CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21190, 10 November 1938, Page 12

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

POINTS ABOUT POSTING As 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. Rates 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 ail at the lid rate per half-ounce, but if unsealed they are forwarded by the slower surface transport at a lower rate. The small-packet post 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 Ud 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 easily be opened 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 of the varying conditions affecting overseas 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 lid for each halfounce. Canada accepts dutiable articles by letter-post at lid per half-ounce and by parcel-post. Great Britain and Northern Ireland accept dutiable articles by letterpost at the Empire air-mail rate and also small packets, and by parcelpost. Irish Free State accepts dutiable articles only by parcel-post. 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 (11 per half-ounce) and parcelpost. 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 smallpacket post and parcel-post. The most certain method of avoiding difficulties due to Customs requirements Is to forward articles by parcel-post, 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 .-.ddressed to Great Britain, the Irish Free State, South Africa, Straits Settlements and Malaya.