pronto

Going through all the kids things and through ing out paints and glue.

I assume clay (for pottery) is a no-no.

What about:
Plasticine?
Oil paints?
Coloured feathers (the sort in children's craft boxes)?
Wine corks?

Thanks for any guidance. I've already emailed customs twice about various things and don't want to torture them further!

Also, feathers in duvets? Pillows? Assume they are treated and fine.

Also, the form asks you to state if there are wooden objects in luggage, but they must mean untreated wood, but I do I put Yes but treated' or 'no'?

Thanks
Pronto

MrsFychan

the craft bits should be ok. not sure how well they will fare on the journey over in the container with the extreme temperature changes.

wine corks not sure about, your shipper would be best to ask

Bo-Jangles

Honestly I think people stress about this way too much, unless your looking at gallons of oil based paint, highly flammable or live / organic material with potential to grow (soil, plants, seeds, fruit or veg); just shove it all in a bag and box it marked kids toys and bring it.

The actual packers couldn't give a rats what stuff you have.

Stormer999

The timber they are referring to is raw green from the wood yard and non pressure treated, the type used in rough packing that you can get splinters off, you will not have any of that so mark that as all treated.
Our packers PSS told us quite clearly what they were not prepared to wrap, paints, flammables and some of our weave baskets.
As Mrs F points out the container temperatures are extreme hot to cold so our motorcycle leathers were well waxed and left on for the journey.
At this end after filling in a self declaration statement for the shippers our container was delivered unopened.
I now have a wardrobe full of shoes, long trousers, full length overcoat and mac that I could have dumped in the bin...

pronto

Hi all

Appreciate your advice and observations.

I have a beautiful set of oil based paint that I am most heartbroken to through out unless necessary - 12ml and 37ml tubes. But it sounds like that I might have to throw out.

I thought I would just put all potentially offending items in the same carton, but realise the oil paints are a shipping issue and not a customs issue.

Pronto

Stormer999

Can't you buy a couple of cheepo PRC thermos containers an drop them in there ?

jmh

I have to say I was a bit slap dash about my packing which was done 3 years before it was shipped. I just put it in boxes roughly labelled 'kitchen', 'lounge' and left it at that. Pickfords put my smaller boxes into bigger boxes and used the same labels.

I had some art materials in there and some perfume making ingredients which are probably dodgy, although not flammable. Plenty of wooden stuff but all processed in one form or other, e.g. furniture.

Have you thought about posting some things? Or maybe bring them in your luggage and declare them at customs when you arrive. It's quite surprising what they let through.

napierlass

You have my sympathy as a serious/serial crafter I am gutted to have to get rid of all of my alcohol inks, paints etc. I even tried to bring in my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint but pss say its not recommended. How else does all this stuff get there. I would cost me hundreds to replace it all and I'm currently selling it for pennies.

pronto

Napier lass - snap, I'm heading back home after 20 yrs away. The paints is annoying. Feels like it's a technicality - could oil based paints really catch fire?

It's really useful to hear a range of experiences thanks everyone.

One more question to add TOILETRIES and HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS? Are they all fine? Britannia mentioned 'no chemicals'

Pronto
Thanks so much
Kr

Bo-Jangles

I am sure people do far worse, if you're worried about it just put it in a biscuit tin pack it and forget about it!! I brought inks and arty stuff like that without even a thought. The heat in containers doesn't seem to be an issue for the millions of container loads of gear that are shipped across the oceans from China etc.

Stormer999

The temp inside your container will climb to excess of 50C. Your container will be one of hundreds on a large ship. You will be paying a sum of money for a maritime insurance policy.....put this amount of responsibility on to the packer and what do you think he will say

desmondo84

anyone bring any mountain bikes? Are they strict on them?

Stormer999

Yes two Jet washed and scrubbed then sprayed with Virkon S dried properly and then bars turned inwards and wrapped with the industrial type cling film off ebay. Had to replace both sets of tyres and inner tubes (perished and deformed) within 6 months and still do not know whether that was the container heat and dew point or just old age.