Ebay: Shipping coins to Singapore

Frankcoins

An eBay buyer from Singapore (feedback of 9) won two separate coin lots totalling $200, but while checking shipping info, I get this information from the US Postal Service

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Country Conditions for Mailing — Singapore


Prohibitions

Bullion of a value higher than $50 Singapore dollars

Coins except coins for purposes of ornament; banknotes; currency notes; traveler’s checks; securities payable to bearer; precious stones; jewelry; and other valuable articles.

These prohibited items are subject to seizure by Singapore customs.

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The buyer has not paid since I have to send an invoice with the total. How do I undo this mess without getting two negatives? What happens if I don't send an invoice?

ambro51

I would not care to mess with Singapore customs.

are you sure youre reading the rules right? Ive always felt collector coins were exempt from these general rules.

As an alternative, maybe fedex or dhl? they process differently than usps.

messydesk

I wonder what "purposes of ornament" refers to. Might be a stretch to refer to collectible coins as such, especially when they prohibit "other valuable articles." I don't see how any negs would stick if the seller is asking you to violate import restrictions and attempt to run afoul of Singapore customs (other than eBay doing what it does best).

Edit: I have shipped coins to Singapore in the past, but I can't remember if there was much value involved.

Frankcoins

I just edited my ship to list to USA (with military addresses) and Canada, Israel, the UK, France and Germany where I have shipped to
before with no problems. Lately I have noticed a popup that first class international (formerly called small packet airmail) says
"Seller protection does not apply because ebay cannot confirm delivery online" which forces me to hold my breath that the buyer
is honest. SO far no losses, but this Singapore headache is the last straw. I was getting a package ready every 5 minutes and then
wasted over two hours trying to figure out what to do on this single sale.

airplanenut

I've sent thousands of dollars worth of coins to Singapore, and nary a problem. I probably ship there on average once a week.

metalmeister

Max out the insurance and pack well.

MsMorrisine

singapore gov't faq


8. My client would like to import currency notes and coins, which are legal tender, by air. What should I do?
In general, no permit is required for the import of currency notes and coins. However, if the import of currency notes and coins are of substantial quantities (eg. import of used currencies by money changing or remittance businesses), an IN-non payment permit is required. In addition, If the currency notes and coins are collector’s piece, investment article or item of numismatic, then GST is also payable on the import, via a In-Payment (GST) permit.

ormandh

I have had bigger problems shipping to Italy and Spain. Never again to these countries. -Dan

ctf_error_coins

I just shipped my first coins to the Chec Republic, yesterday, that was a first for me. I ship to many different countries and had not had any problems yet.

Barry

<< <i>I've sent thousands of dollars worth of coins to Singapore, and nary a problem. I probably ship there on average once a week. >>


As long as you don't include any chewing gum...