[snugs]

The value you declared on it because it was high value it was subject to UK duty and VAT.

Customs would not release it until I had paid those dues.

In future if you are sending to anyone abroad only declare bare minimum of value because compensation is only paid if it is lost at a very small percentage of the value unless you pay extra insurance and the person you are sending it to will be liable for tax and duties on the value you declare.

Not all post is subject to customs clearance I believe that it is random but it is more likely to be one of those picked if the value is high.

Thank you so much for the bits they are lovely

[DollyCali]

our postal man said to put the true value if the parcel was lost..for insurance purposes. hmmm.. so you are saying to NOT put the correct amount? I figured they would Xray & some of the gems would show & so needed to tell what was in there. Well, next time I will get some guidance from you. I am sorry you had to pay anything to get a gift. that does not seem right. I guess although I have lived a long time , I am still pretty niave about a lot of things