Omg … it’s happening again. Does anybody have any idea why the export control data is “missing”?
It seems to be returned by the Postal Inspection Service. This is the number listed on their website for inquiries. 877-876-2455
This is also worth reviewing: https://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc1_008.htm which details requirements for addresses.
Yeah … I actually went into the post office and asked them what could possibly be wrong with the customs form. They had no idea, but indicated that the Postal Inspectors seem to be random at times. They pull off the “return to sender” sticker and put the packages back in the mail (technically the label I bought was still valid). This time the packages made it through the postal inspectors with no modifications from what I originally sent. I strongly suspect there is some randomness to their inspection process … my pet theory is it is caused by trainees ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I’m not sure it is actually to do with the customs form. I think it is about the addressing. It looks like they are pointing to the customs declaration with that pointy finger but I don’t think that is what it means. The pointy finger just means “return to sender”.
The “return to sender” sticker covers the address, so it would be hard for you to assess whether it is complete or not. As I indicated, the folks as the post office indicated everything looks correct (after they peeled off the sticker covering the address). ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Agreed, I have no idea if the address is correct. I am just referring to the hand with the pointy figure. It’s not about customs.
The HS code is usually 8 digital long. Yours is 6.
Maybe try this in the future: 85429000
(yes I know it is silly…)
“Parts for electronic integrated circuits” is very generic. It could be anything… for a military device or nuclear plant. And the HS code already specifies “Electronic integrated circuits” so they already know that’s the application. So they have no clue about the application and if it meets export restrictions.
Try something more specific:
- replacement part for computer display.
- Integrated circuit module for … 3D printer.
- Electr. education kit for children
In my case, I use for a module the term “electronic sparepart for printers”. I’ve never had a single package returned.
The HS code is usually 8 digital long. Yours is 6.
Maybe try this in the future: 85429000
Ah … fair enough. The database I searched only gave the first 6, but the Census Bureau database actually gives 10 (?!?). I will split the difference and go with your 8 and see how that fairs.
“Parts for electronic integrated circuits” is very generic . It could be anything… Try something more specific
The part I am leaving out here is our the years I have been more specific and less specific and colorfully specific … I can tell you it’s all been rejected. When It gets rejected I try something new. I had a good run using simply the HS Code title, as you see in this instance. The next iteration I am using now is “Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, ICs, and circuit board”. We will see how that fairs. Already got a couple through customs with that.
It’s not returned by customs. It’s returned by the US Postal Inspection Service.
Yes, I am using the terms interchangeably.
But they are different groups responsible for different things. If you assume they are the same, you may miss the real reason your packages are being returned.
This is a label that is used to return something for a customs declaration problem. As you can see it is very different to yours.
Looks like there was a systemic issue with USPS and export compliance recently:
https://www.bigmessowires.com/2021/05/07/us-customs-export-control/
For some unknown reason I dodged it (knocking wood)
I’ve been using 85419000, seems 85429000 is closer, is there a separate code for blank PCBs?
HS Code 85340011 - Multilayer, printed, circuits
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I just got a package to Canada rejected by customs, wanted to charge over $40 in duty. That’s more than the value of the components. I used Hobbyist electronics kit as the description and 85429000 as the code (Parts of electronic integrated circuits, n.e.s.).
To follow up on my last message about custom duties when sending kits to Canada, apparently the charge comes from UPS. The actual customs duty is quite small (if added at all) but UPS adds a significant brokerage charge on to the duty. This is why a 40 dollar purchase turns into 80 dollars when the buyer receives the package with almost all of that extra charge coming from UPS.
Sorry to be replying so late but thought I would add to this for others.
UPS often uses brokers in countries. Shipping via UPS always adds the brokerage charge plus the regular shipping cost. The brokerage fee is impossible to determine in advance so I can’t even inform my customers. The brokers also follow the letter of the law and tack on customs fees but seem to ignore the cost declaration and make their own (way higher) guess. So, the duty is out of line with actual product price. This is why I don’t use UPS for my international customers (I’m US based). An 8 oz package to Ireland via UPS added $70 over and above the UPS shipping cost. The price of item was around $50.
Contrast shipping via GlobalPost or USPS. Cost is around $18 USD to Ireland and the Irish postal services doesn’t collect tax/customs duty. In fact, I believe the UK and EU postal services pretty much just deliver the package without charging VAT/Duties/whatever. I’ve heard of maybe 2 cases where they did. That’s out of about 300 packages sent to those countries.
So, the choice is pissed off customers because of significant costs or pissed off customers because of slow shipping. The latter is easier to deal with - at least I can warn them in advance.
Phil
DIY- HS902303
Always works for getting production to US and mailing to international customers.
So they revised things even further this past March 2024, where they want exact product descriptions. while this is good for identifying exactly what it is, so the right taxes can be applied, it’s very difficult trying to determine which HTS to use. the biggest issue, is if you choose the wrong HTS number, the receiving country may “classify” it differently than you, which may result in the customer being charged significant taxes unexpectedly and/or refusing the import completely (and sometimes then disposing of it).
The best thing you CAN do, is to believe it or not reach out to the Export Control office in the US and there is a way you can send them one of your products (with a letter asking it be returned w/ a return shipping label) and within 30 days they will respond to you, with a letter indicating their official classification, valid for a certain # of years, which can then be used to dispute customs charges / improper classification by carriers if it ever comes to that. without that letter? you’re on your own. It’s free, sure it takes 30 days, but it’s free and it protects you, the seller as well as the buyer, its’ why they offer the service 