The Declaration of Contents and Shipper's Letter of Instruction is a required document for commercial and expedited international shipments. Customs authorities at the destination country use this form to determine what duties and taxes apply to the shipment, verify the origin of goods, and ensure compliance with import regulations.
Who needs this document: Any shipper sending goods internationally through a commercial carrier such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL must complete this form. It is particularly important for business-to-business (B2B) cross-border trade, e-commerce sellers shipping products abroad, and exporters who need to certify the origin of goods under free trade agreements.
Required information: The form collects details across several categories. In the shipper section, you must provide your full legal name, address, and customs identification number (such as an IRS Employer Identification Number for US shippers). The consignee section requires the recipient's name, complete address, and any applicable import identification numbers. For each item in the shipment, you must list a specific description, the quantity, unit value, and country of origin.
Financial and logistics data: The form also captures total declared value, insurance charges, transportation charges, and terms of sale (such as FOB, CIF, or DDU). Accurate completion of these fields ensures the correct calculation of import duties and brokerage fees. If your shipment qualifies for preferential treatment under trade agreements such as USMCA (previously NAFTA), the certification section on page three must be signed by an authorized exporter, importer, or producer.
Why accuracy matters: Incomplete or inaccurate customs declarations are among the most common causes of shipment delays, additional inspection fees, and customs holds. Providing a specific description for each item (rather than vague labels like "clothing" or "gifts") speeds up the clearance process. The declared value must reflect the actual transaction value, as undervaluing goods can lead to penalties and future shipment restrictions.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Declaration Of Contents Form |
| Form Length | 3 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 45 sec |
| Other names | enter valeur total online, d les shipper form, d les shipper, declaration contents printable |