We do ship quite a number of boxes all over the world. Last Friday as I stood in line at our local post office a brochure entitled "Global Shipping Guide" caught my attention. As I browsed thru it, I couldn't help but notice the many referrals to custom forms, for instance, Use PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22-Sender's Declaration (green label), for printed matter or documents. And then it asterisks you to refer to the International Mail Manual (IMM**) for destination country requirements.
I got curious. I know there are standards developed over time for efficient shipping and goods transfer; but do we ordinary customers really care about them? And what's the International Mail Manual?
Did you know that each country has its own conditions of mailings? Each has (a) Prohibitions (b) Restrictions (c) Observations and (d) Custom forms required. So if you are shipping to Kenya here are the Prohibitions and Restrictions: Coins; banknotes; currency notes (paper money); traveler’s checks; platinum, gold, or silver (manufactured or not); precious stones; jewelry; and other valuables. Firearms and articles resembling deadly weapons. Radioactive materials. Used clothing, bedding and other similar items, textile and fabrics. Restrictions: Articles bearing Boy Scout or Girl Scout insignia must have authorization of the Kenya Boy Scout or Girl Guide Commissioner. Military or civil uniforms and clothing resembling them require permit of the Kenya government. Restrictions apply to the importation of second-hand clothes for sale. This restriction does not apply to personal effects. Traps capable of killing or capturing game must have permission of the Chief Game Warden of Kenya.
But if you are shipping to Equatorial Guinea or Macedonia there are No: Prohibitions, Restrictions or Observations. Libya doesn't accept Tea or Salt or Tobacco in any form. Lesotho doesn't accept Eau de cologne! Well that's it! If you need more reading go to the USPS Website.
"Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king's signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king". Ester 8:10
We do ship quite a number of boxes all over the world. Last Friday as I stood in line at our local post office a brochure entitled "Global Shipping Guide" caught my attention. As I browsed thru it, I couldn't help but notice the many referrals to custom forms, for instance, Use PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22-Sender's Declaration (green label), for printed matter or documents. And then it asterisks you to refer to the International Mail Manual (IMM**) for destination country requirements. 
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