[meteorite-list] International Shipping/Customs Questions

[Shawn Alan]

Matt and Listers,

That's a good question about whats the proper way of declaring meteorites for customs forms.

What I have done in the past is put rock sample. Now I am putting rock sample for research and checking the box that says other, but I might stick with gift box. Also, I would put $5 for value and not sure if the buyer had to pay a tax for that, but I havent heard any complaints, but I think ill just put a $2 value cap.

Shawn Alan 
IMCA 1633
eBaystore
http://shop.ebay.com/photophlow/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340






[meteorite-list] International Shipping/Customs Questions
Matthew Martin mmartin at meteoritetreasures.com 
Sun Oct 3 18:40:56 EDT 2010 

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Hi Everyone, 

As I have been sending more specimens to international destinations, I 
have some questions for those who have more experience in this arena. 
I've searched the net and have not been able to find any information 
related to this topic, so I hope it's not a repeat: 

1. What is the proper declaration description of a meteorite for 
customs forms? 

I've seen a variety, such as "geological specimen", "geological 
sample", "mineral specimen", etc., and want to know which terms are 
best to use (and not to use). I have had a bad experience with a 
package I was receiving which was labeled "meteorite" in the 
description of the declaration form and a customs agent in Tennessee 
called me and didn't want to release the package because "meteorites 
could contain dangerous bacteria" (I'm not kidding!). Does it matter 
is the term "sample" is used vs. "specimen"? 

For this question, I am referring to loose meteorite specimens only 
(not jewelry). 

2. Are there any countries that anyone is aware of that prohibit the 
receipt (import) of meteorites from individuals who live there? 


Thanks in advance. 

Matt Martin 
Meteorite Treasures 
www.meteoritetreasures.com 


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[meteorite-list] International Shipping/Customs Questions
Marcin Cimala marcin at meteoryt.net 
Sun Oct 3 19:55:35 EDT 2010 

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> 1. What is the proper declaration description of a meteorite for customs 

> forms? 


Good question! 

>From my experiences I can say that its better to write anything than "inside 

of this box is meteorite and its propably worth alot". We KNOW how normall 
peoples react when they hear about meteorite. They are expensive, they are 
interesting, they are rare. So its not a good idea to write "Meteorite" on 
your shipping box. Better write "sample rock" or "rock sample for 
classification + no value" etc... Whatever You want. Customs or postman in 
99.99% have no idea what its inside and how much its worth, so better dont 
tell them. 

I even delete word "Meteorite" in peoples destination address!! Good example 
is Mirko Graul :). Mirko why You have as Your shipping address in Paypal 
"Mirko Graul Meteorites"? I dont think its good idea if You want receive 
Your meteorites without problems. I alvays delete "Meteorites" from Your 
address. 

I dont remember when my shipping was lost for the last time or if any was 
ever lost, but I dont send meteorites as parcels where I need to fill this 
small green form and declare what is inside, how much its worth and what is 
origin... Its better to send specimens as normal, ordinary registered 
airmail lettes without declaring anything. 

Once I have funny story with polish customs when I bought 30kg ordinary 
chondrites from Morocco. They send me customs form to declare what is in 
box, how much its worth. They need to know this to add taxes etc. So I 
declare its worth 200$ rock samples for classification. Hmm it was 50% truth 
becouse this NWA xxx is still only rocks. Few days later they call me and 
Mr. Geologist told me that he know that they are meteorites and they are for 
sure worth alot. So I told OK, they are meteorites and worth 400$ and if he 
know better then he need to prove me that its worth more. Few days later I 
got my meteorites, they got their taxes, everyone was happy. 

Thats my night time impressions. 
Good night. 

-----[ MARCIN CIMALA ]-----[ I.M.C.A.#3667 ]----- 
http://www.Meteoryty.pl marcin(at)meteoryty.pl 
http://www.PolandMET.com marcin(at)polandmet.com 
http://www.Gao-Guenie.com GSM: +48 (793) 567667 
--------[ Member of Polish Meteoritical Society ]-------- 



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