USPS fees - the ?!

[Emily975 11]

Ok, so I just want a sanity check... I don't know if this is new policy or do I just always get an incompetent clerk?!

In last 6 months I sent two packages back home to my sister (EU country) like I did before. Both times the estimated duties and fees to be collected on their side were $200+ (plus the cost of sending the package which is $50-60 to begin with). Now the package is a gift with value of ~$100 and it's nothing that could remotely be considered commercial (couple of books, some candy, a cd ... literally a birthday present). I know they've been trying to crack down on fake gifts but paying $300+ on a $100 worth of stuff is ... insane. Is my only option to bring stuff with when I travel over?!

[Ontarkie 14,216]

~~Title edited for bypassing language filter~~

[Lemonslice 4,831]

You can usually contest the value of items and pay less duties on reception.  I know how to do it in Canada.  The recipients would have to see how to do it in their country.

[mam521 2,057]

I've found great little businesses that are local to family members that allow me to purchase online.  I prefer to support those little local businesses so my family has access to them after I've given them a taste of what's available.