Help What to declare on Customs paperwork when sending Internationally?

[Meant2Die]

I'm in the US and want to send something to Energy Control (Spain) for testing. At the post office you have to fill out paperwork and declare what you are sending.

I tried sending today, but the post office employee totally caught me off guard directly asking what it is. I said that's private.The guy was rude and really nosy, and he's like we need to know, plus you have to describe it on the customs slip. I was so taken aback I ended up saying I don't know bc its my boyfriends package and left. Since my sample is in a test tube and was wrapped in bubble wrap in a soft small envelope he was squeezing it saying he could tell its not papers for example. I realized in that moment I should most likely use a hard small box b/c those are more ambiguous, and maybe add something to it to give it some weight. I know they can't open my package so I will obviously lie about whats inside, but I don't know what to declare it as that is that small and weighs very little that seems legit but is also unimportant and forgettable so that customs doesn't get an itch to want to open it.

Any suggestions?

I'm also wondering does anyone know if customs scan packages? For example, if I declare the package as "paperwork" but they scan it and clearly see there's an object inside, wouldn't that automatically be a reason for them to open it? If so then, I gotta be smart with my description. But then what object seems harmless but is sort of shaped like a test tube/small bottle? remember liquids are usually a NONO. Or I thought of putting it into a rectangular tin can that used to have tea in. It's small, 2.5 inches height by 1.5 inches width, but then i would have to declare that as something too...
I'm way overthinking this, I know.. just need some help.

 

[Jean4]

USA has many rules and regulations put into place after 9/11. They will not let you ship chemical without knowing what it is.

Yes. If they scan something and it doesn't match the description, they will open it. If you say something is one thing and turns out to be a chemical or something that looks like a weapon, it is very possible you may get a visit to see if you are a terrorist.

 

[pthnrdnojvsc]

I'm in the US and want to send something to Energy Control (Spain) for testing. At the post office you have to fill out paperwork and declare what you are sending.

I tried sending today, but the post office employee totally caught me off guard directly asking what it is. I said that's private.The guy was rude and really nosy, and he's like we need to know, plus you have to describe it on the customs slip. I was so taken aback I ended up saying I don't know bc its my boyfriends package and left. Since my sample is in a test tube and was wrapped in bubble wrap in a soft small envelope he was squeezing it saying he could tell its not papers for example. I realized in that moment I should most likely use a hard small box b/c those are more ambiguous, and maybe add something to it to give it some weight. I know they can't open my package so I will obviously lie about whats inside, but I don't know what to declare it as that is that small and weighs very little that seems legit but is also unimportant and forgettable so that customs doesn't get an itch to want to open it.

Any suggestions?

I'm also wondering does anyone know if customs scan packages? For example, if I declare the package as "paperwork" but they scan it and clearly see there's an object inside, wouldn't that automatically be a reason for them to open it? If so then, I gotta be smart with my description. But then what object seems harmless but is sort of shaped like a test tube/small bottle? remember liquids are usually a NONO. Or I thought of putting it into a rectangular tin can that used to have tea in. It's small, 2.5 inches height by 1.5 inches width, but then i would have to declare that as something too...
I'm way overthinking this, I know.. just need some help.

Wow That sounds scary. I wouldn't send anything with them. I already can guess what it is ? They could put you in prison for that if they open it and they could . That's just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt. Just trying to help.

 

[Meant2Die]

USA has many rules and regulations put into place after 9/11. They will not let you ship chemical without knowing what it is.

Yes. If they scan something and it doesn't match the description, they will open it. If you say something is one thing and turns out to be a chemical or something that looks like a weapon, it is very possible you may get a visit to see if you are a terrorist.

Wow That sounds scary. I wouldn't send anything with them. I already can guess what it is a euthanasia substance? They could put you in prison for that if they open it and they could . That's just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt. Just trying to help.

I"m obviously not gonna put down my real return address ;) Thank you for the concerns though.

