How specific does one need to be on a customs form? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zeyneb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2025, 11:49:56 am
content: Hi,In my case I’m specifically interested in shipping from the United States to me here in the Netherlands. This is between private individuals. There is a World Customs Organization (WCO), which has invented an immense list of Harmonized System (HS) codes. But I bet not everyone will comply exactly to this bureaucratic mess while packages might still end up to the recipients doorstep without problems. My goal of this post is to get an idea from people with recent experiences in shipping internationally as private individuals on what are sufficiently general item specifications without running into trouble.Let’s take threaded fasteners as an example. Here is a piece of what chatgpt is telling me:QuoteCompare this to what my American friend thinks that will do: just “automotive fasteners”, and with USPS Click-n-ship online process he doesn’t think he has to fill in HS codes.So, I’m open to learn from your practical experiences. Thank you.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 25, 2025, 12:00:54 pm
content: In my experience with limited 1:1 shipping overseas, I think you can be as vague as you want in terms of the "levels" of the HS, i.e.: Declare the package as no more than "7318 - Screws".Some categories might be flagged for further inspection, such as animal products, or items that incur tariffs/taxes.That's just my experience and post offices don't expect most people to be familiar with these kinds of codes. As long as you don't lie. I've also sent packages overseas without filling in the HS code at all (they aren't mandatory, but the Australia Post online system tries to help you out), but simply described the contents, and they've always made it to the other end.At the end of the day, if what is on the declaration matches what the X-ray/other analysis suggests, and it's not a high risk, or special item, it'll make it through without issues. If you say it's screws but it's shape, weight or package composition shows otherwise, then expect to be pulled up.

author: shabaz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2025, 02:29:58 pm
content: Although it has always eventually worked out, I've had different experiences with different countries in the EU.For instance, I've found Belgium customs to be very picky regarding quantities when shipping things to a friend there, so my suggestion would be to ensure you have the right quantities; for example, if you're shipping a PCB, plus four mounting screws or stand-offs in a little bag, don't assume you can ignore the four mounting screws or stand-offs on the declaration; because although the postal staff will be non-experts regarding electronics, they will still closely look at the quantities of items and if one is missing (even if it's just a 1-cent value part that was a tiny ancillary or disassembled component to the actual main item you wished to send) it needs to be declared, otherwise the recipient will get a larger bill than desired.Currently, I've had a shipment stuck in Italy for a month! (not private though in that case; more a private individual shipping to a firm, it's caused all manner of complications because it was a "return"). It will work out, but that's an extreme (and not in any way a similar scenario to what you're looking to do).

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2025, 03:21:56 pm
content: descr must math harm number on form for fast clearance.Customs scrutiny is raised with value and COE, sedner location, eg a $20 pkf from France to US is less likely to be held, opned, tarriffed than a $5000 declared box from Romaina to USA.In most cases the CoE (Country of Origin) is importnat.Jon

author: aeg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2025, 12:22:14 am
content: HS code is set by the destinating country, not WCO. The first few digits are "harmonized" but the full 6 to 8 digit codes vary from country to country. So your friend would look up the code on the website of the customs authority of your country. ChatGPT is always wrong. HS codes are critical for shipments where import duties are payable, since the duty rate depends on the HS code. For shipments where only a fixed fee such as VAT or GST is due, you can leave the HS code blank and write a description such as "screws".

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2025, 02:14:39 am
content: The important part for him shipping to you is what dollar value he puts on it. Assuming its something reasonable, eg $20 as mentioned above, it should be fine.Netherlands has a 150 EUR duty deminimus and 0 EUR for tax. Then it looks like a 45 EUR maximum for gifts (duty and tax exempt).https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/en/customs/content/taxes-when-you-receive-gifts-from-abroad