US customs holding/rejecting computer material.

From: John B <dylanb_at_sympatico.ca>
Date: Fri Feb 11 11:15:23 2000

US customs has decided that people/companies in the US are avoiding tariffs
by "importing computer components through Canada" ... even if they are over
30 years old.

I (and others I know) in Canada have had quite a few problems (just over the
last two months) shipping computer components and documentation to the US.

My last eBay buyer spent quite a bit of time trying to convince US customs
they were not trying to avoid tariffs... [these materials were well over 25
years old]

I wanted every Canadian List member to know that if you indicate the
contents of the package to contain computer parts/manuals then, no mater how
old, these items could be held up in customs or rejected if you don't
provide contact info to customs. (customs doesn't seem to have a clue that
*old* computer parts fall outside their tariff issue).

Since computer parts are "electronic boards/parts" and manuals/documentation
can fall under "books" I recommend describing items as such. Shipping whole
mini computers are another issue. Generally, make sure both phone numbers
are on the parcel so US customs can contact the shipper/buyer immediately
with their concerns.

Good luck!


john


PDP-8 and other rare mini computers

http://www.pdp8.com
Received on Fri Feb 11 2000 - 11:15:23 GMT

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