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
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.
avideo
222 posts
 
Interesting post. I just bought a McIntosh Tuner from an Audiogon member in Ottowa. It took nearly 12 days to arrive here by UPS ground. And worst of all, it appears the package was opened and loosly replaced in the box with some of the alleged packing materials missing.
It is deffinately the last time I will ever buy an item from a Canadian member again.
rja's avatar
rja
2,371 posts
 
Your package was probably delayed and opened at US Customs.
They are known for callous "repackaging" of inspected items.
I have had items crudely stuffed back into original packaging by someone who obviously doesn't give a damn. This is a fact of life if your package has the misfortune of landing in their hands.

Fortunately, most things don't get inspected any more. If the item can't be sent through Canada Post I would forget it unless your Canadian seller can bring the item across the border and ship from a US location.

When I owned Classe products they were sent to a USA address and they took the items across the border into Canada. I assume this was to avoid the hassles involved with shipping direct. This method works quite well.
More to discover