Paying customs/duty for PMG graded notes. [solved]

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this? For example, if I'm sending notes that I've owned, from Australia to the PMG centre in the US, would I need to:

(1) Prefill any customs declaration forms?

(2) Be subject to any customs duties on these notes?

I cannot speak to what will happen between Australia & the USA but my experience submitting my bulk lot from Canada to the US was problem-free (other than the certifying took 2 months).  

You (or the postal clerk) must fill out a customs form. I believe I stated “numismatic items.” I am pretty sure I did not say “old banknotes” simply because there's often a greater security risk but that's up to you.  I sent my notes in a small box with the notes in bubble wrap. The clerk seemed more concerned about me paying the insurance (the tracking) & I insured for about half the estimated value (again so not to raise any flags).  PMG recommends collectors send by FedEx but I sent by Canada Post.  (IMO: they have a partnership with FedEx). It was about ⅓ of what I would have paid had I sent with FedEx but I'm not sure whether I can do this again (it was 2 years ago).

When I got the notes back from FedEx, I simply had to pick it up & I was not required to pay customs (on my own now certified notes). I think when it comes from PMG, Customs know & lets it pass. 

Hope that helps!

Thanks a ton for the detailed information - the PMG website states that I need to prefill the customs declaration form - they will send me one on request.

I too will be posting to PMG via Australia express post, I guess I don't have a choice for return shipping as they will almost certainly use FedEx.

If you wish to submit, I recommend you try the bulk submission since it can save you money.  However, you have to be careful to submit according to PMG's steps/guidelines.  A Modern World Bulk (X 50 post-1957) submission is different/less expensive than a regular World bulk (X 50 pre-1957) submission. You must ID each note plus give an estimated value (no errors) for each.  You cannot mix the two categories (on 1 submission form)!  To submit less (or very rare notes), US Large size (or US Modern) then you must use separate forms for each & (if rare) designate which tier the note belongs to so this gets even more expensive (& time consuming).

If you are submitting, I recommend you take your time & consider taking 1-2 weeks to be sure your submission form(s) (P#, etc) match the notes you are submitting exactly in the same order (don't mix the notes!)  If you submit a note which doesn't qualify, it won't be graded & will add time to the process (they will send it back).  YES: they will only use FedEx & they charge step-by-step.  I wish it was less complicated but it is definitely something you must take extra care in assembling/putting together. 

I put together a PMG RESULTS page on my Notaphilyc Culture site which you may find as a useful guide.  Every collector who submits to a TPG usually considers a minimum $ value (threshold) for each note.  If you scroll down to the bottom of my PMG RESULTS page, you'll also find a good Youtube video on how to submit as well. 

Thanks serial_number_8 - much appreciated.