Customs Description Checker

Check customs goods descriptions for vague words EU customs rejects, like goods, gifts or merchandise, and see how to fix them. Free to use right here. Nothing to install, no account needed.

A customs description has one job: tell the officer what is in the parcel. Words like goods, merchandise, gifts, items, various or misc don't, and the EU's ICS2 import system rejects descriptions like that. Paste your descriptions here, one per line, and each one is checked as you type.

It flags vague words, broad categories such as jewellery or clothing used on their own, one-word descriptions and product codes. If a description runs past 40 characters, where CSV Exporter Pro cuts it on export, it shows what would be left. A good description is usually material plus item type: sterling silver earrings, cotton t-shirt, ceramic mug.

It is a writing helper, not a customs ruling. Customs authorities decide what they accept, and the description still has to match the HS code you declare.

How to use this tool

Type or paste a goods description, or several, one per line. You can also tap an example to try it.
Read each result: green looks specific, amber could be clearer, red is too vague to use.
Fix what is flagged. Lead with the material and the item type, and drop words like gift, goods or items.
Copy the improved wording into your products, your shipping labels or your Australia Post bulk upload.

Frequently asked questions

What goods descriptions does EU customs reject?

The EU's ICS2 system rejects vague descriptions such as goods, merchandise, general merchandise, gifts, items, various and misc. A broad category on its own, like clothing or jewellery, says little more. Describe what the item actually is.

What makes a good customs description?

Say what the item is and what it is made of: sterling silver earrings, women's cotton t-shirt, stainless steel water bottle. Customs uses the description to check the HS code, so it should be specific enough that someone could picture the item.

Can I write gift on a parcel a customer paid for?

No. Gift describes why something is sent, not what it is, and goods a customer bought are a sale, not a gift. Use a real description and declare the value paid.

How long can a customs description be?

It depends on the carrier and the form. CSV Exporter Pro cuts customs descriptions at 40 characters when it builds an Australia Post bulk upload, so this checker shows what survives that cut. Put the material and item type first so the important words are never lost.