US Swappers/Sellers - Warning on International Registered Mail

In March, I sent a Registered letter overseas. In April the package was verified lost in the post by both the USPS and the receiving country’s foreign post, after tracking terminated at Customs in the foreign country.

In August I filed a USPS claim (PS Form 2855) for repayment with original 2017 auction house receipts for $496.90 (“you must also include evidence of value for this article, such as a sales receipt”). Here is the response I received from USPS:

…In accordance with postal regulations in the International Mail Manual (IMM), under Special Services Registered Mail Section (333.2) Indemnity Limit, regardless of the declared value of a registered item the maximum amount of indemnity payable for loss, damage or rifling in 2018 is $42.27. Please accept our apology… You may also appeal the Insured registered mail provision or policy on which our decision is based by writing…

In a separate letter I received a check from the USPS for $56.27, which is the $42.27 + $14.00 (the original postage fee paid for the international first class package). It is interesting to note that I did not receive reimbursement for the registered letter cost of $15.50, which was also filed in my original claim. This process took almost exactly 3 months from initial claim to payment.

Think twice before you spend money on registered mail with international packages.

And as always, a high value declared on the customs form or registered letter form makes theft more likely. Here's proof that you won't be reimbursed more than $42.27 no matter what you declare in excess of that "maximum."

Thank you for share. Alas, I know the feeling.
Registered letters, just prove that we sent them. It offers no guaranty that the letter will be delivered.

Yes, thank you for that information, It is very helpful. Sorry for your loss.

can i ask something?

for example:if you send from usa to europe a coin value 300 $ registered ,is it necessaire to write the true value of the coin?..

really,is it necessaire to write the value at all?

and if they return you only the 10% of the value why should you write 300$ and not 16$ for example (so the eye will not see 300$ but 16$)
and i think all of us believe its not lost..
regards babis

sorry i dont understand you when you send something very value (over 100 euro) why do you dont inform how much is the indemnity payable for loss, damage or rifling
and do you dont have the posibility to assured the envelope ? (in my country its possible for a fee)


i have one swap lost by mail in Spain it took like 3 months until they give me an answer and after another 3 months to repay me (i still not receive the money 3 months will be over in december)

Hi Alexx_353,
I'm really curious how the insurance on envelope work for you;I live in the same country,and if I claim a value of €20 or more,I'd have to give explanations and pack in front of mailing and customs officers as detailed as if i send a space shuttle with people to the moon :)
Especially if it's destination is out of the european union :)