Shipping gifts internationally.
I ask here, because it's the easiest way to get a quick answer (without trudging through official sources).
Is a gift considered to be "merchandise"? In other words, is it OK to send a stamp internationally at the standard rate ($1.20, I think it is now) if the item is an honest-to-gosh, genuine gift?
Is a gift considered to be "merchandise"? In other words, is it OK to send a stamp internationally at the standard rate ($1.20, I think it is now) if the item is an honest-to-gosh, genuine gift?
Comments
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/First-Class-Mail-International
Customs Declaration
PS Form 2976 is the correct customs form for FCPIS® mailpieces and for FCMI® mailpieces that require a customs form. Customers must use an electronically-generated PS Form 2976 that transmits their customs data electronically or they must use a hardcopy PS Form 2976-R and submit it to a USPS retail clerk who will electronically generate a PS Form 2976.
To comply with these standards, mailers electronically transmit customs data by using Customs Form Online, USPS-produced Global Shipping Software (GSS), or other USPS®-approved software.
Tips
FCMI® items are not trackable. They are different than the FCPIS® items, that include delivery confirmation to select destinations.
You must find a way to prevent the contents from falling out or being damaged during postal handling and transport if sending a FCMI® mailpiece unsealed.
An FCMI mailpiece may not contain merchandise. It requires PS Form 2976 (Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender’s Declaration) or PS Form 2976-R (USPS Customs Declaration Note) presented to a USPS retail service counter) only for those pieces that contain nonnegotiable documents controlled by export regulatory agencies, covered in the IMM (sec. 510-540).
For additional information concerning documents, see IMM 123.63.
An FCPIS mailpiece requires PS Form 2976 (Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender’s Declaration) or PS Form 2976-R (USPS Customs Declaration Note) presented to a USPS retail service counter) when:
It contains goods, regardless of weight.
Yes it does.
Just as a reminder of Hipstamps terms
https://www.hipstamp.com/terms
Your Use of Our Services
We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use our Services - subject to the Terms and the following restrictions (in general):
Don’t Break the Law. You agree that you will not violate or circumvent any laws in connection with your use of the Services. This includes any local, state, federal, and international laws that may apply to you.
But what if the item was not a real stamp, just a sticker, say of Mickey Mouse, that you are sending to a child? Technically, it is an enclosure and it's goods, so the law would apply. But that's ridiculous, eh?
Now, if you peel the sticker off it's backing and stick it on your letter or on your envelope, then it's not goods or an enclosure, it's part of the document.
What if you attach a stamp to the letter? Does that make it part of the document? Well, if it's licked and sticked to the letter it would be, but what about if its in glassine and taped? It's not?
Bottom line, regulations like this are asking to be ignored.
PS: HipStamp rules wouldn't apply to someone sending a gift. It has nothing to do with it.
Sorry. Watched "Chrade" recently...
Actually it is the country that the goods are being imported to that determines the lower limits of the valuation for tax purposes. Canada charges GST on imports over $20 Canadian. The UK use to charge VAT on imports over 15 LBS until earlier and the EU until July 1 charges VAT on imports of over 22 Euros. (Canada seems to think that $20 is enough to charge taxes on)
Part of the reason for using the customs forms is so the package can pass customs quickly, When a customs form is to used it can cause all kinds of problems for the person receiving the item. It can get delayed in customs while they have to wait for documentation if they request it because it had documentation in the package or on the package, they may get charged postage due as the required postage was not applied, they may have to pay extra to have it processed because the fees weren't paid to have it processed through customs., (which is part of the cost of sending it via international parcel rate.) along with possible storage fees while they are going through the process if customs chooses to go that way or the shipment could be confiscated because the customs form was not used. And that all depends on the laws of the country that the items are being shipped to.
Can you please explain what's the difference between doing so with postage stamps and shipping a set of 5 matchbox cars which you can usually get from Walmart for less than $10, only because they have to be shipped in a box and not an envelope?
There are still many sellers on HipStamp that will illegally ship for a couple of bucks internationally to satisfy the international market (presumably with HipStamp blessings) so they are satisfying the international market. I have taken the same position as you have and will occasionally ship a $1 FDC order to Europe with a $9.00 shipping charge but most international orders have dried up over the last year
Mike