 

[ImsooDone1N]

I've sent MDMA (Many years ago) to energy control. I also used a test tube, as I was directed to just scrape a few pieces of the pills into the tube & leave most of the pill intact. Perhaps u got a nosy postal clerk, but the one I had was helpful. I was Very foolish when I was younger & simply didn't appreciate the possible legal ramifications. However I did lie on the form & stated it was just documents. I was fortunate & everything worked out fine. I did conceal the sample in the box as best as possible. I was also pleased with the results of the test. My impression is that the postal service inspects incoming packages significantly more thoroughly than outgoing mail.. but thats just an assumption. Hope things work out for you.

 

[realjunes]

You know, Meant2Die, you ask a very good question, and I think it is one many people have encountered unexpectedly like you did, and caught off guard. I sure would have been caught off guard. That was a good response you had though. I even went searching for an answer when I saw your post, but haven't got anything yes. I sent something the other day to another continent and when they asked what was in it I said a "hair pin" - and wrote "hair pin gift" on the form, but it wasn't anything I was worried about. If I come up with an answer in the next 12 hours, I will post it to you, but you may want to email EC if they have an email, and ask them what to write on the form. In the meantime, here is a link about what is "prohibited" from being mailed into spain. So, maybe you can go from there, it just a bureaucratic snafu that we can get past. As long as you stick with, you are mailing it for someone else, and the form is filled out before you get to the counter, you probably be okay. And yeah, I would put in it a box. https://pe.usps.com/text/Imm/ps_035.htm

 

[sleepy dog]

I'm in the US and want to send something to Energy Control (Spain) for testing. At the post office you have to fill out paperwork and declare what you are sending.

I tried sending today, but the post office employee totally caught me off guard directly asking what it is. I said that's private.The guy was rude and really nosy, and he's like we need to know, plus you have to describe it on the customs slip. I was so taken aback I ended up saying I don't know bc its my boyfriends package and left. Since my sample is in a test tube and was wrapped in bubble wrap in a soft small envelope he was squeezing it saying he could tell its not papers for example. I realized in that moment I should most likely use a hard small box b/c those are more ambiguous, and maybe add something to it to give it some weight. I know they can't open my package so I will obviously lie about whats inside, but I don't know what to declare it as that is that small and weighs very little that seems legit but is also unimportant and forgettable so that customs doesn't get an itch to want to open it.

Any suggestions?

I'm also wondering does anyone know if customs scan packages? For example, if I declare the package as "paperwork" but they scan it and clearly see there's an object inside, wouldn't that automatically be a reason for them to open it? If so then, I gotta be smart with my description. But then what object seems harmless but is sort of shaped like a test tube/small bottle? remember liquids are usually a NONO. Or I thought of putting it into a rectangular tin can that used to have tea in. It's small, 2.5 inches height by 1.5 inches width, but then i would have to declare that as something too...
I'm way overthinking this, I know.. just need some help.

I don't understand why you are asking somebody else. Contact the testing lab and ask what to do. I am sure they have already heard the question before. But why use the post office if they are going to do that? Why not put it in a box and send with UPS or FEDEX?

 

[Meant2Die]

but you may want to email EC if they have an email, and ask them what to write on the form.

Already did :)

I don't understand why you are asking somebody else. Contact the testing lab and ask what to do. I am sure they have already heard the question before. But why use the post office if they are going to do that? Why not put it in a box and send with UPS or FEDEX?

Hahaha I am asking people because I want their opinion. :) I already contacted the lab, waiting on reply. I agree with you they must get that question all the time, but I am also 99% sure they can not legally advise me on how to send illegal substances internationally. The reason I went to the post office is b/c the only shipping instruction in their order email is to "use your National Postal Service instead of private courier companies".

