Restrictions on personal international shipping?

[AniSaps]

I'm American and studying for the year in the UK. I've sold my iBook to my boyfriend who is currently living in California, and have ordered a macbook sent to my parent's permanent address. I could not order the macbook directly here, obviously, as Apple has restrictions for their retailers shipping internationally (this purchase was through smalldog). My question is: Will my boyfriend or I be restricted from shipping these computers internationally through either USPS, UPS or FedEx? Or do the restrictions only apply for companies with direct links to Apple? Please let me know, thanks!

 

[techound1]

You will probably be charged VAT for importing the machine - even if it is just your parents mailing it to you. Marking it as a gift won't get you out of it either.

 

[Peterkro]

You shouldn't have to pay anything if you are here as a full time student and your personal belongings arrive with or after you arrive,it's all as clear as mud but this site may help:
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...cument&columns=1&id=HMCE_CL_000282#P110_11003

 

[AniSaps]

Restrictions on Personal International Shipping

Very helpful info, but that HM Customs site makes it confusing to find those forms! I need the C3 Form, and they offer that is on their website but take you about that far. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/menus/formmenu.htm This is their "form menu," but I am can't locate the right one. In any case, do you suppose I need to fill it out and send it to them? Or to my father who would be shipping it? Ugh. I would have never bought this computer if I had known it would be so much hassle to put in a box and send somewhere!

 

[skubish]

Very helpful info, but that HM Customs site makes it confusing to find those forms! I need the C3 Form, and they offer that is on their website but take you about that far. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/menus/formmenu.htm This is their "form menu," but I am can't locate the right one. In any case, do you suppose I need to fill it out and send it to them? Or to my father who would be shipping it? Ugh. I would have never bought this computer if I had known it would be so much hassle to put in a box and send somewhere!

You didn't look hard enough
http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kbroker/hmrc/forms/viewform.jsp?formId=179