We have our first boxes ready to go but are stumped on the customs form--stumped by the lack of room to write in what we're sending!  For example, our contact has listed coffee, creamer and filters on the want list, well, that takes up three lines to itemize those things.  Should we just fill out a second form with the items that don't fit on the first and enclose them both in the plastic envelope???

 

 

I would just generalize the contents, I would not add another form. 

donnaval:

We have our first boxes ready to go but are stumped on the customs form--stumped by the lack of room to write in what we're sending!  For example, our contact has listed coffee, creamer and filters on the want list, well, that takes up three lines to itemize those things.  Should we just fill out a second form with the items that don't fit on the first and enclose them both in the plastic envelope???

Definately only one form. How did Coffee, creamer, and filters take 3 lines? I just write, "coffee, creamer, filters," without brand names, quanities, descriptions. Its not a commercial package so you don't need to itemize things as if the receiver is going to purchase or pay tax on the items. I do tend to write, can coffee, box filters, just thinking x-rays might appreciate that sort of detail.

Thanks, Mom

Aha!  I thought we had to be very specific and list each item and what each item weighed.   Whew.  Thanks!

 

Also--do we need to write in the line about the items are gifts for the specific use of military personnel?

 

 

If you fill the form out online from the USPS website, the printed copy puts all of your info where it needs to be. But, if you fill it out by hand, you don't necessarily have to use that line. I simply write in the description box under the contents of what I'm sending, **For Soldier's (or Marine's) Personal Use Only!** Haven't had any problems so far...good luck!

I have sent packages with "foodstuffs"  if it is all food or "office supplies," "hygiene products."

I don't know how correct it is, but the person at my post office when I first started doing this said that the customs form is required, but actually the package never leaves the military's hands once it gets to the APO/FPO and the customs form does not need to be detailed like it normally would.  Anyhow, I've not had a problem yet doing it that way.

 rosemary

Thank you, thank you, my fingers thank you.  I got 14 boxes done over the weekend, and 40 individual padded envelopes and my hands are killing me with the forms.  I was writing everything like lotion x 10, etc on the forms.  it took me all lunch to put the addresses on.  Now writing the contents will be a lot easier.  Thank you.  I dedicate my next hand massage to you guys.