Customs

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 2:55 pm

Me & Guppy want to exchange some traditional foodstuffs, today i sent her some shortbread & oatcakes but the lady at the post office said customs in America may not let it through or vice versa if she tries to send me purely because its foodstuffs

I order things from America on e-bay (although not food) all the time & have not had a problem & snoozies necklace came through ok so do you think the post office lady is being paranoid or might we have a problem because its food related?

theia · Post by **theia** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:01 pm

I've sent marzipan and chocolate...and I've had Reeses peanut butter cups :-6 back. I didn't think it was a problem

Wolverine · Post by **Wolverine** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:02 pm

most likely it's because "you" packed it up. whereas with catalogs and what not a company packs it. or something like that.

sounded good

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:03 pm

what did you put as the description on the customs label theia? just what it was? the post office lady told me to put traditional scottish preserves

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:05 pm

so maybe i look dodgy wolvie? :sneaky: :wah:

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:09 pm

I've sent chocs to a few members and received chocs too, (chonsi :-4 )

I did'nt have any problem thankfully.

theia · Post by **theia** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:10 pm

buttercup;473161 wrote: what did you put as the description on the customs label theia? just what it was? the post office lady told me to put traditional scottish preserves

chocolate, I think, or sweets

Post by **spot** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:17 pm

Perhaps there's a difference between what slips through and what's allowed.Beginning on December 12, 2003, FDA must receive advance notice of each article of food imported or offered for import into the U.S. --- regardless of whether the food will be consumed in the U.S. The proposed rule would require notice to be submitted by noon the day before the food arrives at the port of entry. Among other items, the notice must include a description of the food, the manufacturer and shipper, originating country, country from which the article is shipped, and anticipated port of entry. FDA and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have announced that importers, in most circumstances, will be able to provide the required prior notice information to FDA using CBP's automated commercial system, which currently is used to provide import information to customs, making it easier for them to comply with the new law.

If prior notice is not submitted or is inadequate, the act provides that the food shall be held at the port of entry until adequate notice is provided.

Exemptions: food brought into the U.S. in a traveler's personal baggage.The rules cover "all food and animal feed products regulated by FDA, including dietary supplements, infant formula, beverages (including alcoholic beverages) and food additives. FDA regulates all foods except meat, poultry and processed egg products, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture".

Maybe that means you can still send a haggis?

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:24 pm

what a carry on, think we will just chance it, thanks for looking that up spot, the post office lady went into a speel about it but i was on my lunch hour, in a hurry ect ect so dident really take in all she said but it was probably not unsimilar to the above

minks · Post by **minks** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:53 pm

It is a bomb

Bottom line US Customs thinks everything coming in from other countries is a bomb.

Try to lable it as a gift, with a 0 dollar value.

If they get sticky about the contents put "packaged cookies"

I think if they suspect they are home made there is potential for them to be a bomb, if they are commercially packaged they are less likely to be a bomb.

I would hate to bore you with details of what kinds of shipping regulations there are out there but for an example.

Food Stuffs.... highly regulated because of the threat of you importing some kind of bacteria, bug, or other evilness... commercially packaged food stuffs usually has passed some silly standard.

Non food stuffs, there is limits such as quantity from certain producers from certain countries.... yes I am serious ie if your textile is manufactured in say Tibet, there is a limit as to how much the US will allow in.

And then you have embargos ahahahahahaha

US customs is the most frustrating monopoly on the planet!!!!!!!

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 10:24 pm

theia;473156 wrote: I've sent marzipan and chocolate...and I've had Reeses peanut butter cups :-6 back. I didn't think it was a problem

Dropping Christmas hints ? :p

theia · Post by **theia** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:06 am

Nomad;473516 wrote: Dropping Christmas hints ? :p

No, no no...emboldened Reeses peanut butter cups was another thank you, in a sort of obscure way (clearly too obscure) :p

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:21 am

theia;473572 wrote: No, no no...emboldened Reeses peanut butter cups was another thank you, in a sort of obscure way (clearly too obscure) :p

Are we talking about the same thing ? Sweet creamy peanut butter filling wrapped in delicious chocolate. The one thats like a party in your mouth ?

theia · Post by **theia** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:31 am

Nomad;473579 wrote: Are we talking about the same thing ? Sweet creamy peanut butter filling wrapped in delicious chocolate. The one thats like a party in your mouth ?

Oh those Reeses peanut butter cups (wish they had a shorter name)...

