posted on October 10, 2001 09:29:43 PM
If I mail a small parcel (say, under 7 oz.), do I still need to fill out a Customs form and stand in a Post Office line? I hear different answers from different sources. What is the real BOTTOM LINE on this, please?
Thanks in advance.
posted on October 10, 2001 09:32:24 PM
As far as I know, anything that contains merchandise (even 1/2 ounce) needs a custom form.
Now, I don't know if this is supposed to be done or not, but at times I will fill out the part of the form that gets placed on the letter or package, and drop it in the mail. Of course, it has to weigh under 16 ounces, but I have never had one of these sent back to me, and I have mailed out dozens of these.
posted on October 10, 2001 09:34:42 PM
My Post Office requires it. A contract Postal Station on the other side of town does not require it on items less than 10 oz.
I haven't had one returned, but usually just fill out the form because I don't want it returned.
posted on October 10, 2001 09:40:10 PM
Depends on the worker. One worker at our post office says for envelopes I don't have to. (I sold a craft pattern to France this week.)
Yet another worker makes me fill out a customs form for a personal letter that goes overseas (many international friends.)
posted on October 10, 2001 09:54:24 PM
From the USPS website:
Customs forms are required when you send dutiable letter packages, small packets, printed matter, and parcels to international destinations. The specific customs form is governed by the type of mail, the weight of the item, and the regulations of the destinating country.
posted on October 11, 2001 05:17:02 AM
Whenever I go to our main post office, they do not require me to fill out customs on packages to Canada that are less than 4 lbs or another other international packages that are less than 1 lb.
posted on October 11, 2001 05:44:56 AM
You don't have to stand in line though. As ahc3 says, you can mail it directly if it's less than 1 lb. If it's over 1 lb., you can drop it off at your PO's bulk mailing dock if they'll let you. If not, you might be able to walk into your post office, bypass the line and just hand it over the counter to someone and walk away. I've never done that myself, but I've seen others do it.
