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Big Brother is watching your parcels!

(87 Posts)
Jalima1108 Wed 09-Jan-19 18:15:42

FYI Terribull, the definition of moral turpitude is:
Moral turpitude is a legal concept in the United States and some other countries that refers to "an act or behavior that gravely violates the sentiment or accepted standard of the community". This term appears in U.S. immigration law beginning in the 19th century
The concept of "moral turpitude" might escape precise definition, but it has been described as an "act of baseness, vileness, or depravity in the private and social duties which a man owes to his fellowmen, or to society in general, contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between man and man.

In other words, Men (or Women) Behaving Badly!

Jalima1108 Wed 09-Jan-19 18:13:03

We've always had to fill in a Customs Declaration for parcels going to Australia - which is annoying if it is a gift which is meant to be a surprise.

travelsafar Wed 09-Jan-19 17:59:21

I live in Hertfordshire and was posting a parcel to Bedford and they asked what was in it, how can they tell if you are speaking the truth you could say anything really

Nonnie Wed 09-Jan-19 17:30:33

I don't think it has anything to do with whether it is something which shouldn't be posted like drugs or guns, more to do with value and tax as BB said. Perhaps they check in case someone has inadvertently posted something not allowed in the recipient's country too,

BlueBelle Wed 09-Jan-19 16:52:55

You have to put a custom label on all parcels going overseas bar EU countries You are never asked what’s in uk parcels well not in any of the PO s I use anyway I do a bit of eBaying so post a few parcels inland and have never been asked or had to fill anything in, in fact I posted last week to UK and Ireland (EU) and no questions at all
Also just a tip never overestimate the price of the goods when sending overseas as (I forget the exact amount) but say over £20 they have to pay tax at the other end and same coming this way

Witzend Wed 09-Jan-19 16:40:26

I've always had to state what was in parcels to the US (I send to sister and niece every Christmas.). There are nearly always some $$$ tucked into a book for niece, not that I ever state that! 'Book and candy' is the usual.

I have been asked recently about parcels for the Uk, and did rather feel like saying 'Mind your own business!' But presumably they're now told to ask. What's to stop anyone fibbing, though?

Nonnie Wed 09-Jan-19 16:28:36

I've never been asked anywhere in the EU, surprised they asked about the UK one. I expect we will have to fill in customs declarations for the EU after Brexit.

tanith Wed 09-Jan-19 16:25:41

I’m always asked what’s in the parcel when sending them and that’s just to ?? Gibraltar.

TerriBull Wed 09-Jan-19 15:44:22

Oh well that's the US for you Lemon they want to know the ins and outs of everything. I remember prior to landing there on one occasion, forms were given out on the plane asking a series of questions, one was "have you been involved in any moral turpitude?" I wanted to answer "I do hope so, it sounds so good" grin but unfortunately didn't know what it was, actually still don't.

Maggiemaybe Wed 09-Jan-19 15:38:41

I doubt it, lemon. grin

Which reminds me of the poor woman who actually ticked yes (by mistake, of course) to the question on her ESTA application: Do you seek to engage in or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage, or genocide?. Is anyone ever going to tick that if they do or have ever?

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-45678517

Squiffy Wed 09-Jan-19 15:36:19

If I was posting something dangerous ( what? A gun, drugs, a live snake?) would I be honest and say so?!

I should love to know what the PO would do or say if you did!

Our local PO always asks, but I'm suitably vague - I just state 'clothing', 'toy, or 'gadget', never too specific in case someone else fancies what I'm sending!

lemongrove Wed 09-Jan-19 15:12:30

Posted two small packages the other day for a neighbour who cannot get out. I was asked what was in the one going to the US.I ad no idea, it was light and probably a small gift as neighbour’s DD lives in the US. Not good enough , as I had to fill in a small form stating what was in it.The dangerous goods act apparently.Resisting an urge to say a pound of cocaine, I said I would find out and return later.
The next small package: to an address in the UK, right, what was in this one? Groan.I had to find out from the neighbour and then go back to the PO, fill in a small form and say exactly what was in both parcels.Is this a new thing?
Posted a scarf to my sister last year without any of this faff.
If I was posting something dangerous ( what? A gun, drugs, a live snake?) would I be honest and say so?!