>> I think you may have that the wrong way round, unless it's changed very recently - Airmail letter
>> post and Global Proprity (certainly GP flat-rate envelopes) come normal post, Airmail parcels come
>> via Parcelforce. Global express is the faster service, so I suspect this is the one that has the
>> higher charge. 
>
>I don't think so (I'm not at home so can't check the empty cartons).  The one I mean is the one which has 
>"Flat Rate" envelopes and boxes, costing $5, $9 etc. and I'm pretty sure this is Global Express.  
No - it's Global Priority - The flat-rate envelopes are very good value for international,
especially for heavier stuff like books - I hang on to  sample envelopes so I know what will fit
each size. 

>> or a declared value way over the duty threshold,with no charge sticker. I'd say that
>> in the last year I've escaped duty on about 50% of parcels that should have been charged. 
>
>In this case Customs & Excise have decided not to levy a charge - they don't keep to the strict limits, as 
>collecting a small amount isn't worth the hassle.  What that small amount is, isn't published and it seems to 
>vary from time to time.  The highest I've not been charged for is about US$95, and the lowest I have been 
>charged for is about US$55 - you can never tell, unfortunately!

I'm sure it's laziness/inefficiency - I've had $200 packages uncharged and $40 ones charged.  


-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist