2. misc-audio
  3. 166527-10261

Fedex Customs problem

I sent my SME 3009 tonearm to Scotland for full service. I was shipped back to me on April 29 via Interparcel [Fedex].
The package is being delayed at the Memphis, TN, Fedex office. A few minutes ago I filled a CBP 5106 form and mailed it to Fedex. 

I still do not understand why I had to fill a form that I am unable to fully understand since I am not in the importing business. I do not understand the trade lingo and abbreviations.

Since 1976 I have been buying audio equipment from the UK [Quad 63s, Linn, Gyrodec, NAIM, etc] more valuable than a used SME 3009 and never had to fill a form or had any problems. Last January I received another SME 3009 that was rewired by the same person in Edinburgh but it came via USPS without insurance and it arrived pretty fast without a problem..

My Garrard 401 is being rebuilt in the UK and I'm afraid to have problems with Customs again but using USPS is risky since my deck costs $1,8K.

I would really appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Cheers,

Horacio


f456gt
luisma31
516 posts
 
Don't know if it matters but I'm in Miami.

I have purchased items in Australia, sent via DHL, retained at customs, I asked DHL for status since shipment was received but not delivered, they asked me to fill a firm, opened a case, after 7 days called them and they said customs were about to send the item back to Australia, escalated the case and finally got the item delivered along with a 220 fee from customs for holding the equipment.

With UPS, items from Japan, retained at customs and got another bill from them

I suspect it is not DHL or UPS or FedEx but customs of your specific area

thaluza's avatar
thaluza
285 posts
 
This is my recent experience with international shipping and customs with DHL. It took nearly 2 months for my package to leave the point of origin (where my package had been dropped off). It was another 2 months before my package arrived at my home in the US. One of my items arrived with minor damage. I did not get a bill from customs, though.
f456gt OP
38 posts
 
FedEx did a great job. The arm was shipped on April 29 and it arrived in Memphis on January 1. Better impossible. My friend in Edinburgh told me that I had two choices, £32 including £50 insurance or £65 with insurance for £700, I asked for the latter, I’m now paying the price because knowing what I knew I stupidly made the wrong decision.

On another note, yesterday afternoon I received a call from a FedEx rep informing me that due to the new regulations, CBP 5106, Customs is now in charge and far behind in processing new entries. FedEx does not determine money-back guarantee or delay claim requests based on the scheduled delivery. We are now at the mercy of the new Federal Govt. They are looking for revenue wherever possible and of course, we the taxpayers carry the burden.

In the case of my Garrard 401 I do have the Fedex receipt showing that I sent it to the UK. I’ll ask the chap to put a $50 value, the same that I put when I sent it to avoid VAT.
Royal Mail (UK) all the way through customs right up to domestic pickup by USPS is currently astounding, I often receive a lot of goods from the UK, not only electronics or spares, they always arrive in record time. I may try it this time.

Cheers,
f456gt OP
38 posts
 
Hi Luisma, I am in Pinecrest. Please get in touch. Vignale.355f1 at ya...

Finally I received my SME today.
Amen
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