Importing rubies...

[RockHugger]

Has anyone had a problem importing rubies from Thailand?

The ruby I purchased for my daughter (see other post) was sup post to be here on Monday. I checked fedex tracking and it was stopped by customs. Took 2 days to get them to release it and both myself and the seller had to answer 20 questions about the ruby, origin, complete descriptions, phone numbers, addresses ect. I was waiting for a DNA sample to be requested.

I understand the Burma ban has customs in a tizzy about rubies, but common. They were treating my stone like it was a nuclear weapon. Even the fed ex rep thought it was a bit over the top.

This is my first ruby import.....are they always this crazy over rubys entering the USA?

 

[T L]

Did he declare it as a ruby on the shipping invoice?

 

[RockHugger]

I'm not sure. I didn't ask. Any other stones I get in say 'stone' or something so I have a feeling it didn't.

 

[T L]

Well, hopefully he learns his lesson and stops declaring them as rubies, which I suspect he did. I've never had that problem, but I never buy rubies. I think the ban is only on Burma rubies, not other gems from Burma, which is odd. Sorry you had to go through that, what a bummer!

 

[chrono]

Well, the customs are only doing their job to make sure the Burmese ruby and jadeite import ban are adhered to, although I am sorry for your troubles. I’ve heard that even Burmese spinels sometimes get into the same fix because they are ruby-like.

 

[cellentani]

I agree with Chrono about customs just doing their job - they might be on high alert since Burma sends rubies to Thailand for cutting. Hope it clears soon!

 

[RockHugger]

Good news! Checked today and it's on it's way and on the truck to be delivered! I tell ya, it better look like I want after all this hassle.

I understand customs doing their job. I am just amazed at how nit picky they were about the information. The seller called and gave them a better description of the ruby, and they were not happy with it so I called and told them what it is, and they accepted. It was just a good 2 hrs of phone time trying to get that ruby through.

 

[Roger Dery]

Hey Rockhugger,
Sorry to hear of your importing troubles, as I've had my share of those as well. To better understand what the Customs and Border Patrol folks must adhere to, here's a link that may be helpful.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/344

When working with foreign shippers, it may be helpful for them to have the proper Harmonized Tariff Codes available at time of packaging. So when they turn in their shipper form, it has the correct 10-digit code applied to each of your specific items.
http://hts.usitc.gov/
see chapter 71

This is universally accepted in over 190 countries, with Thailand being among them. When the correct code is applied, it should reduce any opportunity for error on the customs end of things.

Hope this is helpful to you.