How to Ship Foreign Purchases to the United States

Byzantine might be the best word to describe the process of shipping purchases to the United States. Every country has its own confusing set of shipping regulations, and then you have to factor in U.S. duty, taxes and customs fees. Cramming that sucker in your luggage is your best bet; otherwise, follow these steps and hope for the best.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wrap your purchase as carefully as possible to avoid breakage. Next, along with the mailing address (don't forget to write U.S.A. below the ZIP code), mark the outer wrapping with (1) the contents' identity, (2) the fair retail value and (3) whether the package is for personal use or a gift (this determines the exemption limit).

2. Ship the purchase via the nearest postal exchange. International shipping companies such as Federal Express (gofedex.com) and UPS (ups.com) are available in most countries (check before you leave the States), but you pay a steep premium for their services. Be sure to inquire about insurance for valuable items.

3. Be prepared to pay a duty fee for your package when you return home. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS.gov) sends all foreign mail shipments to the U.S. Customs Service for examination. Customs then returns packages that don't require duty to the USPS, which sends them back to the post office for delivery without any additional fees.

4. If the package does require duty fees, a customs agent attaches a mail entry form (Form CF-3419A, which shows how much duty is owed) and charges a processing fee. The USPS then delivers the package to you, charging both the customs fees and a separate handling fee.

5. Keep all receipts for items you buy overseas: You might need them to solve potential problems with customs. If you feel you've been charged too much duty on a package mailed from abroad, you may file a protest with the U.S. Customs Service.

6. Be aware that items mailed to the United States are not included in your personal U.S. Customs exemption. Express mail companies usually take care of clearing your merchandise through U.S. Customs but charge a fee for that service.

Tips & Warnings

• American embassies and consulates abroad cannot forward, accept or hold mail for U.S. citizens abroad.

• Some European countries waive the Value Added Tax (VAT) on items that you ship home.

• Be especially careful when shipping wildlife souvenirs (possibly illegal), and antiques that could be construed as national treasures. At best you could be detained and fined; at worst, arrested.

• Beware: No matter what a foreign postal employee or store owner may tell you, you cannot prepay duty fees.