Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms in Community Help Boards in Community

Last Post Mar 14, 2010 1:39 AM by: eekhorn1

Replies: 394

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Aug 23, 2006 5:37 AM

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All sellers should make sure they read this new announcement about properly declaring selling prices on customs declaration form:

***Reporting Value on Customs Declarations***

August 22, 2006 | 01:59PM PST/PT

Postal administrations in several international countries have contacted the United States Postal Service about the declaration of value placed on customs forms. They have noted that in many cases, the declared value is understated when compared to the actual invoice or known value of the item, especially for sales conducted over the internet.

While this applies to sellers both on and off eBay, the USPS has asked us to remind our sellers to declare the proper value on all customs forms.

The correct value of each item is required on customs forms as it helps determine the proper duties and taxes, and whether they should be applied. Some countries will soon begin taking steps to address this issue, such as levying fines on the addressee when the declared value is
determined to be lower than the invoice.

To make sure you're complying with international regulations, please make sure the stated value on your customs declaration is supported by your invoices or other documentation.

You can also send this to buyers who ask you to report items as gifts.

The length of a minute is dependent on which side of the bathroom door you are located.

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Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 1, 2006 1:45 PM

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I have a buddy who sold an item for $950 on eBay to a buyer in Germany. The buyer asked for a value to be listed of $40 on the customs form. My buddy didn't think that was a problem so he marked that on the form. Long story short: German customs seized the item for being undervalued. The buyer never got his item. The buyer filed a PayPal dispute, but because my buddy had proof the item had been shipped, the buyer was out $950 and had no item.

So the moral of the story is: not only can the buyer expect to pay higher duty if he is caught, he may end up losing the item to boot.

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 1, 2006 7:54 PM

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I quit selling to Canada because of the constant requests for a reduced value (or gift designation) on the customs declaration and invoice. I wouldn't do it but resented the conflict it caused. Maybe I can reconsider expanding my sales outside the US with eBay's support to honest declarations.

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 2, 2006 8:31 PM

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I haven't had anyone ask me to lie for years, but I still put it in all my listings that "all customs forms are completed accurately".

Does it bug anyone else that there is no "merchandise" checkbox on the customs forms now, though? "Gift", "Commercial Sample" etc...but I always have to check "Other" and then explain.

Lastly, I don't understand why anyone would agree to lie for someone who has already paid for an item (or hasn't for that matter). What does any seller have to gain from lying? Keep it professional, people!

~paddle

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 3, 2006 7:16 PM

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That is a very interesting post on "quitting selling to canada".

I would like everyone to see my post in on the ebay canada profitability thread, where I have attacked the Canadian policy as protectionist vs the USA policy, and taht in the spirit of our supposed free trade agreement, both countries should have the same duty free mail order rate pegged at 200.00 US like it aleady is in the USA.

As a Canadian I have never asked anyone for an underdeclaration, but the complete ridulousness of the Canadian limit, as well as the cash windfall for courier companies is hampering both american and canadian seller profitability, as well as ebays profits.

FYI>

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 4, 2006 9:07 AM

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where I have attacked the Canadian policy as protectionist vs the USA policy

Canadian protectionism? What short memories we have.

For starters, there was softwood lumber, which has now apparently been settled, with Canada coming out on the losing end.

And just to rub a little salt in the wound, the USDA has announced "emergency" measures that involve charging every Canadian arriving by air an extra $5.00, plus a fee for each aircraft, supposedly to cover the costs of potential "bioterrorism". Give me a break. If that isn't protectionism, then I will eat a dangerous Chilean apple, core, peel and all.

As to profitability of US sellers, they seem to be doing quite well with or without us. Just as long as they don't inflate the amount reported on the customs form, for insurance purposes.

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 8, 2006 8:22 AM

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I just sold an item under $200 and shipped to England. I marked the customs forms "Merchandise" and paid the fee USPS required. Customer now states that she needs to pay an additional fee because paperwork was marked "Merchandise" and not "Used" and that it was MY cost because it was MY mistake! There was no "Used" block on the form, and I've never had anyone tell me they had to pay extra. What's the deal here???

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 9, 2006 10:08 AM

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Your buyer is responsible for customs fees, not you.

Anything sold on ebay and shipped outside the US needs to be marked as "merchandise" or "other" (on the new forms), regardless if it's new or used.

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 10, 2006 8:07 AM

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I marked the customs forms "Merchandise" and paid the fee USPS required. Customer now states that she needs to pay an additional fee because paperwork was marked "Merchandise" and not "Used" and that it was MY cost because it was MY mistake!

You didnt make a mistake. Even if it was marked USED its still merchandise and when you marked it merchandise you marked it correctly. You need to explain that to your buyer.

I always check OTHER on the form then write the word "Merchandise" on the blank line.

Anything sold on ebay and shipped outside the US needs to be marked as "merchandise" or "other" (on the new forms), regardless if it's new or used.

Yep, exactly.

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 10, 2006 10:44 AM

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are we talking long form or short form? I have always had to use the short form with the white on one side and green on the other. I have always put video game and what the cost of the item was minus shipping. Am I doing it right?

...

Read The New Announcement on Customs Declaration Forms

Sep 10, 2006 2:27 PM

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The buyer filed a PayPal dispute, but because my buddy had proof the item had been shipped, the buyer was out $950 and had no item.

When was this? PayPal has never accepted proof of shipment as a defense -- only proof of delivery. Especially when the shipment was to an unconfirmed address (which a German address would be).