Shipping Holiday Gifts Overseas? October Is Your Month. Here’s the Customs Form, Explained

Thornton and the north Denver metro are home to many families with relatives overseas, including Mexico, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Germany, and beyond. Shipping gifts and packages internationally can be confusing, especially during the busy holiday season. Customs requirements, delivery deadlines, and unexpected delays can all affect when a package arrives.

At AIM Mail Center, we help families throughout Thornton, Broomfield, Westminster, and the surrounding north Denver metro ship international packages year-round. Our biggest recommendation for holiday shipping is simple: ship early, ideally in October or early November. Economy services can take several weeks, holiday volume can slow deliveries, and express shipping becomes more expensive as December approaches.

The Customs Form, in Plain English

International packages generally require a customs declaration. The information you provide helps customs officials identify the contents, determine applicable duties and taxes, and process the shipment. Here's what you'll need:

• What's inside, specifically: Avoid vague descriptions such as "gifts." Instead, list individual items, such as "two cotton T-shirts, one toy car, and one box of chocolates."
• Accurate values for each item: Declare the actual value of the contents. Incorrect values can cause customs delays, additional charges, or other problems.
• Country of origin: Some shipments require the country where each item was manufactured. This information is often available on the product label.
• Recipient phone number: Customs officials or the carrier may need to contact the recipient for additional information or delivery arrangements.
• Gift designation: If you're sending a genuine gift, identify it appropriately. Some countries have different duty or tax thresholds for qualifying gifts.

Bring a list of what's inside your package, and our team can help you complete the required shipping documentation at the counter. Having accurate information ready helps avoid unnecessary delays.

What You Can't Ship Internationally

Every country has its own import restrictions, and carriers may have additional rules. Some of the items most likely to create shipping complications include:

• Homemade food: Many countries restrict homemade or perishable foods. Commercially packaged food may be permitted depending on the destination and ingredients.
• Alcohol and tobacco: These products are frequently restricted and may require special authorization or approved shipping arrangements.
• Perfume and aerosols: Many are regulated as hazardous materials and cannot travel through standard international shipping services.
• Lithium batteries: Loose batteries and spare batteries face strict restrictions. Devices containing installed batteries may be eligible for shipping under specific conditions.
• Cash, gift cards, and jewelry: Restrictions and coverage limitations vary by carrier and destination.
• Plants, seeds, and animal products: These items are often subject to agricultural inspections, permits, or import prohibitions.

Not sure whether something can be shipped? Bring it in and ask before sealing the box. Our team can help review the applicable carrier and destination requirements before you send it overseas.

Which International Shipping Carrier Should You Choose?

Different carriers offer different international networks, service levels, delivery estimates, and pricing. The best option depends on the destination, package size, contents, and how quickly it needs to arrive.

• DHL: A strong option for many international destinations, with an extensive overseas network and international express services. Learn more about our DHL Shipping Services.
• FedEx International and UPS Worldwide: Offer international shipping services to destinations throughout Canada, Europe, Asia, and other regions.
• USPS International: May be a practical option for smaller, lower-value packages when delivery speed is less important. Tracking visibility and delivery services vary by country.

At AIM Mail Center, we can compare available shipping services for your destination and help you review delivery estimates, costs, and tracking options before choosing a carrier.

Pack for the Long Haul

International shipments may pass through multiple sorting facilities, transportation hubs, and customs checkpoints before reaching their destination. Proper packing is especially important for fragile gifts and items traveling long distances.

Start with a sturdy, appropriately sized box, cushion the contents to prevent movement, and reinforce the seams with packing tape. Fragile items may benefit from additional protective materials or double-boxing.

You can find boxes, cushioning, tape, and other supplies in our Packing Materials selection. If you'd rather have us handle the packing, bring your items to AIM Mail Center and our team can help prepare them for Shipping.

Track Your International Package

Tracking helps you follow your shipment as it moves through the carrier's network and, when available, through customs processing. You can check your shipment's progress using our Package Tracking Page.

If a shipment is delayed in customs, the carrier may request additional documentation, payment of duties or taxes, or information from the recipient. Providing accurate contact details when shipping makes it easier for the carrier to reach the appropriate person.