Shipping to the USA: Doubt about customs

[LadyPinwheel]

Hello all!

I have to send a small package to the USA. The thing is that it''s an expensive one, and I'm not sure how to fill in the customs declaration form.

I don't want the buyer to have to pay customs when she gets the package, but I don't want to do anything ilegal either of risk that they open the package.

How do I manage this?

This is the form I have to fill in:

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[suppi]

If its a toy, collectable or not, just write "toy (insert item here)". Toys aren't subject to custom fees. Neither are gifts if you want to do it as a gift.

[Ringlets]

Don't worry - your buyer shouldn't get a customs fee (unless its really expensive item marked as collectible or something similar I think) ) so go ahead and fill it in with the correct value and put it as a toy
 US peeps don't have to pay customs fees from Euro/UK peeps ....unlike the other way around

[banditpony]

I always recommend people to fill out forms honestly. :/ if something goes wrong, it's usually better for the form to be correct. It's highly doubtful anyone in the USA is going to be hit with a fee.

If you want to write a lower amount, you need to ask your buyer if they want to assume that risk.

Also, customs can open any package for any reason. So there is always that chance.

[LadyPinwheel]

Is that the value is 400€... :/

[banditpony]

If the package goes missing or is damaged, and you under value it then you have no chance to recoup that money.

Your buyer is highly unlikely to pay a custom fee. So there is no reason (in my opinion) to risk it by putting a false amount.

Again, it's up to the buyer...

[Galactica]

US buyers don't pay customs on things like toys- (actually I can't think of anything where we pay customs but I'm sure retailers do pay something)

So don't hesitate to put the right amount down.

[lunar_scythe]

Yikes, that is an expensive item!  From what I can find out, anything more than $200 USD can have fees, but how much depends on what it is.

[Prince_Sunbeam]

As far as I know we very very rarely get hit with customs fees in the US. Ive bought expensive jewlery internationally and never had to pay customs.
If I were the buyer I would say, list it as toy sale with accurate value.

[LadyPinwheel]

Thank you all for you help. I have put the right amount just to avoid any problems ^^

[Galactica]

Yikes, that is an expensive item!  From what I can find out, anything more than $200 USD can have fees, but how much depends on what it is.

I don't think that is true- I've often bought dolls that are over $500 and I've never been hit with a fee.

[kitkatvintage]

I've bought many expensive ponies internationally and never was charged a customs fee. I think packages going to a private person (not a business) are very very rarely charged customs fees.

[kellyponyfeathers]

Yeah, I've had quite a few expensive pony packages shipped fully insured from various European countries.  I think the most expensive ones were around $900.  I've never been hit with a customs fee.

[Ringlets]

Thank you all for you help. I have put the right amount just to avoid any problems ^^

  I don't think there is any need for you or your buyer to worry about customs fees. You did need to write the correct value on the form - it is especially important for an expensive item.
Side point (but related)  I sold an item for £399 not long back to a  US buyer (I am in the UK ) and they did not say they got hit with any fees after the item arrived (it was a doll, marked as a doll and at the correct value on the customs form) 

[lovesbabysquirmy]

An insurance claim is only good for the value of the item, as written on the customs form.  Imagine what would happen if you didn't put the proper amount, and needed to file a claim?  Both of you would have thrown ponies and the money away....