First class international shipping & customs forms

[video game addict]

So USPS do not require a customs form (declaration) to be filled out anymore on packages weighing less than 16 oz. that go FC International. I was told recently that I should still fill them out regardless as he felt it might slow things down without one. I think my postal clerk thought it was just shipments going to APOs My question to other sellers here shipping out packages internationally, do you still use the customs forms?

 

 

 

From the USPS website:

 

A customs form is not required on the following categories of mail:

 

Non-dutiable First Class Mail International items that weigh less than 16 ounces.

[Albert]

This has been the case for some time--it is not a recent rule change. I have been told that without a customs form on a package it is more likely to be inspected, but I don't really know if that's the case.

 

..Al

[ninermaniac]

Yes Al. That's the case. If you do not want your package opened then you need to fill out a customs form. I sent a package to Brazil. It took 5 weeks to get to the buyer because of this. Aweful but tragic. Damn terrorists!

[MrRetroGamer]

I send small bubble envelopes out by First Class International all the time without any customs forms, no problems at all as long as they are under 1 pound. I usually just calculate and affix the proper postage and drop it off in a USPS mail box.

[jerrykurtz]

I still use the forms regardless whether they're required or not -- just to get a form of tracking, even if its not totally reliable -- but at least its something.

[Zwackery]

If it's under 1 pound, it's usually because I am mailing one or two games (typically nothing expensive), and I do not use the customs form. None of my buyers (in Europe, Mexico, Canada) has reported any delays because of this to me.

[ianoid]

I'd love to do less forms, but there's the risk of customs overvalueing and charging tariffs to the buyers. Plus Endicia (and usps.com with alot more trouble) prints customs forms, taking a little bit of the pain out of filling them out, but I still have to cut them out and tape them on. Nothing is easier than domestic priority mail.

 

I'm finding that i'm doing more Canadian business than ever, with the weak dollar. I'd rather have a strong dollar though.