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Important Import/Export News
Worldwide Customs & Regulatory Updates
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December 17, 2007
Things to Bear in Mind When Sending Gifts to the U.S.
If you are planning to send gifts to family or friends in the U.S. this holiday season, we have some tips that can help smoothen the process.
First, it is important to note that a gift shipment can only be from an individual to an individual, or from a company to an individual. In addition, the total gift value for each individual should not exceed US$100; if it does exceed this amount, the entire shipment will be dutiable.
If your gift meets these requirements, you can then complete the commercial invoice.
To do this you will have to provide:
- The name, address and phone number of both the shipper and the consignee;
- A full description of the product(s), including if it is homemade or bought from a shop; and,
- For consolidated gift shipments, the name of each recipient, the gift items for each individual, and the value of each item.
You should also write on both the air waybill and the commercial invoice that the shipment is an “unsolicited gift, not for resale”.
There are some other points that may be helpful when deciding what to send:
- Textiles – quota limitations on textiles and apparel items do not apply to gift shipments;
- Perfumes containing alcohol – these are not classified as gifts, and may be subject to duty/tax and formal entry filing; and,
- Personal and household effects – items purchased solely for the personal use of an individual are not classified as gifts.
If you would like further information, or have any questions about your gift shipments, please contact your local Customer Service team.
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