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sean_5775 · ‎09-22-2005

I just got a package returned to me today for what I think is a very stupid reason. I shipped a parcel to the US by expedited parcel back in JULY. I recieved it back today with the following reason. This is a quote

"The United States Customs service is returning all USA addressed parcels that are made from cartons previously used to contain such items as alcohol, bleach, soap, perfume, etc. These cartons will not be accepted by United States Customs even if the indicator of the oringinal contents is crossed off. They will be returned regardless of the actual contents or listing on the customs declaration.
The only way reused cartons will be accepted is if the original markings indicating the previous contents are completely removed or obliterated or if the carton is totally wrapped so the original markings are not visible.

All customers presenting parcels addressed to the United States using cartons of this type should be advised that they will probably be refused by United States Customs."

This is a first for me, as I get alot of my boxes from grocery stores, and alot of the good boxes are soap or detergent boxes, and I get a few boxes from the liquor store. I have never had a problem at all. Matter of fact this box only had the words 12 - 1.75L White Rum on the bottom in very small letters. I have used boxes that had huge letters and logos on the sides and they were delivered without a problem.

I called Canada Post as I was a little upset about this. They gave me an even larger list. Alcohol, Paint, Detergents, Soaps, basically any cleaning product, Shampoo (and other personal hygene products), Tobacco products, explosives (I agree with that one), and a few others.

But what they could not tell me is why? especially for stuff like soap and shampoo, etc. or why it took almost 2 months to the day for me to get this back.

Now I have to send it back, pay for more postage, and hope the buyer does not get too upset, she does seem to find it stupid and funny while being a tad mad that she did want the item within a reasonable amount of time.

Anyone else ever run into such a thing?

Just wanted to tell my story and prevent it from happening to anyone else.

chuck111fishing · ‎09-22-2005

well i tell ya something if ship box to the usa. I make sure everything on box is markered out because they have told me if you dont u will get it back. The usa dont recycling in my eyes but i do the marker thing.

jakeeangel · ‎09-22-2005

Yeah unfortunately this was announced several months ago. 😞 People recommend brown paper wrapping, blacking out the markings or turn the box inside out. If you choose to go the brown paper route, remember that paper can rip and you're back to square one with the package coming back to you. Or worse if the address label is what's been torn off. It goes to lost package heck.

For what it's worth, they don't allow marked boxes to be used within the US either. They have to be blacked out or the USPS doesn't accept them. I've seen it first hand at the post office I go to.

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

aa-surplus · ‎09-22-2005

YE this is the rules as they need to be able to snif the boxes and if you use old boxes that can contain lets say baking soda or sugar you will have the box melted before they even think about returning it.

I was made aware of this from my Canadapost rep so for anymore information call your Canadapost Rep.

Regards,

Mark A

cartoonsinabox · ‎09-22-2005

This is true. We used a recycled box with writing on it "Alcohol"(didn't notice). UPS was kind enough to notified us and nicely changed the box to a new one (at no charge). Be careful to make sure you send out no boxes with writing on them with "Alcohol, tobbacco,etc . or it will be returned to you.
Frederic

nancyschina · ‎09-25-2005

I get most of my cartons from my local drug store. I simply turn them inside out and then the carton is totally blank. It just takes a few seconds to do this.