Shipping Barbie to Italy - How should I describe on Customs?

[RockinPrettyBeats]

Does someone (from Italy maybe) have an idea on how I should describe the Barbies when shipping to Italy? I hear they have some strict custom rules and don't want to raise a flag. Any ideas on a safe way to mark it?

I was thinking "children toy".

Any thoughts will be very appreciated.

[Chi]

I don't think you can use the word "toy" in descriptions to Italy, but I'm not 100% sure.
Perhaps something like "Collectable Figure" would be okay? I know that's what people use for ponies. Things such as "Collectable horse figure" or something along those lines.

[Oneleo1]

Don't use the word toy in the description, it will get flagged and torn apart in customs.

I think just labeling it as doll or collectable would be ok.

[CrystalCrown]

Yep, you don't wanna write toy on the description. Italy customs prohibits toys, (and really just about everything in general) not sure why.

[Stuntmang]

Now I'm kinda worried. Is it only Italy that has this strict customs rules, or does this also apply to England?

[SoSilver]

Hi, as i am italian i can confirm, you can write with no fear, doll, toy or barbie doll.

Don't worry, the doll will not be teared apart by custom, but consider and tell your buyer that if you are sending her with first class mail, it will take at least 30 days to reach her/him. If you use priority or express, you will have a tracking number and it will take from 5 to 10 days.

[RockinPrettyBeats]

Thanks for all the replies 

I ended up using "woman statue" and "human figure".

SoSilver - I've shipped to Italy lots of times with no problems. In the past few months I heard more about some of the weird restrictions on customs. That's why I'm being more careful.

Although like you said, I have shipped using the word "toy" with no problems. I just don't know if I was lucky or not :-/ I know if you go on the postal website it says they don't allow toys unless they are wooden 

[Ringlets]

I've not had any issues shipping Barbies or ponies to Italy TBH, so i wouldnt worry. Writing" Collectible figure" is fine.   I dont think they are that strict with items that have "toy" on the customs form either these days, even though there were supposedly some restrictions on toys. (thanks for  posting the info SoSilver    )
Stuntmang  dont worry - the UK / England does not have restrictions on toys, and there arent ususally any issues with customs - you should be fine

[babystarz]

There have been some weird situations with customs officials thinking contraband is hidden in toys recently, which is why people are wary. It's not really related to official policy so much as what customs agents seem to be targeting based on their intel. So yeah, I always put "collectible horse figurine" for ponies I really don't know if it makes any difference or not, but it's one of those things where I figure it won't hurt to be careful.