Why do we have to print Custom forms for U.S. Territories

[lightlily_arts]

If United States Territories are considered to be part of the United States why do  they treat it like an international purchase, and we have to print out the Customs Forms?  I received a purchase from a buyer in the Marianas Islands, and the address  indicates that it's part of the United States and is a U.S. Territory.  The postage is exactly the same as any other Priority Mail package.

[martin2001]

Google search:

Like U.S. states, territories and possessions have two-letter codes and each address will be matched and cleansed according to USPS mailing standards.  The codes are:

AS – American Samoa
GU – Guam
MP – Northern Mariana Islands
PR – Puerto Rico
VI – Virgin Islands
UM – U.S. Minor Outlying Islands

Do I need customs forms? 
This will vary according to the location.  You do not generally need a customs form for mail headed to Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands.  See below for all other U.S. Territories.

Preparing your Customs Forms and Shipping Labels
You will always need a customs form for all the other U.S. territories.  .....

[martin2001]

To answer your question "Why..."?  I don't know why, it is needed, that's where my curiosity ends.

[rebell45]

Be aware that eBay also regards these territories as "International" and will probably hit you with the extra 1.65% international fee.

[southern*sweet*tea]

Marianas Islands is not a territory, it's a commonwealth of the US. They have only had representation in the House for a few years, they have none in the Senate, and their representative cannot actually vote. Their citizens (even though since the establishment of the Commonwealth they are still US citizens) cannot vote.  They have USPS service through some sort of treaty arrangement with the US, unlike an actual territory like PR, which has direct USPS service, Congressional representation and voting rights for citizens.

As to why a customs form is required...I have no idea. Probably something to do with all, some, or none of the above.

[1grandmashope_1]

Southern *sweet *tea!!!!

I am so thrilled to learn something new.  I had no idea. I absolutely 💯 love that you are so informed and share your knowledge.  I know what my grandkids question of the day will be on Tuesday.  🙂 

Grandma

[lightlily_arts]

Actually the sale was on our other account which is not in eBay's MP, and therefore, didn't get hit with the international transaction fee.

[lja440]

Customs forms are needed mainly because of enviromental reasons. They are mainly loking for non native plants and such.  They should still come up domestic postage though.

[richard1rst]

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@lja440 wrote:

Customs forms are needed mainly because of enviromental reasons. They are mainly loking for non native plants and such.  They should still come up domestic postage though.

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THAT makes the most sense. I remember when I moved, by Uhaul truck, to California. I was met at the California border but what under any other circumstances would be considered a Customs Enforcement Officer. They searched my truck for "unauthorized" material.  Being a cabinet maker I had a lot of lumber. They questioned me extensively about that - was it kiln dried, was it stored outside, etc. Then they ran a mirror under the car in tow. Was it garaged or stored outside? They explained that they were looking for non-native insects, plants,  and any other envrionmental hazards, etc. It really felt like entering a foreign country.

So your explanation actually makes the most sense.

[div_style]

In most cases customs forms are not required for packages weighing less than 16 ounces.  I ship small packets to Guam fairly often and never use a customs form.