International shipping

[airp65]

I am buying an r/c model helicopter on eBay from a UK seller.   He says that he'll need my passport number in order for him to arrange shipping to me in the USA.    I've never heard of this and have never encountered it before from a UK seller.  The only thing I can imagine is that it may have to do with model airplane "drones", a big issue in the US lately. What do we know about this?

[airp65 · Accepted solution]

I checked and this model plane does not fall under ITAR requirements.

The package is being shipped via UPS, and they require a photo ID of the shipper originating or tendering the package.  I think he is confused,  there is no need for  _my_  ID for him to ship the package.

[ruby*tuesday]

Best to check on the US State Department Web Site. Look at their Export Regs. May come under ITAR as R C Models maybe Classified as potential Drones. 

[airp65]

That occurred to me as well, and I'm looking into that.
That surprised me, I've never had the need for a passport and don't even
have one.