Postal_Guide_September_1963 — Page 78

Overseas Post 75

Types of Customs Declaration Form.

Two types are in use namely; An adhesive form, to be affixed to the parcel (mainly for Commonwealth use). A non-adhesive form (for most foreign countries). despatch note, as indicated below, is required with the non-adhesive forms.

A

Two or more copies of the non-adhesive form may be required, see under country concerned.

Details to be shown: The value of the contents of the parcel must be shown in Hong Kong currency on the customs declaration and the net weight or quantity and the value of the different kinds of articles enclosed should be shown in detail with such other particulars as are likely to facilitate the customs clearance of the parcel, for instance, the material of which clothing is made, and whether it is new or not. If an article is being returned to its country of origin, this should be stated.

If a consular invoice, a certificate of origin, or other similar document accompanies a parcel, this should be stated on the relative customs declaration under the list of contents, and also on the cover of the parcel if the customs declaration is of the non-adhesive kind.

Preparation of despatch notes. With a non-adhesive form of declaration a despatch note is required. The address on the despatch note should always be as complete as the address on the parcel. If there is more than one route to the country of destination, the route to be taken should be shown on the despatch note in the space provided.

Disposal instructions in the event of non-delivery. When sending a parcel overseas it is always necessary to show what is to be done with it if it cannot be delivered. There is space for this on the adhesive declaration form and on the despatch note. If a despatch note is used the sender should write the disposal instruction on the outside of the parcel as well. In this connexion it should be noted that the option for the return to sender in the event of non-delivery either forthwith or at the end of a stated period will not necessarily have any practical effect in the case of a parcel addressed Poste Restante (or En Gare, as the case may be) or to a place where parcels are not addressed to the door, but have to be collected from the Post Office.

Customs duty. Most articles sent abroad are dutiable, but some countries make concessions in the case of gifts of small value. Exporters who require information as to rates of duty abroad should apply to the Commerce and Industry Department, specifying the country concerned and the exact nature of the articles to be sent. The Post Office accepts no responsibility for loss, delay or charges arising from the customs or other regulations to which the contents of the parcel are subject.

PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

Articles which cannot be sent by post at all are shown in Section 1 of this Guide. Most countries prohibit or restrict the entry of certain goods as will be seen under the country headings. Should further information be required, enquiry should be made of the representative of the country concerned. A list of such representatives, under the heading, Consular Offices, may be found at the back of this volume.

EXPORT LICENCES, ETC.

All goods of a value exceeding HK$400 originating in the following countries, need to be covered by a valid export licence:-Japan, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Liberia, Mexico, Canada, Nicaragua, Panama, Philippines, Salvador, U.S.A. and dependancies, Venezuela, former Japanese Pacific Isles under U.S.A. Trusteeship or U.S. Military Administration.

Goods originating in other countries, if exceeding HK$400 in value, require to be covered by export licence when addressed to destinations other than China, Macao, Taiwan or the Scheduled Territories.

Certain articles are prohibited from export except under and in accordance with a permit issued by the Commerce and Industry Department.