How does customs work?

LOREBUNDE

O.G.
Nov 19, 2006
6,428
117
I sold my b-bag and shipped out to Europe. one week later I followed up w/buyer and she said she had rec'd. a letter from customs and she had to give them something (letter?) stating value of item. She said she would let me know when bag in hand. That was 8 days ago. Is this normal. I can easily email her again but feel like I'm being a pest if this is a timely thing. I figure she had to write letter, mail out and wait for a response? TIA
 
Generally anything that leaves the country (any country) must have a customs label attached to it that specifies what the item is and its value. I'm surprised the shipping service you used did not require this information to accept the shipment.
 
ok, so I heard from her yesterday and she said that she had sent customs the letter and is now waiting for the bag to come to her post office. Does it usually take so long? It's been about 10 days since she said she sent them letter regarding the value.