Has anybody had experience on this. My brother in Australia had sent us some Xmas gifts (1 book, 1 woollen scarf and 1 model car) He had filled in a customs declaration and sent the package with TNT, clearly marked "Xmas Gifts"
TNT have faxed me a form (in Chinese) and asked me to fill it in and then arrange to pay the customs duty of 20% as the value is over RMB400 (declared value is RMB930 )and to provide a written statement as to why I imported the goods and what use they are for.
I have never had this before with other items or other carriers and have found the TNT service very deficient (politely put).
What sort of nonsense is this, and what sort of service are these carriers providing ???

In numerous threads we have discussed the fact that any incoming courier shipments over $50 in declared value will be subject to duty.

That you got hit for 20% is a little surprising. I know there are different tarrifs for tourists and those with a residence permit.