Dear Raffle participants,

I collected a bit more of the customs rules for sending packages around the globe:

As said yesterday we must always use GIFT as description on the package as opposed to a sale or business transaction.

A gift must be sent from one private person to another private person (with a completed customs declaration) for use by the recipient

So what are the rules per country?

Sending into the USA:

Gifts worth up to $100 may be sent, free of duty and tax, to friends and relatives in the United States, as long as the same person does not receive more than $100 worth of gifts in a single day. If the gifts are mailed or shipped from an insular possession, this amount is increased to $200.

Importing Gold and SILVER COINS requires extra custom forms due to the stamping act. So it is allowed but the stamp act requries that the items are stamped by the manufacturer. No more details I have of this.

Should you call the item "silver coin" or "Token".

"It is important to remember that most international shipments outside of the European Union will be liable for customs duty and tax, and this may include your gift. If your gift is liable for tax, then this charge is not included with your original courier quote – it is a separate charge issued by the customs authority. It is therefore important that you accurately state the value of items and the reason for shipping – it is proven to be far simpler and cheaper to be completely honest on customs forms than attempting to get round customs duties. Some countries operate an import exemption amount on tax for gifts and personal items. When shipping a gift to the US for example then a $100 USD exemption is in place. This means you can import a gift that is valued under $100 tax-free."

Even if you are sending a gift that may be exempt, customs paperwork is still required.
What to Include in Customs Paperwork:
. What you are shipping
. The value of each item
. The reason you are sending, eg: gifts

Into Canada:
Exempt Gifts
Gifts sent to individuals in Canada are exempt from duties and taxes if:
The item is worth less than $60 CAN (see the latest Bank of Canada exchange rates)

The item sent is clearly a personal gift and includes a card or notice indicating that it is a gift

Into the UK:
Duty is due on gifts worth more than £135 being sent from outside the EU.

Into Australia
Goods that arrive by mail and have a declared or assessed value equal to or less than AUD1000 will not incur duty, taxes or charges, unless they are alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or tobacco products.

Once cleared by us and Agriculture, these goods will be delivered to you by Australia Post.

Note: When goods are assessed for value, we may request evidence from you as to the value of the goods. In this case, you will receive a letter requesting you to provide evidence to substantiate the declared value.

If the declared value of your goods is accepted by us, your goods will be delivered to you by Australia Post.

If the declared value of your goods is not accepted by us, you will be sent a First Notice by Australia Post.

Into EU

Relief from payment of Customs Duty and VAT is generally allowed on gifts consigned to an individual living in the EU (European Union), from outside of the EU, provided the value of the goods does not exceed €45. For EU countries with another currency the local limit is applicable

Into Asian countries:
similar amounts apply in most countries such as Singapore.

Into Middle East
No worries, they can afford paying the tax which is low anyway :)
(No INFO)

Goldrooster