Customs and Packages

10 October 2013

Dear Parents, friends,

     Today when we went to pick up packages at customs we were greeted with a big shock.  This is not surprising since this is where we are.

     Customs told us that if the contents of the package plus the shipping exceeds $100 U S Dollars we will have to pay custom duties on the the amount over $100.  So if the package costs $77.00 to ship the total value of the candies, socks, etc exceed $23.00 then duties have to be paid.  They decide what the value is. They can decide that the announced amount is false.   We didn't get into this discussion because by bringing it up it may give them another idea.  But, if peanut butter costs $3 in the US; the same jar may cost $8 US here. They also informed us that the duties rate on candy and sweets is 50%. To give you an idea, a package full of about 40$ (US) of candy would be charged an additional 38,000 cfa or $76,00 US dollars.

     Another lady behind us received goods worth $106 for baby clothes (she looked like she was 7,8, 8 1/2 months pregnant.  They wanted to charge her over $200 for those clothes.  They said if you don't pay everything belongs to the state.  So, apparently they will not return the package to the US.  

    We are not sure if they are doing this because of Christmas or not.

     Last year the President had a visit with customs people to see what they could do for us.  So, we will see if he can intervene on our behave again.  

     Another thing; please do not send ipads, electronics, watches, cameras etc.  These will always have a duty to pay.  In addition, missionaries are not permitted to have I Pads and such while they are on their mission.  

Another thought, although this may be late for many of you this year. Wrapping "gifts" for your missionary inside of the package is not appreciated by customs officials. They will ask the whoever is picking up the package to explain what is inside. 

   Also, things like jolly ranchers are wrapped but they should be put inside a plastic bag because they melt and leak through their wrapper, the ants love them. Two weeks ago I went to pick up packages and customs is once again going through every box.  President Weed had them going through only about 15% of them.  But, all Department Heads were fired and changed two months ago by the President of the country.  So, even though we had things in place that no longer is the case.

Another reminder. Please fully declare all items you are sending. Candy does not have to be individually named, but please do not try and "sneak" your missionary other items. When these items are found by customs officials, it makes things difficult on our end.

   We wish we could just do things to make their life easier, but think of the great lessons learned, on all of our parts.

   Once again, thank-you for allowing you sons go come and serve.  You are absolutely wonderful.  They are very good young men.  We are very proud of them and their love and devotion to the Lord.  

         Elder Semken

From Elder Ethan Christensen (Office Elder)-
Flat rate envelopes are not treated the same as boxes. Flat rate envelopes, padded envelopes (which sometimes can be very big), and small boxes (smaller than a shoe-box, maybe a little larger than a quad) all go straight through the normal post office. In the 8 months that I have been here, none of those have ever been opened, although one or two were a little ripped. One of our Elders receives a bag like that at least every other week. I think that we will be able to resolve the problem with customs in the next few weeks, but we will see what happens. I am positive that we will be able to get them to back off on taxing candy.