I'll sell my soul for those

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:33 am

theia;473583 wrote: Oh those Reeses peanut butter cups (wish they had a shorter name)...

I'll sell my soul for those

I think they stopped making them.

DesignerGal · Post by **DesignerGal** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:33 am

Nomad;473585 wrote: I think they stopped making them.

Dont mess with her! They have not! Now they have ones with caramel AND peanut butter wrapped in chocolate. Its like a riot in your mouth. I like the orginal ones the best. I want some vegemite.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:00 pm

DesignerGal;473788 wrote: Dont mess with her! They have not! Now they have ones with caramel AND peanut butter wrapped in chocolate. Its like a riot in your mouth. I like the orginal ones the best. I want some vegemite.

Why try to improve on perfection ? The Reeses Peanut Butter Cup is pure. Leave it alone.

theia · Post by **theia** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:09 pm

I used to eat all the chocolate around the edge first and leave the centre til last...sometimes I could even remove the chocolate from the centre bit , leaving me with just the peanut butter, and a hint of chocolate. I try to do the same with maltezers but it's difficult not to damage that lovely malty ball in the middle.

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:21 pm

Have you ever tried the WHITE chocolate Reese's peanut butter cups? :guitarist

theia · Post by **theia** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:27 pm

cherandbuster;474055 wrote: Have you ever tried the WHITE chocolate Reese's peanut butter cups? :guitarist

Don't care too much for white chocolate, Cher, much prefer milk

Anyway, how are you?

sunny104 · Post by **sunny104** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:30 pm

now I'm craving Reeses cups!

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:52 pm

wow i dident even know you could buy a peanut butter cup

GUPPY, GUPPY - im going to need them as well

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:54 pm

I was just looking for this thread.........i mailed your package today.

Reeses did you say? next package going out. what you gonna send me? :p

The post office said you should get it in three to five days..........

i sent you a few surprises..........

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:01 pm

well im just going to have to send you a haggis

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:02 pm

guppy;474099 wrote: i sent you a few surprises..........

That's so cool!

Is anyone else looking for a "U.S. partner" in the FG food exchange? I'd love to do it with someone! :-6

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:03 pm

what is a haggis? :-3

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:04 pm

its a frog

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:05 pm

cherandbuster;474106 wrote: That's so cool!

Is anyone else looking for a "U.S. partner" in the FG food exchange? I'd love to do it with someone! :-6

cher please feel free to join in, if me & guppy's stuff comes through ok we can all go on a traditional food fest / swap shop, great fun

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:06 pm

buttercup;474111 wrote: cher please feel free to join in, if me & guppy's stuff comes through ok we can all go on a traditional food fest / swap shop, great fun

Great!

Let's make sure your packages get to each other without any problems first

and thanks for including me

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:08 pm

yea, this is soooo exciting to me. anybody else want to exchange anything. let me know. this is fun.

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:09 pm

oooooooh cher we could swap great make up & nails stuff as well, cant see customs having a problem with that?

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:13 pm

buttercup;474117 wrote: oooooooh cher we could swap great make up & nails stuff as well, cant see customs having a problem with that?

I agree!

Have you ever tried L'Oreal Lash Out mascara? Absolutely the best! Everyone always says Maybelline Great Lash is the best, but I disagree

BCup -- I could send you a couple of pairs of the fake eyelashes I wear! They are self-stick and so easy to use! Remember I launched into a whole diatribe on the best way to apply them? :rolleyes:

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:22 pm

yes i do remember that cher, great idea, also i think great lash can be clumpy so would be happy to try your 'lash out' black is my preferance

ive got a really great compact i'd like you to try, going by your skin tone in your photo it looks very similar to mine so i'll send you the shade i wear & you can let me know (if you like it) if you need it darker or lighter

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:40 pm

you are going to send me a frog? i can send you a big ole bull frog from here, but i will have to send him air freight in a pet carrier......lol:D

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:49 pm

SnoozeControl;474155 wrote: I've gotten food from Clancy before, but the declaration thingy didn't go into great detail about it. I'd try to put something like 'foodstuff' in the block and cross my fingers.

i tried that, they wanted details............

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:53 pm

guppy;474149 wrote: you are going to send me a frog? i can send you a big ole bull frog from here, but i will have to send him air freight in a pet carrier......lol:D

i was kidding

http://www.gumbopages.com/food/scottish/haggis.html

try not to freak out, you maybe wish it was frog now :wah: