shipping canada

[MagickalMemories]

The "gift" designation is pretty flexible (I give you something--you give me something) but I would tend to avoid it if the transaction is largely financial.

Although I can't be sure, since your location isn't listed in your profile on the left, it appears as if you're in Canada.

Presuming that's the case, please be careful what you list as being legal fact regarding other countries.

In the US, the "Gift" designation is inflexible. If I give you something in return fomr something from you, that is not a gift. it is a transaction. A Gift is something for nothing.

If I were to trade with you & mark it as a gift, I've committed a federal crime in the US. Even if we agree that, "I'll give you something for free if you give me something for free," it's still a transaction. Changing the language doesn't change the facts.

Eric

[s_o_r_r_o_w]

I'm not sure where the ambiguity regarding my nationality arises, but I am a resident and citizen of the Dominion of Canada.

The relevant information from the Canadian Border Services Agency may be found here:

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-po ... x-eng.html

As for the appropriate American regs, given the wide "flexibility" on personal freedoms y'all enjoy, i always thought you guys had an easier time of it than we to the North.

From the briefest look online:

http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/immc5_008.htm

indicates that

"532 General Export Licenses
532.1 Description
532.11 Purpose of General Export Licenses

A general export license (as opposed to a validated export license described in 533.1) authorizes exports without application by the exporter to the Office of Export Administration. Each general license is designated by a symbol, such as G–DEST, GLV, GIFT, GUS, etc. This section describes certain general licenses used for mail shipments. Further information can be obtained as provided in 531.1.
532.12 General License GIFT
532.121 Definition

This license covers gift packages mailed by or on behalf of an individual to an individual addressee for the personal use of the addressee or the addressee’s family, or to a religious, charitable, or educational organization. The contents are limited to items usually sent as gifts, such as food, civilian clothing, medicines, and drugs.
532.122 Value of Contents

The value of the contents of a gift package is limited to $200.
532.123 Number of Gift Packages

Not more than one gift package may be mailed per week by the same sender to one addressee."

Further, on the information regarding shipping to Canada

http://pe.usps.gov/search/jsp/search/vv ... ype=2#hit0

it states:

"Gift shipments (non-commercial parcels) require a sales receipt, invoice or other documentation to support the declared value."

Now I guess it all comes down to "non-commercial", right? I've always thought of non-commercial as being those activities that aren't buying and selling, where buying and selling involves money and a profit motive. I'm not saying this is the correct definition, and maybe this is where kturock can specify exactly what the USPS def-n for "gift" is.

Regarding the idea of reciprocity...well, aren't Christmas and birthday presents reciprocal?

[MagickalMemories]

re: Ambiguity of location...

I read this:

Not sure what distinction kturock is making regarding tampering with the mail in Canada. It is a federal offence here:

I wasn't sure if "Here" referred to your location or "Here is a link."

Promptly, my brain -apparently- ignored EVERY OTHER mention you made of being in Canada. Being at work sometimes takes my mind off of the importance that is Bartertown. Stupid work. LOL

I'll let kturock handle the response to your shipping quotes, as I am not "in the business" as he is and he will, certainly, have more experience with the specifcs to offer than I do...

I still believe, however, that you're only looking at the limitations of what a gift can be (value-wise) and how often it can be sent, rather than the definition of what a gift is.

Regarding the idea of reciprocity...well, aren't Christmas and birthday presents reciprocal?

Most certainly not. Not by requirement, anyway.
When I give a gift, I do it because I want to give that person a gift. I do not do it with the expectation of one in return. Why? Because that is what a gift is.
If I expect you to give me something in return for what I give you, it is no longer a gift.

From Dictionary.com:

gift
–noun
1. something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gift

Not to be snarky... just to clear up any confusion.

Eric

[s_o_r_r_o_w]

MM:

No "snarky"ness detected.

I totally understand the desire to be careful regarding federal law. And I am genuinely not trying to "evade" or "twist" the customs regulations, though I certainly prefer not to pay duty. Just throwing my 2 cents (CDN) in.

[kturock]

i can't and won't comment on other countries laws. i just don't know them.. as far as an export licence, it's for businesses that engage in international shipping on a regular basis.
now. don't ask me about stores or online stores needing 1 or not. thats the 1 department i haven't worked in. bulk mail and business mailling.

you can read what it says online and make the decision youself.

if your wrong, ignorance of the law won't excuse you from it.

if you get caught, then be prepared.

[s_o_r_r_o_w]

And just to throw another wrinkle in...I just received a package from a fellow in North Dakota, measuring some 3" x 12" x 10" and weighing maybe 3lbs. and it was shipped for $5.71.

It would seem that actually showing up at the post office may produce cheaper rates than the "shipping calculators".

[kturock]

it depends on who's doing the measuring; and if it's right or wrong.