Received this package yesterday from Steve Logan and was suprised that it was opened by "Homeland Security". Of all the stamps that I have traded throughout the world, I would never have thought a package from the UK would be censored. I have traded with a guy from Pakistan for several years now, and it has never been censored. Am I just over thinking this? What are your opinions? Thanks, Kris View attachment 1185 View attachment 1186
I dont think so Steve, most packets I get from abroad dont have a Customs docket on a back. I have ordered many stamps from all over the world, and very few packets have it. Steve Logan has sent me many packets before, and this is the first one to have this on the back.
Now this is a bit of a long response but you should all read it A good blog to look at http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2010/shipping-how-to-custom-forms-duties-and-taxes/ This from US Customs To speed a package through CBP examination at a port's International Mail Branch, the seller should affix a completed CN 22 or CN 23 (U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form) to the outside of the package. This form may be obtained at local post offices worldwide. This from HM Customs 5.1 What do I need to do when I send a package abroad? For sending a package to any country outside the EU including the Special Territories you must complete and affix a customs declaration (CN22, CN23 or a Parcelforce Worldwide Despatch Pack incorporating the CN23) which you can obtain from the Post Office. Any necessary preference certificate or licence should be attached to the outside of the package and clearly identified before handing it over to the post. You do not need a customs declaration for packages sent to another country within the EU. From the Royal Mail Customs official Customs authorities around the world are cracking down on mail arriving in their country without the required customs declarations correctly completed. If you’re posting packets or parcels outside the EU and don’t complete the CN22 or CN23 correctly they may delay or return the item to you. When you need to make a declaration When sending any packets or parcels outside of the EU, you need to make sure that it is presented correctly for customs inspection. If you don’t, it’s quite likely the item will be returned to you by the destination country’s customs service. Any item with contents up to the value of £270 must have a current CN22 declaration attached to the front The current CN22 declaration forms are white. The green version of this form expired in 2003 and should no longer be used You need to sign and date the CN22 Any item sent with a value in excess of £270 must have a fully completed CN23 declaration. This should be attached using the plastic wallet available from any Post Office™ branch. Please add your name and address to the top left hand corner of your package. This will enable us to return your package should overseas customs authorities refuse it entry into their country.
I have had stuff stoped coming the other direction and even had customs contact me simply because they thought it was a sale item and not a gift LOL as well as not believing the price I paid for some items I won a Marine dress sword (replica) for $10 and they had a hissy fit when I was able to prove it LOL These days I put a customs docket on everything going out of the EU with a discription such as phillatelic items/used envelopes just to be on the safe side
Thanks for the info Steve. Most things I send or receive, are just in a plain envolope. Maybe they think its just a letter or birthday card lol
Its because of the package. Padded envelopes are the same way when being shipped across seas....a Customs docket has to be on it, or atleast when I'm shipping them
i always use jiffy bag, as it give a little extra protection to the wet weather than a normal envelope, i will start sticking the slip on the back in future
by heck i have caused a real stir here, i will make sure i add the correct form on the next one lol oh by the way Sam yours has already been sent and did not have the form on it oops lol
In New Zealand the green CN22 is still applicable to the present day and have not had problems getting mail in. We can however send small parcles ( above weight and size limits of a Registered letter) with a green CN22 sticker. Some Postal Authorities can become real sticklers and losses are not uncommon in some Countries. Best to try the 'waters' before sending larger quantities.
I know that a lot of stuff from France, Spain and Guatemala are turning up M.I.A. Lately- I'm not sure why but I know quite a few sellers that won't ship to those countries.
Getting back to post #1 This control in a little way has to do with the sievening off the articles that are expressly disallowed to be sent. There are screening methods of such small or larger parcels and also letters. When a sending does not arrive in due time at its destination you can bet it to be more scrutized in addidtion to the normal filtering. I had for example a thickish large envelope detained a month at Customs in Hamburg, Germany for their own valid reasons !! I support whole heartedly the scrutiny of mail in a screening process which technically gets more and more advanced to in part averting prohibitive material being sent. This (BTW) is were all kinds of labeling of Modern post can get interesting to collectors. You may get material on a regular basis from a terrorist suspect Country for quite a while but be assured it is monitored when specifacally packaged. Once there exists suspision that subversive material is sent, some Authorities have the right to investigate even your letters. Be good philatelists
