SHoggard wroteI've always assumed that ALL Customs EVERYWHERE charge import taxes based on the declared value - the regular post offices in most countries have a little green sticker called "Customs Declaration" for that very reason - DHL/EMS/FedEx just include it in their form... but a Zero value is:
a. Inviting further scrutiny (who'd pay $80 to send something of no value) so put something like $5-10
b. Check the compensation/insurance clause if you do put Zero - cos that's whet you'll get
Totally agree but with one caveat. Customs usually charge based on the declared value but if they open the package and believe that there was an under declaration of its value, then they may charge customs duty based on what they think the value is (or what any price tag or receipt inside the package suggests is the real value), plus a possible penalty for under declaration if the difference between declared and deemed value is considered significant. Also, as noted above, the courier services won't pay out insurance more than the amount declared.