""I would tell the customer..." New Customs Form" Topic

Yesterday I'm in my local Post Office shipping two boxes to Canada.

I had filled out one of the new customs forms for each box (PS 2976-R ).

This form replaces the two previous forms and is to be used for all shipments requiring a customs declaration.

The new form is large (8.25" x 6.50" ), multi-part and requires a clear plastic sleeve to be attached to the sender's package.

A bar code is attached to the package with a copy of same affixed to the sender's copy.

During the conversation while the clerk was typing I commented on the large size of the form and asked how she would handle small packages / boxes.

She stated, "I would tell the customer to return with the item repackaged in a larger package / box."

At first, I thought she was kidding but quickly realized she was serious.

I asked why, then, had USPS done away with the small green customs form which could easily be affixed to small packages and boxes?

She said it was for standardization.

So, I said, having to use a larger package or box to suit the new form could raise the price of shipping for the sender.

She replied, "That's the customers problem."

At that point I stopped talking to her and left with my receipt.

'Your business is very important to us'…

You gotta love bureaucrats.

"I'm not allowed to argue with you unless you pay…."

Working hard to kill international trade is job one.

Obviously you'll also be paying for the bigger form, the plastic sleeve and the computerisation.

What goes on the form? A couple of tick boxes, a value, a date and a signature?

I use stamps.com. It rolls all of this into 1. Yes, it does cost for this service, but when I don't have to go to the post office, it's so much nicer. I don't have to fill out customs forms like you listed above, don't have to put it in a clear plastic sleeve, and I can do from home. It's worth the $15 USD a month to me.

Historique: thanks, I'll look into that. To be clear: the attachment of the plastic sleeve and insertion of the form was done by the Postal Clerk

Wonder if you could place a small box inside the new customs plastic bag / sleeve, seal and ship that way…..

How they attach their sheet-sized shipping form is NOT my problem. I'd take a picture of my package once they have done it, just in case, but posties making it hard for posties is THEIR problem.

I also use Stamps.com The resulting printed postage + address + customs is about 4x6 and fits perfectly on both my 6x10 padded envelope, and my small boxes.

The USPS is still one of the best bargains on the planet.

Joe, the larger form was typically used for Priority International packages, versus the small form which was used for the smaller, lighter 1st Class Air Mail packages. Did they charge the higher rates with the large form?

Dave: you are correct regarding both (of the older forms).

They have (both) been replaced by the new form referenced above.

Both Boxes (Canada) shipped via First Class Mail (Uninsured) and the rate has not changed.

The rates have not increased (since the last hike): only the form has changed.

R'/ Joe