I forgot to post this up top, but after that experience I went to another post office and flat out asked how to ship a small liquid sample to Spain. I said it was water from our well that we wanted tested for impurities/bacteria/metals. Should have seen their response. I got hit with concerned looks, invasive personal questions, unsolicited suggestions such as "why not just send it here in the US", was told they don't have any idea if they could send it bc liquids are such a touchy subject, they would have to check codes, and this and that, that I might need to somehow prove/certify whats in the bottle (ha funny, that's what I"M TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH HERE) God forbid it's flammable.. got a hole speech about that. It's honestly just easier to lie.

 

[realjunes]

LOL. that is hilarious. Wouldn't life have been easier if mom. dad, teachers, said "hey, kid, practice lying, it will get you further in life!"

 

[sleepy dog]

Already did :)



Hahaha I am asking people because I want their opinion. :) I already contacted the lab, waiting on reply. I agree with you they must get that question all the time, but I am also 99% sure they can not legally advise me on how to send illegal substances internationally. The reason I went to the post office is b/c the only shipping instruction in their order email is to "use your National Postal Service instead of private courier companies".

I forgot to post this up top, but after that experience I went to another post office and flat out asked how to ship a small liquid sample to Spain. I said it was water from our well that we wanted tested for impurities/bacteria/metals. Should have seen their response. I got hit with concerned looks, invasive personal questions, unsolicited suggestions such as "why not just send it here in the US", was told they don't have any idea if they could send it bc liquids are such a touchy subject, they would have to check codes, and this and that, that I might need to somehow prove/certify whats in the bottle (ha funny, that's what I"M TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH HERE) God forbid it's flammable.. got a hole speech about that. It's honestly just easier to lie.

Oh, I would lie to. But it really seems it must go in a box, with padding around it to keep it motionless, and to prevent breakage. Lie on the customs form. It seems there is no other way.

LOL. that is hilarious. Wouldn't life have been easier if mom. dad, teachers, said "hey, kid, practice lying, it will get you further in life!"

It does get many people further in life. Fucked up but true. I am horrible at lying and general deception. I used to put on job apps that I was fired from a job if it had happened. I thought they would be calling them anyway, honesty is best right? Should of just put a bunch of lies on it.

 

[Farmmaa]

It doesn't matter what you mail, or to where, they will always ask if the package contains any liquids, explosives or weapons.
Just say no, it's just Christmas gifts, etc.
I mailed two parcels today, within Canada and had to declare that they contained none of the above.

All mail going through customs will be sorted and scanned... and if it looks suspicious at all, it will be opened.
That's why it is so hard to get a hold of the drugs we all want to get a hold of.

Don't say it's just documents if it's obviously not, that's just asking to have it searched.
Just figure out what would be the same shape/size/weight and say that's what it is and then hope for the best.

 

[Morphosis]

Is it liquid or powder?
I would 100% put it in a box with padding, but I'm just wondering if you can still hear a "glug-glug" noise of liquid in there?
If so can you say it's a perfume sample?
If it's powder, even better. I would put "jewellery" as it's usually in a box and fairly lightweight. Be prepared for an answer if he asks you what sort of jewellery... rose gold earrings for example
Or you could say healing crystals... I said that once and they looked at me like I was such an eccentric nutter I wasn't worth wasting any more of their time on lol.

Oh sorry just re-read your post and saw "small liquid sample", sorry I missed that first time around!

 

[Meant2Die]

Is it liquid or powder?
I would 100% put it in a box with padding, but I'm just wondering if you can still hear a "glug-glug" noise of liquid in there?
If so can you say it's a perfume sample?
If it's powder, even better. I would put "jewellery" as it's usually in a box and fairly lightweight. Be prepared for an answer if he asks you what sort of jewellery... rose gold earrings for example
Or you could say healing crystals... I said that once and they looked at me like I was such an eccentric nutter I wasn't worth wasting any more of their time on lol.

Oh sorry just re-read your post and saw "small liquid sample", sorry I missed that first time around!

yea the swish-swish noise is def a problem in a test tube.
Can't say its perfume bc most if not all have alcohol in them and that's technically " flammable".
Healing crystals - thats brilliant. lol