The USPS has specific requirements when sending international shipments. To ensure delivery of your international package, verify the following field requirements on your customs forms and Ship From location settings are met:
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The Ship From location and the recipient's first and last name or company name provided must be at least two alphabetic characters long.
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All Ship From and return address fields must be properly filled out.
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Customs form description field must be at least 2 alphabetic characters long.
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Customs form description field cannot be set as "NA" or "N/A".
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Customs forms must provide a full address.
USPS International Shipping Update: HS Codes Required
As of September 1, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service will require all international commercial shipments to include a six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code on customs declarations for each item, regardless of mail class.
The HS code system, created by the World Customs Organization, is used by customs authorities worldwide to classify goods and assess tariffs. This update aligns USPS mailing standards with new Universal Postal Union (UPU) regulations, also taking effect Sept 1, requiring all member countries to enforce six-digit HS codes for commercial goods.
Learn more about HS Codes in our What is a Harmonized Tariff Code and why do I need it? FAQ article.For a full list of Harmonization Codes, use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule search.