sending parcel to europe

[surabayajenny]

I want to send my grandson a gift of a rechargeable light device which is supposed to help with acne. It's quite small and cost £120. Does anyone know if this is going to be a problem or whether I can just go down to my local post office, fill in the customs declaration putting something like "acne lamp" with the value, and send it off? Or would I be better using a specialist courier? All mumsnetter advice most gratefully received.

tia

I’ve sent a box to Portugal with UPS, value of £53 and filled in all customs. My parents had to pay 40 euros customs tax to receive it .

You may need to declare if it contains batteries. The duties are passed on to the receiver unless you create an account and request to pay duties I think - That’s been my experience with UPS.

Does it have a plug socket? Will it fit the country he is in or need an adapter?

I'd think signed for would be fine, but not sure what amount it would be covered for. Could have have it delivered straight there instead?

Thanks everyone.
Since posting this message I've been in touch with the manufacturers (Lustre) who've been incredibly helpful. They looked up the relevant page on the Royal Mail international site and sent me the rules. Basically it seems that there are special rules for anything with lithium (ie rechargeable) batteries. You're only allowed 2 of a certain size and you have to declare that on the customs form and package them securely.
Whether I'll be able to convince the people at my local post office that it's OK to send it may be another story!

@Jojo94 and @Datingdickheads - I thought there was an upper limit of something like £130 for gifts before you paid taxes or duties but that doesn't seem to have been your experience. I'm (hopefully!) sending to France so wondering whether it varies from country to country?
@Elouera - The manufacturer won't send to Europe as it's too complicated for them on a commercial basis, but they told me it's different if you are sending a gift.

Off to the post office this afternoon to see what happens!