American Customs return of parcel to sender

[celtprincess1]

I sent a parcel to America on Dec 30 , filled in all forms under direction of Postmaster who advised Parcelforce Worldwide Global Value. Parcel was valued at £400 , at request of buyer. Item was a ‘vintage metal compact, with handle’ , description approved by Post Office. Tracking was not available online but by phoning Parcelforce customer services. Parcel was returned to sender on Jan 10. A RED Despatch Pack( Custom Declaration) Printed note accompanied the returned parcel but did not indicate the problem, simply a list of requirements for sender.

Parcelforce when contacted simply said it was refused by US Customs. 
Why might US Customs refuse ? The Item was cosmetic. 
Help, anyone? 

[plpmr]

Could be because it contained cosmetics [face powder?].

[*vyolla* · Accepted solution]

There were some new regs implemented last November for items being shipped to the US:-

Shipments to the US - Enforcement on vague commodities descriptions starting 12 November 2024 

On 4 September 2024, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) announced that vague descriptions of goods in Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) will be rejected. A precise and specific description of the merchandise is now mandatory for shipments to the U.S. or transiting via the U.S.

Starting on 12 November 2024, stricter enforcement will take effect. As a direct result, shipments with vague descriptions may be delayed at the point of origin. Item descriptions must be specific and precise to be considered acceptable. 

The best descriptions use the 3 W’s, supported by additional details: 

• What is it?
• What is it made from?
• What is it used for?