Sending a gift to France.. customs?

StSigal · Post by **StSigal** » Sun, 07 Aug 2011 6:36 pm

Hi all,

My boyfriend lives in Singapore, and he said he'd like to send me a birthday gift from there. Do you know if there is a special procedure regarding customs declarations or other things?

The gift is probably worth like 350 sgd so I think in theory he would have to pay importation taxes at the french customs.. Do you know how all this works, or do you have any experience/advice on sending a package from Singapore to Europe? I would prefer not to have to pay any taxes of course, but I wouldn't want the package to get stuck at the border..

Thanks for your help!

S.

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Sun, 07 Aug 2011 7:07 pm

Usually, the recipient (the receiver) has to pay the customs duties (or import taxes) The easiest way is to visit the SingPost site: http://www.singpost.com.sg/

From what I know, the sender just fills out a customs declaration and it is affixed to the package. French Post Office/Customs will determine whether there is any customs/import duties on that end and the receiver has to pay them in order to receive the package.

ksl · Post by **ksl** » Sun, 07 Aug 2011 8:54 pm

Quite a few European Countries have an allowance for gifts, you need to check France, allowance for gifts! You also need to declare it has a gift! If duty is payable it will not be released until paid to the courier delivering the item, like duty & tax if applicable.

Though some packages with gift on them sometimes get through the system scot free!

beppi · Post by **beppi** » Sun, 07 Aug 2011 9:23 pm

Just declare a low value on the customs form or pro-forma invoice attached to the parcel. It's unlikely to be checked if labelled as private gift.

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Sun, 07 Aug 2011 10:15 pm

Are we advising doing illegal stuff on this forum now?

durain · Post by **durain** » Sun, 07 Aug 2011 11:39 pm

so not an e-ticket present to visit him in singapore?

Post by **nakatago** » Sun, 07 Aug 2011 11:45 pm

Check how Amazon will do it since they let you send something as a gift. The important part anyway is the entry to France.

durain · Post by **durain** » Tue, 09 Aug 2011 2:07 pm

nakatago wrote:The important part anyway is the entry to France.

if it is french parfum, then no problemo. but if it is fake LV bags, then defo no no.

Post by **nakatago** » Tue, 09 Aug 2011 3:30 pm

durain wrote:
nakatago wrote:The important part anyway is the entry to France.
if it is french parfum, then no problemo. but if it is fake LV bags, then defo no no.

well, duh...

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:33 pm

, lah.......

SINGAPORE EXPATS FORUM
Singapore Expat Forum and Message Board for Expats in Singapore & Expatriates Relocating to Singapore

Sending a gift to France.. customs?

Sending a gift to France.. customs?

Who is online