Here's a new one (to me)...

[cabowen]

Sent a parcel of swords to Japan the other day only to have it returned because it did not have an export license. Never had that happen, explained to the local Post Master that I have been sending swords to Japan for many a year without such an issue. She calls all her PM buddies and they are all confused as well. So we send it off again with a more detailed explanation about it being sent for restoration, non-commercial, for return, blah blah blah. So it comes back again, this time with more detailed info that because the value is over $2500, it needs an ITN (Internal Transaction Number) filing. Have never been flagged for this before....Anyone else have this issue?

[sohei]

Yes, it is a relatively new regulation, I believe the cutoff is $2000. If you put the value for $1900 or so, it will go right thru. I will try to find the links on the internet with the info. All the swords I have sent to Japan recently had this issue. Kunitaro-san is familar with the regulation, he is the one who told me about it. I will look for the links. Mike

[sohei]

You are right, the limit is $2500. So anything under that will sail right through. If you list the contains of your box as value of $2500 or more you must fill out the forms.

 

This link has some info:

http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-e ... -purchases

 

I believe this is the correct form:

http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc5_010.htm

 

Mike

[cabowen]

Thanks Mike...so it is something relatively new....Ugh....

[John A Stuart]

I bet it has to do with international monies trading, although not specie to record valuables that may fund terrorism. John

[SwordGuyJoe]

Same thing happened to me. I had to deal with what must've been the dumbest tellers I've ever talked to. She was clueless about the rule and I literally had there and read it to her from my phone. I new inconvenience to be sure!

[drbvac]

Different process but the government BS is the same in Canada - some upper management with nothing to do changes a procedure and NEVER explains or gives the details to the people who have to try and implement it OR explain it to others. They get an e-mail with 30 pages of new regulations and are on the phone as they read trying to implement the bullshit - it is nuts = and it usually is either a new make work project or make money project.

 

Nothing is ever announced to the public -= surprise