[meteorite-list] International Shipping/Customs Questions

From: Greg Hupe <gmhupe_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon, 4 Oct 2010 12:07:13 -0500
Message-ID: <10D6FCA8-7768-4F5A-B715-ABA06B2B52D1_at_htn.net>

Hi Brian,

Thank you for the detailed Int'l shipping suggestions. I usually
write, "Mineral Sample For Study". I have only had one package go
missing in 10 years but I think I will try your suggestion of,
"Natural Mineral Specimen HC 7103.10.00.00" and see how it goes. For
fun I may send two packages to the same person with the two different
descriptions to see if there is a time difference in shipping.

Best Regards,
Greg Hupe

On Oct 4, 2010, at 10:21 AM, BRIAN SCHROEDER <brian at aajewel.com> wrote:

> 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 01:07:13 PM PDT