The PACT Act, The USPS and You

[justintempler]

Here are the proposed regulations....

http://govpulse.us/entries/2010/05/0...ailable-matter

They start out with the basic assumption that all tobacco is non-mailable, then they create exceptions.
In order to find a loophole you have to find it in one of the exceptions because if it isn't covered by an exception, it's non-mailable.

The only exceptions for international mail are for the military.

The only exception for samples is for cigarettes, smokeless has no exceptions.

There is an exception to ship between individuals (i.e. Box pass) but the package weight is limited to 10 ounces, it must be sent Express Mail with a return receipt and sent with a hold for Pickup. Both the sender and receiver will have to go to the post office with government issued IDs (drivers license) to verify both are of legal age.

Nonmailable cigarettes and smokeless tobacco deposited in the mail are subject to seizure and forfeiture. Senders of nonmailable cigarettes or smokeless tobacco are subject to criminal fines, imprisonment, and civil penalties.

[GoVegan]

UPS charges an extra $4.00 for adult verification services.

http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/shi...ded/daily.html

[blotgode]

My question: Is it possible to send 2-3 cans of snus from Sweden to a friend in USA (private)?

Answer: Because the Postal Service understands “snus” to be a form of smokeless tobacco, as defined by the PACT Act, it would fall within the scope of the rules at hand. As explained in the proposed rule, the complex verification requirements for the PACT Act’s exceptions, combined with the strict consequences of any noncompliance, render it impracticable for these requirements to be made applicable to mail originating or destinating outside of the Postal Service’s service area. Therefore, the Postal Service does not believe that any alternative exists at this time to allow U.S. persons to send or receive smokeless tobacco products, such as snus, in international mail under the PACT Act’s exceptions.

Mary J. Collins
United States Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW Room 3436
Washington, DC 20260-3436
tel# 202-268-5440

[Bigblue1]

Can you believe this shit. What a bunch of ass hats are supposed "leaders" are. And BTW I still think Tom and Dave acted prematurely. And are going to take it in the "Ass" sooner than later.

[tom502]

Maybe, but maybe they did this also, with the idea if it didn't work, they could still continue on selling to non-USA buyers.

[Bigblue1]

Maybe, but maybe they did this also, with the idea if it didn't work, they could still continue on selling to non-USA buyers.

Yeah, I keep forgetting that point. It was probably a good move from that stand point.

[bipolarbear1968]

Maybe, but maybe they did this also, with the idea if it didn't work, they could still continue on selling to non-USA buyers.

IMO, They did wise and got the hell out of Dodge.

[sgreger1]

So UPS is still good, so everyone just start shipping via UPS, right?

This is the most nazi thing i've ever heard of> Restricting citizens or businesses from transfering legal products amongst themselves? I mean do you understand what this implies? It is now illegal to use the established US postal service to transfer a legal item from one person to another, or from a business to a person. There has to be some way this can be appealed and found illegal. I mean what's to stop the feds from saying you can only send a certain brand of cofee in the mail.

This is a big deal, a company (Cig company) has successfully lobbied congress to pass a bill that makes it illegal for it's competitors to ship products to their customers.

This is a bigger deal than anything else i've seen in the news lately.

[tom502]

I suspect now if individuals wanna mail each other stuff, they'll just not declare it as tobacco.

[sgreger1]

Yah but that only works for individuals. Like the box pass could still happen but companies won't take that risk. This is turning out to be worse than I was anticipating.

How do they know if theres tobacco in there anyways. If you dont tell them, do they scan every package to see it's contents? I mean I would find it hard to believe that the USPS actually looks into each package to determine if what your sending is on the "do-not-ship" list. I could see maybe drugs, but even then they can't catch you ever time. I just don't see how they thought this was a good idea. This kills business for everyone. And not just poepl wanting to sell/mail tobacco, but it's a loss of revenue for the USPS (already broke USPS I should say) and it is going to cost them more to screen for yet another item that is banned. The only one who profits from this is the cigarette pushers.

[bforse]

I'm thinking about making an annual pilgrimage to the Northerner warehouse in PA to stock up for the year. It'll be cheaper and a lot less of a hassle in my opinion.

[Bigblue1]

I'm thinking about making an annual pilgrimage to the Northerner warehouse in PA to stock up for the year. It'll be cheaper and a lot less of a hassle in my opinion.

They most likely, won't be able to sell over the counter. And as has been said before, when you're getting a lot, shipping aint that bad.

[Roo]

I'm thinking about making an annual pilgrimage to the Northerner warehouse in PA to stock up for the year. It'll be cheaper and a lot less of a hassle in my opinion.

I price airline tickets all day for a living, and I just looked up Houston-Allentown, PA roundtrip in October. It's $315. Surely you won't spend more than that in 1 year on shipping for snus?? lol I hope not.

[bforse]

Well you also have to figure in the difference in tax rate between Texas and PA!

[socal70xr7]

The whole thing just plain sucks! That said it is also forcing Swedish Match to realize they need to get there products in every 7-11 and not just in the high priced cigar shops. The same cigar shops that do not carry jack shit for snus even though they are listed on Generals website!