EEI filing, which costs $40. If customs holds your package for documents, contact our support team.

## Your customs declaration

Every international shipment needs a customs declaration. It tells customs in your country what's in the package and what it's worth, so they can clear it and work out any duties and taxes.

You don't fill in a separate form. The declaration is part of creating a shipment:

1. Select the package marked **Action Required** in your account. If you're combining packages, select all of them.
2. Choose your delivery address from your **Address Book**.
3. Fill in the declaration for each item: **description**, **quantity**, **value in USD** and **country of origin**. Put each type of item on its own line.
4. Choose DDP or DDU, if both are offered for your destination. See "DDP vs DDU: who pays duties, where DDP is available, and what to do if you're asked to pay again".
5. Review everything and mark the shipment **Ready to Ship**.

Check your declaration carefully before you confirm. If you notice a mistake afterwards, contact our support team straight away.

## How to write a good description

Vague descriptions are one of the most common causes of customs delays. A customs officer who has never seen your item should know what it is from your description alone.

| Too vague | Better |
|---|---|
| Clothes | Women's cotton T-shirt |
| Electronics | Wireless Bluetooth headphones |
| Gift | Ceramic coffee mug |

## Declare the right value

- **Use USD.** Enter the amount you paid in US dollars. Don't convert it to your local currency.
- **Declare what you paid.** Undervaluing items can lead to holds, fines or seizure.
- **Don't mark purchases as a gift.** Calling a purchase a gift doesn't guarantee it'll be duty-free, and it can cause problems at customs.
- **Your declared value matters for insurance.** Optional shipping insurance is priced at $3 for every $100 of total declared value.

## High-value shipments and EEI

US export rules require Electronic Export Information (EEI) when a single Schedule B line in your shipment is worth more than **$2,500**. A Schedule B line is one commodity classification, so the threshold applies per item type, not to the shipment total.

When an EEI filing is needed, we handle it for a **$40** fee.

## When customs asks for documents

Sometimes customs or the carrier holds a package and asks for more information, such as an invoice or product details. For some items, we may ask you for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS or SDS).

If your package is held for documents, or you need a copy of your paperwork, contact our support team with your tracking number and the carrier's request. We'll tell you what's needed and help you get it sorted.

## Common questions

**Do I need to fill in a separate customs form?**
No. The customs declaration is part of creating your shipment in your account.

**I bought my items through Personal Shopper. Can you provide the documents customs is asking for?**
Contact our support team with your tracking number and the request you received, and we'll help.

**Can I get a copy of the invoice for my shipment?**
Contact our support team with your tracking number and tell us what you need.

**My shipment is over $2,500. Do I need an EEI?**
Only if a single Schedule B line is worth more than $2,500. If it is, we file the EEI for a $40 fee.

**Can I declare my items as a gift to avoid duties?**
No. Declare purchases at the value you paid. Marking them as a gift doesn't guarantee they'll be duty-free.

## Still need help?

Our support team is available on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 ET at support@forwardme.com.