International Postage advise

[k4p84]

Hi all,

I have sold a marker to a chap in the States and book a DHL pick up through Parcel2go.

With it being the US you have to fell a small tree for all the paperwork that must go with the parcel.

Anyway, DHL list Paintball Equipment in the item description drop down menu.

The package was picked up yesterday and returned to my office as ' it contained something flammable ' according to the chap that dropped it off. Cardboard and polystyrene packing, I should have put a fire hazard sticker on it I guess !!

Anyway after getting hold of parcel2go they say DHL won't carry paintball markers.

So does anyone know of an easy way to get this marker out to the buyer that will not break any more rules !!

Regards

Ed

 

[xDansomee]

I think Royal Mail do US shipping... Label as "sporting equipment" and it should get through fine.

 

[john251282]

I have had markers sent to me by UPS from the states. So I guess they should be fine to send it back too.

 

[paintball_scots]

if youre going to send it through royal mail remember to put gift on it, avoids custom charges.

 

[spangley_special]

if youre going to send it through royal mail remember to put gift on it, avoids custom charges.

Does this not also negates any insurance you may have had?

 

[paintball_scots]

Does this not also negates any insurance you may have had?

maybe, probably be best to check that. i never send anything that justifies spending the extra money on insurance.

 

[WihGlah]

Take it to the post office and get airsure.

List the value as whatever it's worth and label the customs label as a gift.

Description is "sporting goods".

 

[Tom]

Take it to the post office and get airsure.

List the value as whatever it's worth and label the customs label as a gift.

Description is "sporting goods".

Labeling as gift only adjusts the threashold for import duty, and this affects the recipient.

If importing to the UK it's the difference between a commercial items being liable for duty when worth over £18 or gifts being liable when worth over £40. However the recipient is held liable for a false declaration.

As you have sold to the US the importy duty that may or may not be due will depend on US duty. Marking it as a gift is a false declaration and the recipient might not appreciate the potentail hassle. (It is a known tax evasion method and invites attention from customs)

A fair declaration is to state it as second hand or a private sale which would be more honest and may make it exempt.

Regarding postage insurance - there is some cover included with some deliveries anyway, so if within the limits it costs no more.


2.3 What are the limits for customs duty and import VAT?

* Commercial consignments of £18 or less are free from customs duty and import VAT. For example, goods purchased over the internet with an intrinsic value not exceeding £18, will not be charged any duty or VAT but this does not include alcohol, tobacco products, perfume or toilet waters. See paragraph 2.5, 2.6 and section 3.
* If you are sent a gift with a value of £40 or less, and which complies with the rules shown in paragraph 2.4, it will be free from customs duty and import VAT, but this does not include alcohol, tobacco, perfumes and toilet waters.
* Customs duty becomes payable if the value of the goods is over £135 but duty is waived if the amount of duty calculated is less than £9.

There are a number of other circumstances where relief from some or all customs charges may be available. If you think your goods may be eligible for a relief you should contact the Customs Helpline for further information.