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
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
After some negative experiences on having audio goods shipped from Canada to the US I stopped buying unless the seller could deliver to a border UPS outlet. I did this for customs, shipping cost and insurance coverage. So, I suggest that you ask your seller, as part of the deal, to do the same. It saves a lot of hassle and goods generally arrive quicker and un damaged.
kevvwill
70 posts
 
I have found that FedEx and UPS are different. Had some speakers shipped from Canada via UPS and they would have shown up on time, had someone from UPS not neglected to remove the package from the warehouse once Customs cleared it.

Some bicycle wheels from Canada, via FedEx, had the same complexities that you mention. Different carriers must have different arrangements.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
I brought a TVC in from Canada earlier this year via Fed EX. I had the same experience. Both the seller and I stayed on top of it, otherwise, I would never have gotten the shipment. If you expect to be bringing goods in on a regular basis, you can get set up so it is no big deal, but there is a financial investment required that would not make sense for most of us. About 4 years ago, I brought another piece in from Canada UPS and that was a bit easier, but I think the difference was that the first item was rather inexpensive. My experience is that I would not bother with bringing something in from Canada unless it was a special piece that doesn't come up often. It is just too much trouble.
hgeifman OP
2,237 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
2,237 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.
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