[meteorite-list] International Shipping/Customs Questions

From: BRIAN SCHROEDER <brian_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:21:40 -0700
Message-ID: <cee823$1d2cp6_at_ruhk-013.totisp.net>

Hello Matt and List
I have been working part time as an International Shipping Agent for
about 17 years as well as clearing Customs personally with Goods.
The Classification I use is : NATURAL MINERAL SPECIMEN HC #
7103.10.00.00
Adding the technical name does not hurt either, and helps Customs
Agents to see that the Specimen is not a Corundum, Beryl or Granet.
The HC Stands for Harmonized Code or International Harmonized
Tariff Coding System.
The HC # is the Classification for "Precious and Semi-Precious stones
(other than diamonds), whether or not worked or graded, but not
strung, mounted or set.", basically anything that is a Rock..
So the following would be suitable for any International Package.

NATURAL MINERAL SPECIMEN HC # 7103.10.00.00 " carbonaceous Ch.
CV3 " or " any name here "

All Customs I know of use this International Harmonized Tariff Coding
System , regardless if they can read the Language of the Shipper.
These numbers are an International Language.
Most countries have a 0.0% Tax base for Mineral Specimens as well as
them being Duty Free.
Providing the HC takes away the need for any Customs inspector to go
through the effort to Classify a rock, correctly or not, and can save
you and customers precious dollars.
Honestly declaring the Correct value of any item, especially when
Insured Shipping is used does not hurt..
Not mentioning that the package contains a Meteorite is also a smart move..
I have never heard of a Country that Mineral Specimens are prohibited
from entering , only shipping the Specimens out of some countries is
illegal. ( eg. Myanmar )

Happy Shipping
Brian S.
IMCA # 7381
http://stores.ebay.ca/AAJEWELCOM


Hi Everyone,

As I have been sending more specimens to international destinations, I
have some questions (snip)

1. What is the proper declaration description of a meteorite for
customs forms?

I've seen a variety, such as "geological specimen", "geological
sample", "mineral specimen", etc.,(snip)

2. Are there any countries that anyone is aware of that prohibit the
receipt (import) of meteorites from individuals who live there?

Thanks in advance.
Matt Martin
Meteorite Treasures


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Received on Mon 04 Oct 2010 11:21:40 AM PDT