'care' package for Soldier415. Help with a Question

[RP1911]

I'm putting together a 'care' package for Dan. He asked for 3 specific items of which I have or can get two of them (Hoppes #9 and distilled water). The third is cigars. I'm not a cigar afficionado so I could use your help here.

If you have any you want to send Dan's way, let me know and you can send them to me to include in the package.

My biggest concern is shipping legalities.

Since it is going to an APO address, I can use USPS Priority Mail. How do I handle the Hoppe's #9 and the cigars?

[thebloodsonthewall]

I would be very willing to send something his way. What would be a good item or two to pick up for him?

I am in Sacramento so I can just meet you somewhere.

[chickenfried]

Remember no pork or pork products. Here's the restrictions that came up, using Dan's military address. I'd suggest mailing the hoppes and cigars separately if possible.

A. Securities, currency, or precious metals in their raw, unmanufactured state are prohibited. Official shipments are exempt from this restriction. A1. Mail addressed to 'Any Servicemember' or similar wording such as 'Any Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine', 'Military Mail', etc., is prohibited. Mail must be addressed to an individual or job title, such as 'Commander', 'Commanding Officer', etc. B. Form 2976-A required for all mail weighing 16 ounces or more, with exceptions noted below. In addition, mailers must properly complete required customs documentation when mailing any potentially dutiable mail addressed to an APO or FPO regardless of weight. The following are exceptions to the requirement for customs documentation on non-dutiable mail weighing 16 oz. or more: B. a. Known mailers (those legally applying a permit imprint to a mailpiece) are exempt from providing customs documentation on non-dutiable letters and printed matter weighing 16 oz. or more. Mail with meter postage is not considered to be from a known mailer. B. b. Federal, state, and local government agencies are exempt from providing customs documentation, except on mail to APOs/FPOs to which restriction B2 applies. B. c. Prepaid mail from military contractors is exempt, providing mailpiece is endorsed 'Contents for Official Use-Exempt from Customs Requirement'. B1. Form 2976 or 2976-A required. Articles liable for customs duty and/or purchase tax unless bona fide gifts intended for use by military personnel or their dependents. When contents of a parcel meet these requirements, mailer must endorse customs form, 'Certified to be a bona fide gift, personal effects, or items for personal use of military personnel and dependents', under the heading, Description of Contents. Exceptions: All exceptions listed in restriction B are applicable to this restriction. C1. Obscene articles, prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc., and horror comics and matrices are prohibited. E2. Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials is prohibited. Although religious materials contrary to Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for personal use of addressee are permissible. F. Firearms of any type are prohibited in all classes of mail. See definitions of firearms in DMM 601.11.1.2c. This restriction does not apply to firearms mailed to or by official U.S. government agencies. The restriction for mail to this ZIP Code does not apply to firearms mailed from this ZIP Code, provided ATF and USPS regulations are met. Antique firearms are a separate category defined in DMM 601.11.2 and ATF regulations; they do not require an ATF form. H1. Pork or pork by-products are prohibited. M. Fruits, animals, and living plants are prohibited. R. All alcoholic beverages, including those mailable under DMM 601.8.0, are prohibited. R1. Materials used in production of alcoholic beverages (i.e., distilling material, hops, malts, yeast, etc.) are prohibited. V. Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) not available.

[SDJim]

Originally Posted by RP1911

I'm putting together a 'care' package for Dan. He asked for 3 specific items of which I have or can get two of them (Hoppes #9 and distilled water). The third is cigars. I'm not a cigar afficionado so I could use your help here.

If you have any you want to send Dan's way, let me know and you can send them to me to include in the package.

My biggest concern is shipping legalities.

Since it is going to an APO address, I can use USPS Priority Mail. How do I handle the Hoppe's #9 and the cigars?

Make sure you order the special APO/FPO Priority Mail boxes from the USPS. Their slightly larger and a few dollars cheaper to send.
And as they tell you not to send booze, put the scotch / bourbon in a mouth wash bottle.
Shouldn't be any problems with the cigars, the Hoppe's might be a problem as you not supposed to send flammables.

[RP1911]

Thank you for the responses. The Hoppe's was my concern since it is flammable. The cigar's concern is duties etc.

I'll go to the post office tomorrow and see what i can find out. I've shipped overseas a lot of stuff before and familiar with the customs form. However, have never shipped the above mentioned items.

[RP1911]

Originally Posted by thebloodsonthewall

I would be very willing to send something his way. What would be a good item or two to pick up for him?

I am in Sacramento so I can just meet you somewhere.

When I mentioned 'care' package to Dan, he said he has pretty much everything he needs except the 3 items I mentioned. Apparently constant cleaning of the rifles etc depleted his Hoppe's supply. The distilled water is for the humidor and he can't find any.

[smokingloon]

You should get him some back and mild cigars.

[hitman13]

RP- my wife ships me hoppes and cigars both

just put on the regular custom forms -

cigars
cleaning agents


no problems so far through multiple soltuions. when i get cigars from shops online it jsut says 'cigars' too..



i would ship them in separate boxes though.....



as far as cigars go, leave the black and milds back in the states. you (or anyone) can get quality assortments from companies like thompsons easily.


also for when dan reads this- you should get the humidor beads instead of a standard one, they are cheap and dont make a mess....... i use the regular bottled water and havent had a problem yet....

[hitman13]

also - scotch / bourbon / etc in a listerine bottle.

vodka w/ schnaps in a scope bottle.

vodka in a 7 up / sprite bottle.....


thats all i will say....

[chickenfried]

Dan's more of a wine cooler guy. Cigar folks are pretty adamant about using only distilled water.

[RP1911]

Ok. I got a bunch of Hoppes No9 from River City Gun Exchange about 30 minutes ago. One big bottle and two cases of 10 each of the smaller bottles.

They will be shipped on Monday in a Flat rate APO box. i will get another box and see if i can fit some distilled water.

Dan, if you are reading this, sorry for the delay. It has been hectic at work with travel all over the state. First week in 2 months that I will be in the office all week.

Stay safe.

[Saigon1965]

Very nice -

Originally Posted by hitman13

also - scotch / bourbon / etc in a listerine bottle.

vodka w/ schnaps in a scope bottle.

vodka in a 7 up / sprite bottle.....


thats all i will say....

[gn3hz3ku1*]

tell him to go where the brits are.. and smoke them cubans!