SENDING GIFTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 22, 5 November 1938, Page 9

SENDING GIFTS.

POSTING FOR OVERSEAS. Ag the posting of Christmas gifts overseas involves consideration of Customs charges and other conditions imposed in the country of destination, the Post Office advises consultation with its officers before these packets are forwarded. Some countries refuse to deliver dutiable articles which have been enclosed in letters, while others do not impose this prohibition. Pates of postage are variable, and! there is also the important difference in charges between the sealed and unsealed packet. Christmas cards, for instance, sent to an Empire country in a closed envelope invariably go by air at rate per half-ounce, but if unsealed they are forwarded by the slower surface transport at a lower rate.

The small-packet pest is a convenient system recognised by some countries, but posting at a post office counter is. necessary as a Customs label, must always be attached. The charge is lijd for each 2oz. with a minimum of 6d and a maximum weight of 21b. It is important to note that packets effectively sealed) by gum or other means so that they cannot be opened easily for inspection are regarded as letter packets and involve payment of air-mail rates if addressed to Empire countries served by the Empire airmail service. Secure tying with string which enables the packet to be opened without damage for postal inspection (if necessary), does not bring the packet within the scope of the “sealed packet” definition. As a general indication fcf the varying conditions affecting ovefscas delivery of dutiable articles, the following examples are quoted by the Post Office:—

Australia and Dependencies accept dutiable articles by letter-post at id each ounce; also in small packets and by parcel-post.

Fiji has the same conditions as Australia, excepting that the letter postage rate is for each half-ounce. Canada accepts dutiable articles by letter-post at l.jd per halt-ounce and by parcel-post. Great Britain and Northern Ireland accept dutiable articles by letter-post at the Empire air-mail rate and also small packets, and by parcel-post. Irish Free State accepts dutiable articles only by parcel-pest.

India delivers dutiable articles enclosed in letters at the lid per halfounce rate and also by parcel-post. Straits Settlements and Malaya accept dutiable articles by letter-post (l|d per half-ounce)and parcel-post. South Africa applies the same conditions as Straits Settlements. The United States of America, though delivering dutiable articles by letter-post, require a Customs declaration on the outside and, the enclosure of an invoice. Dutiable articles are also accepted by small-packet post and parcel-post. The most certain method of avoiding difficulties due to Customs requirements is to forward articles by parcelpost, the parcel being then accompanied by a Customs declaration of description and value. Some countries enable the sender to avoid the embarrassment of the recipient having to pay duty on a gift. This is done by making a deposit in New Zealand, the balance being returned by the Post Office on receipt of a notification of the dutiable amount. This facility is provided, for example, in respect to parcels addressed to Great Britain, the Irish Free State, South Africa, Straits Settlements and Malava.