How to Ship Gems to China
1. Which way is the Best, Postal Mail(EMS), DHL, UPS?EMS & Registered Air Mail are the best way to go through the China Customs without tax. EMS is an Express Delivery by Postal System in every country. In China, Japan, Nigeria etc., it is called EMS; In the USA, it is call Priority Mail Express Int'l by USPS.
General speaking, Postal Mail(EMS & Registered Air Mail) is the best way to go through the China Customs easily without customs tax.
DHL/UPS/FedEx are available, too. Sometimes, I need to pay a little tax Because DHL/UPS/FedEx are not as easy as Postal Mail to pass the China Customs without Customs tax. (If declare the parcel 20USD, I may need to pay 4USD for tax).
2. How to Declare the Shipped Items?
For rough gemstone, we declare it as "Crystal Quartz(Gift)";
For polished gemstone, we declare it as "Crystal Quartz Beads"
Also, Don't declare the shipped items as "Sample", because the China Customs only allow companies to receive sample, individual is not allowed to receive sample, individual can receive personal items. I will use my personal address to receive parcel to avoid tax or pay a little tax.
3. How to Declare the Value for the Parcel?
Usually, we suggest to declare the total value in 10USD. Usually, China Customs do random checks to ask the receiver to pay tax.
90% of parcel, I wasn't charged any tax; In a few parcel, I was charged a few tax as the total value is low.