Shipping in from Canada

[Raysplus1]

We ordered some Disney sheets and comforter from a company last week. We recieved an e-mail from them saying that because they are shipping the products in from Canada that they need my DW social security #. They left us a few phone #'s of people to talk to within their company. But I don't feel to comfortable just giving out our SS #. Has anyone else heard of this I am thinking about calling customs about this to insure this is a government policy.

 

[binny]

Ive never heard of that and I would not give out my ss to anyone!

Sounds really fishy to me!

 

[damo]

Yes, it is legit. It is required by US customs if the value is over $200.

Shipments into the USA:

Regulation Summary:

For formal entries submitted on shipments entering the U.S., as introduced in 1972, U.S. Customs requested an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) of the person the item is being shipped to. In June 2001, if the EIN or SSN wasn't reasonably available when the shipment reached the border, US Customs would assign an identification number for that ultimate consignee called an encrypted number . Now, with the effects and changes of September 11, 2001 US Customs discontinued assigning the encrypted number as of June 1, 2003 and expects an EIN or SSN number of the ultimate consignee to be available on the formal entry.

You can check it through customs on the internet.

 

[Raysplus1]

Thank You for the quick responses.

When I was talking to my DW I brought US Customs as reason up to her. That was one of the reasons I considered calling them. I will check their website out and go from there.

Thanks again.