Will the recipient be charged?

Today I mailed two newspapers to a friend in California. The postal clerk asked me so many questions I thought I was being interrogated by customs.   Anyway, she asked if it was a gift. I said, "No. It's just newspaper."  (I was thinking "gift" as in birthday present, etc.)  Now I'm wondering if I should have said it was a gift, because it actually is. I'm giving it to her, so it's a gift, yes? no? I think I was still reeling from the nearly  £12 charge.    Will the recipient have to pay a fee when she receives it?

This is pure speculation, but I'd say no, your friend won't get charged. If you (or the postal guy) filled out the form correctly, it'll read "newspapers" which isn't usually something one pays duty on since once it's purchased, it's just "paper" and no longer has value. Had you put "gold plated newspapers", well that's another story.

I know what you mean about the cost. I sent my MiL a Restoration Hardware catalogue recently and it cost $14. It's a good thing I like my MiL.

I'm really surprised that it cost so much.  Did you ask about the printed papers rate?  It's only for printed material, and it's slower than regular post, but it's usually much cheaper.

Also, with regards to import duties, etc., when it's charged, the charge is based on the value of the item.  So unless these are valuable antique newspapers, then even if your friend were to be charged, it would likely be just small change.  I'm not sure they'd even bother.

So I wouldn't worry too much, but just keep the printed papers rate in mind for next time.

Ah, okay. Thanks to both of you.  I told the clerk that is was newspaper, and that the value was about 2 pounds.  I didn't know about the printed papers rate, and she didn't mention it (you'd think she would, as I told her I wanted it to go the "cheapest way possible. I don't care how long it takes." - my exact words.)  She was too busy trying to sell me their long distance telephone plan once she heard my American accent.