Shipping care packages overseas is a learning experience. One of the items you will need to know about is the Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note (2976-A).

At first glance, it can be overwhelming. There are many items on the form that look like they need to be filled out, but you only need to worry about a handful of them.

Enter Address Information
First, complete the form with your information. You will need to fill in the following entry fields in the “From” area. Senders Name, Street, City, State, Zip Code and Country.

Next, complete the “To” area with your soldier’s information. This can be the trickiest part of the form. Most troop addresses have a lot of odd numbers and letters, so just use the lines and don’t pay much attention to the field name. To better explain this section, please see the sample form I completed on the bottom of this page.

Detailed Description of Contents
This is where you will list the items that are in your care package. This can be the most time consuming part of the customs form. Normally I don’t list everything in detail. For example, if I have a lot of shampoo, soap and toothpaste, I just combine those items into one category and write “personal hygiene items”. The same goes for items such as chips, popcorn and beef jerky. I just write “snacks”. This will save you a lot of time.

Beside the contents description area you will see a box to write the Quantity “Qty. (2)”. Simply write the number of items you have in the package. I usually round this number up.

You do not need to worry about filling in the "Net Weight" of the package. The post office will complete that area for you.

Next will be the “Value (US $)” field. Enter an amount that reflects what the items in your package are worth. I usually round this number up.

Below the contents description area you will see two check boxes, one for “Airmail/Priority” and “Surface/NonPriority”. Check the box for “Airmail/Priority”.

The next section also lists some check boxes. You want to check the one that says “Gift”.

On the bottom right hand side, you will see “Senders Instructions in Case of Nondelivery.” You can check Return To Sender. Or you can write "Chaplain at Same" and if your care package cannot be delivered to your troop, the package will go to the Chaplain who will give it to someone who doesn't get mail or care packages.

The last section you need to complete is the “Date and Sender’s Signature”. Simply sign and date.

Give the completed form to your postmaster and they will attach it to your package and it will remain there throughout shipment.

If you have any other questions about customs forms, email me at angel@troopcarepackage.com and I will try to help.

Sample Form