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Ivyworks ArtistryHowdy, I'm hoping the kind folks of Teddy Talk can help ease my shipping fears. 
I've heard countless horror stories of bears being ripped open and gutted by Customs officers because we use metal joints and steel shot in them. Is there a way to avoid this somehow?? Maybe writing on the shipping label that the bear contains metal pieces would help? Let me know if any of you have any tips or personal experiences that will help this poor newbie out! Thanks ever so much. 
Shannon,
I have shipped many bears overseas and have NEVER had one ripped open by customs. I've also heard of this happening but wonder if it isn't an "urban myth" of the teddy bear world.
Hugs,
Alison
Carlyle Bear Co.I've shipped to Paris twice without incident. In fact, I'm always amazed at how quickly they arrive. Canada hasn't been a problem for me either. I use the shipping label application through PayPal and they have you declare the items and amount when you print your labels. Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Hi Shannon,
I have been shipping bears all over the place for over 5 years without ever having one ripped open. As an extra step I do include a note to customs in the box (right on top of the packaging) stating the materials used , and that steel beads/ metal parts are inside. I've heard of people including a little plastic bag with a couple of sample beads if that helps. I've never been told that any of my packages have ever been opened by customs actually.
***knocking on wood here so I haven't jinxed myself LOL ***
Ivyworks ArtistryThanks ladies, I'm beginning to think that I'm worrying for nothing. So long as the extra step is taken in describing what's in the bear, I hopefully shouldn't have any problems. 
My bears have been flying overseas for fifteen years and (touch wood!) have never been gutted in this way. I always have a hangtag label stitched into their back seam, which states the materials used to make the bear.
Carlyle Bear Co.Paula:
I never thought to list the materials I use in my bear on the tush tag! :doh: What a fantastic idea! Next time I re-order my tags I will have them print the materials on the opposite side.
You ladies are brilliant and think of everything! :dance:
Thank you for sharing your idea!
