Sending stuff to the US

[David And Katie 5]

Ok, I know there's a form to let visa holders import stuff for free however I cannot work out how to use it.

Before asking me, my dad sent me a parcel of radio equipment and put the value at 200UKP. He's paid for the DHL delivery now and I don't know if he can alter the label or not.

Am I going to be hit by customs/import duty? Can I present that form to them after it's been delivered?

Any thoughts, please. I am not working yet and I am extremely poor (wife doesn't make a huge deal).

[Inky 1,111]

You put " Gift " on the parcel. Then you get no duty fees because its a gift.

I get items from all over the world this way. Only once have I ever gotten an item not marked gift and had to pay a huge sum in duty for it.

[David And Katie 5]

It's too late for that, he's printed the label and paid for the parcel.

[JoannaV 174]

My (very vague) understanding of the visa holders free import thing is that it's a one time thing you can use when bringing your household items over. Not sure if you could use it when someone else is arranging the shipping.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

My (very vague) understanding of the visa holders free import thing is that it's a one time thing you can use when bringing your household items over. Not sure if you could use it when someone else is arranging the shipping.

My vague memory is you can bring household goods for a period of 5 years.

[Inky 1,111]

My vague memory is you can bring household goods for a period of 5 years.

This is what i heard too.

Though i'm not sure how you would let them know if they are simply mailing it over.

[David And Katie 5]

Well an update to this... the package arrived and attracted no import duty...

My dad labeled it as "personal effects" and "non-working amateur radio equipment" with a value of 200UKP.

I guess DHL would've requested payment before delivering, rather than bill me after the fact. Speaking of DHL. Picked up on Friday in Manchester UK, arrived here Monday morning before 12 noon.