From a brazilian point of view
Yes. We do face extra trouble. Can you say "Educational Robotics Competition" to a Customs officer which is used to dealing with dozens of electronic parts smugglers everyday?
I find all those "barriers" and the short timeframe great. Our students ( and I once was a student in #383, the other brazilian team ) have to learn about foreign trade stuff; international shipping rules and requirements; and all the assorted measurements, currency, etc. I don't want it to get any easy. It would take so much of the fun away.
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