Return belongings to owner in Europe, avoid duty

Obyapka

Hi, a scandinavian friend visiting over christmas has left behind their camera and mini tripod and I need to get this back to them.

Is this possible via the royal mail parcel system, to avoid customs/duty as its simply returning something rightfully theirs? I could tick gift but anything over 35gbp attracts customs, and how could I apply insurance for a few hundred if its only listed as a small cost for duty?

Please advise.

Emmia

In short, no - if there were a loophole, lots of people and businesses would be using it. 

Even if you "mis-declare" there is a risk that Swedish customs will examine the parcel, and choose to apply duty.

I do sympathise we've got a box of christmas gifts, stuck in Dutch Customs that have been there for a month...

Sandtree

Depending on the value you just fill in the CN22 or CN23 form with the accurate information and its down to the Swedish equiv of HMRC to decide if tax is due... the recipient may be able to contest anything charged if they can show local tax was already paid but again that comes down to their local regulations and rules, in some countries there is a minimum requirement before disputes will be considered to avoid vexatious contests that are paid out as a matter of course because investigation costs are more than the monies involved