posting cd's/dvd's overseas?

[erik]

Anyone know what the deal is with posting cds/dvds overseas? Do customs check the contents of cd/dvds in the post? If stuff is copyrighted, like pirated movies or downloaded tv episodes, does anyone know what the consequences are if they do check and find the stuff?
I've tried searching the net a bit for this info, but couldn't find anything.

[dhunt]

Anyone know what the deal is with posting cds/dvds overseas? Do customs check the contents of cd/dvds in the post? If stuff is copyrighted, like pirated movies or downloaded tv episodes, does anyone know what the consequences are if they do check and find the stuff?
I've tried searching the net a bit for this info, but couldn't find anything.

You trying to import or export them? My flatmate imports dvd's and got batch of pirated dvd's (he didn't know at the time) and didn't have any problems with them getting through customs. although half the dvd's were stuffed (couldn't read them) so be aware.

[erik]

Export. But it's just theoretical... I'd never actually do anything like this. Just say someone downloaded some tv episodes and wanted to post them to a friend overseas who doesn't have the benefits of a decent internet connection.
I've heard of it being done before with no problems, but that could have been due to luck that the particular letter wasn't opened?
Also, it's possible to send cd's or dvd's as a letter instead of a package, which I think means you don't have to fill out one of those customs declaration stickers. But I dunno if that would affect whether they'd be found by customs or not.

[Eurygnomes]

Just say something like it's a data cd. It IS a data CD. It's copied from a hard drive. I've never had problems with getting data across continents this way (and it was all work - but described in teh same 'nondescript' manner).

Good luck. What was it? Scrubs??

[erik]

Just say something like it's a data cd. It IS a data CD. It's copied from a hard drive. I've never had problems with getting data across continents this way (and it was all work - but described in teh same 'nondescript' manner).

Good luck. What was it? Scrubs??

Startrek Voyager episodes.

I guess I'm just a bit paranoid that the copyright protection people might bust in here and nick my computer if they opened the letter and found copied tv episodes on a dvd.

I dunno how strict they are about this kind of stuff or what the consequences are.

[Pathos]

Back when Manhunt for PS2 was banned from New Zealand the authorities said that mail would be checked to make sure illegal copies weren't sent in by post. So I assume they have some way of checking CD's (which probably lasted two days due to Government pay cuts).

However, you can easily get encryption programs to code any files that maybe questionable and send the password to the receiver in an email. The checkers won't know what it is and can't really send it back requesting a description.

[Dafe]

I used to import ripped DVD's but have given up now - I actually collect genuine DVDs now as a hobby.
I never had any DVD's not arrive through the post.
I used to order two or three movies at a time from the UK.
My understanding is that customs randomly examine parcels and if they came across a pirated DVD destined to you, they will most likely confiscate and destroy the item with no further action. However, If you are distirbuting then STOP at once! It ain't worth the risk, don't be the drug dealer! Being an end user is nowhere near as bad as the distributor. You can expect some pretty major fines or imprisonment if you're a distributor.

[crashe]

I have had a TV program video taped in aussie and then sent to me via snail mail and had no problems coming in. It was packeted in a Video/dvd postal box. Stated on outside 'video'

I had had a brand new dvd sent to me from the UK and again no probs.
That was sent in a soft bubble bag. Stated on outside 'dvd'

People video tape weddings etc and send them overseas etc...

So I reckon if you video taped a TV programme I cant see that there would be a problem at all.

State on the box whether it is a video or dvd.
You dont say what is on the tape/dvd.

Its not like is is porn or anything is it?

They may play the tape for the first two minutes to check it...
Just label the actual videotape or DVD what the show is.