APO

[kydsid]

Originally Posted by CasaDooley

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but shipping to an APO/FPO does not require a custom form filled out. Technically speaking, that type of mail never leaves American soil. I've shipped plenty of stuff to military personnel all over the world and never filled out custom forms and no one ever had to when they used to ship to me.

It does require a customs form. But there is a different one used for APO/FPO's than normal. And yes it does leave American soil. All APO/FPO packages are cleared through the host country customs service. There are numerous reasons why you haven't had a problem, chief amoung them it isn't that big of a deal and really depends on the level of cooperation from the host country.

As for not declaring cigars and coming up with an alternate description I am against that based on my history and the fact that the DoD may hold the recipient responsible if the host country considered it 'smuggling'. Remember if the DoD is going to ding a guy for his 'guest' caught speeding on base they probably will here too. Host countries all have signed an agreement with the DoD so that anything that is for military members will not be charged duty for any reason. Unless it is a banned product it will get to the soldier. So what is the point of lying on a customs form?