You don't have to pay taxes when sending heads abroad for face-ups

I've never been a big fan of most companies' default face-ups. So when I got into the hobby I quickly realized that I wanted custom face-ups for my dolls, so that they looked exactly like I pictured them. I decided on a face-up artist only then realized that she lived in Canada and I'd have to send my heads from Germany all the way over there and back. While packages can always get lost, I didn't think a bigger journey would make that risk any greater. However, a European citizen always runs the risk of being taxed when getting packages from outside the European Union. 

Before I sent my first head abroad I therefore called up my local custom's office and talked to them about it. Lucky for me, they had a lot of time and we could talk about my idea at length. Fact is
a) the head that I'm sending off is already my posession. If the doll came from Asia, I've had to pay taxes already when it arrived. If the doll was bought by a European retailer, I already paid taxes with my purchase. If it was bought privately, I didn't have to pay taxes.
b) I don't have to pay taxes on something that is in already mine yet again. 

So we came to the following idea. If I can prove that the head is mine when it arrives, I don't have to pay taxes on it. I do however have to pay taxes for the face-up (if the face-up is more expensive than whatever my country has set as a limit for tax-free import). So before I sent off a package abroad I have to include:

• proof that the head belongs to me. That can be a paypal bill from the purchase (if it was a private sale) or, better yet, an invoice from the company or retailer from which you bought the doll. Best send a copy and keep the original. You never know.
• a letter to customs in an envelope labled "Dear Custom Officer, please open!" or similar. n_n It should explain the situation and have the bill for the doll in there.

When the face-up artist is done, ask them to give you

• a detailed invoice from your face-up artist. Ask them to list the shipping costs seperately. You do not have to pay taxes on shipping!  

Ask them to put it into the envelope for customs and place it on top of the heads so that it will be visible as soon as the package is opened.
If you want to be on the safe side, also call your local custom's office before you send off your package and explain to them that you will be sending out a doll head to be painted and that you are including proof that it is yours. When you come around to pick it up, they'll be prepared and most likely remember you. Not everyone gets doll heads through the mail. n_n

If you have a face-up artist in mind who lives abroad, don't hesitate any longer just because you are afraid of getting hit by taxes twice. Chose whoever you like. And then take lots of pretty pictures of your dolls to share with other BJD collectors! ^^ 
Hope you find this helpful!