2. misc-audio
  3. 1323882579

RE: Shipment Stopped by US Customs

My Federal Express package (audio equipment, of course) was shipped from Canada on Monday, December 12 for delivery to my home on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it was stopped in Indianapolis by US customs (Over $ Limit). My shipment required an importer's registration/identification number for clearance. I could not believe it.

The Federal Express Import Coordinator called me early Tuesday morning and said I needed to complete an Importer ID Input Record and fax it back to her to get the package released. You only have 5 business days to obtain the required document, until the shipment is returned to the shipper. She emailed me the form and I immediately faxed it back. My package cleared customs several hours later. This delay now means a Wednesday delivery.

The Federal Express Coordinator said this was a normal process by US Customs. I was told that every shipment coming from Canada requires proper paperwork to get clearance from US Customs.

It seems this is not a shipper problem but my problem. Is there anything I can do in advance of the shipment to ensure it gets cleared by US Customs? Is this really a normal process by US Customs?

hgeifman
hgeifman OP
2,238 posts
 
I finally received my Federal Express package today at 11am. I told the Federal Express delivery person the package was one day late and he said it was held up by US Customs. He said this happens all the time. He suggested that for any future deliveries from Canada, I request the shipper to include a commercial invoice with the package. I am checking on this and will post what I find.
hgeifman OP
2,238 posts
 
I have new information from the Federal Express ECO Import Coordinator that explains my problem with US Customs (package coming from Canada).

My shipment did include an invoice, and an invoice is always required for entry to United States Customs. An invoice is absolutely required for the entry to be processed. Although, that was not the case on my shipment. My social security number was NOT on file with United States Customs, for a formal entry. In the case of my shipment, the goods were valued over 2,000.00 USD, which required a formal entry for the commodity I was importing. That is what held up my shipment, and is why I had to complete the Importer ID Input Record form. Yes, an invoice is always required, but that was not the situation with my shipment, as the shipper provided the invoice.

Since my social security number is now on file with US Customs, I should be okay for any future deliveries.
restock
831 posts
 
It is a US requirement and applies to shipment from anywhere around the world
- I believe this went in effect in 2003 as part of the Homeland Security Act.
rafr
21 posts
 
I ran into the same issue. You might get a bill for the duty/tax/customs that FedEx paid for you to bring the equipment into the country.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
If its light enough to ship via Canada Post, you most likely will not run into that problem.
More to discover