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Held up in customs

I just purchased a CD player from a gentleman in Vancouver and had it shipped UPS Expedited 2 day. When the package got to the states it was placed on customs hold. When I spoke to someone at UPS they said it would take at least a couple of days and customs could do whatever they wanted to the package or simply keep it. I'm wondering if anyone out there has had any experiences with the Customs Service or FDA in regards to international shipments.
128x128jond
jond's avatar
jond OP
5,847 posts
 
To clarify it has been placed on hold specifically by the Food and Drug Administration.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
What brand is it? I am no expert. What I know is goods manufactured in the US and Canada are free of a customs duty because of NAFTA and should be no problem. They may ask for a disclosure form. If a foreign make, they may want a duty charge. If the unit is something not sold in the US at all, I don't know what could happen.

In any event expect to pay a processing fee even if no customs duty due. I don't believe they can keep it without just cause (it would be theft). I have a friend who works with dogs that look for drugs and food not shipped properly. I will ask them.

sfstereo
215 posts
 
The FDA is probably checking the CD player for FDA approval. Products containing laser must get FDA approval unless it uses a Class 1 laser. Most CD players use CLass 3 laser so FDA approval is mandatory. Some high end manufacturers do not comply with the requirements.
paulg805
29 posts
 
Hi, I bough a amp and pre-amp from canada. The UPS delivery had a bill for me to pay $50 for each item for duty and UPS processing fee. The processing fee was $35 by itself. If it's a item made in the USA, there is no duty, but if item is from Canada or Europe the duty applies. This also applies when items get shipped to Canada from the US.
jond's avatar
jond OP
5,847 posts
 
I already know about duty and fees. I've been told it will be 3% of the declared value plus a brokerage fee of $30-50. It is a Copland CDA 289 from Denmark, I believe the brand is imported inotn the US so the laser should be in compliance. I hope!
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