A Little nervous - Anyone have problems with Italy?

[ClosetAvalanche]

I've heard Italy is risky to ship to, but someone interested in a pony emailed me asking for a quote. I figured its a collector, who I like to think are more reasonable and understanding. Long story short, the sale went through and they paid. Now I usually look at my buyer's feedback, especially international before I respond with a quote, but I didn't. Well, I just looked now and am a bit nervous. They have left quite a bit of negs and neutrals, most of it in Italian. I seriously hope the pony gets their in ones piece in a timely manner. Has anyone had a lot of trouble with this country?
Thanks

[Miserati]

I've only ever shipped to Italy a couple times but both went well.

[elvenwine26]

I had a pony I sent there get lost in the mail.  Just be careful before you label the customs form of what's in the box.  They're super persnickety about that.

[banditpony]

Don't mark it "plastic" or "toy". It will have a higher chance of being red flagged when it's in customs (and possibly thrown away).

restrictions : http://pe.usps.com/IMM_Archive/HTML/IMM_Archive_2006/imm/immicl/immiclhk_012.html
"Toys not made wholly of wood."

I mean, I kinda assume that, since it's a restriction. :<

[lovesbabysquirmy]

I seem to remember that you need to mark, "Collectible figure" on Italian mail to get it through customs, due to restrictions on plastic toys. 

[ClosetAvalanche]

Thanks for the great advice, I will definately do that@

[teresat]

Great advice above. I panicked when i had to ship to Italy but worked out okay. Good luck!

[Ringlets]

You should be fine   Writing "collectible figure" on the customs form should be ok. I dont have to do customs forms for there since I live in the UK, but I've heard that others have had no problem if they use that description   I know Italian customs can be pretty slow to get through sometimes, but I've shipped there lots of times over the years and only ever had a problem once.   If the person you are sending the item to lives in the North of Italy , or if they live in one of the big cities, the item normally arrives a bit quicker as well in my experience 

[ponylady]

I think you have got some great advice. 

I always just mark "Horse Figure" when sending there and have never had any issues.  But just be prepared no matter what Italian customs are one of the worst.  So there is always a risk when sending there.  It makes me a bit nervous everytime but it seems to work out in the end.