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Cincinnati Hub
 

Something has definitely changed in terms of getting goods through Cincinnati customs. Before, once something arrived at Cincinnati it was fine. It was NY or LA that automatically meant an inspection and seizure. Now over the past 3 weeks I have had 3 packaged (that were sent to 3 different people at 3 different addresses) seized. I know one thing for certain that the process starts in Hong Kong. I had a package arrive that was in two pieces and only one piece made it through. It had a large "C" sticker on it, indicating to me that it was to receive special attention from customs.

Those who are in the know: Is this now a permanent thing? Has this happened before? Any advise would be appreciated.

...All 3 of my packages are stuck in customs. Seems like it is that time of the year again.

Or it could easily be a supplier issue, shipping agent issue, use of bad return addresses, suspicious invoices, etc that bring the unwanted attention.

Thanks for the update. Glad to know I'm not in this boat alone. I definitely feel like the issue begins in HK. Some how are packages are being tagged before being sent.

This happens once every year. I have not had anything seized, but I have had some delays (non-VERO). Usually lasts for 10 days or so, from what I remember.

Who is your carrier. No issues with the one I am using.......

past 3 months ive been having my suppliers ship through the Cincy hub to past customs and then redirect the package to my place since the west coast seems like I have a 50% success rate in passing customs.

DHL. You?

DHL as well

Thanks for the information. So, based on what JW just said does anyone know a start date to this nonsense so we can chart 10 days in advance and wait to order until then? Also, when was the first time you noticed things being held up? I first noticed it Friday the 8th. Any information would help us out.

That's absolutely insane. When did you start hitting the 50% mark?

You're not the only one my friend...I've got 5 packages seized this week in Cincinnati:mad2: Cincinnati hub used to be the only one without problems not this! My supplier told me this time is seized month!

Yep. I have now received several messages to hold off on paying for stuff until it is safe to do so.

There is no official start or end date that I am aware of. I also want to state that I DO NOT have any "inside" information on customs. However, every year in June (the exact time varies) Cincinatti becomes a problem. Lots of people have packages seized and then a couple of weeks later there is usually a news article describing a "crackdown" on counterfeit merchandise.

During this time, a lot of legitimate packages are delayed for several days, as they await a US Customs inspection.

In the past, after 2-3 weeks, everything returns to normal.

Will that hold true this time? I don't know - I don't have a crystal ball. However, I **BELIEVE** it will hold true, based on what has happened in the past and due to the fact that they do not have the manpower to constantly inspect EVERYTHING coming through.

Quick questions, Do your Suppliers use a DHL Tracking Number OR Shipper's References?
Also do your suppliers put a Packing slip on the boxes? Maybe that has something to do with inspections and seizers.

They use a tracking number and yes I believe most have slips on the boxes. Why? How would this have something to do with it?

Exactly! I don't think the supplier have control on the sticker. The DHL Shipping agent put them stickers not the supplier!

Actually, customs can inspect any package for any reason they like. If the paperwork looks suspicious they CAN inspect the package.

I believe, however, that this is a part of the yearly crackdown - where many more packages than normal are opened.

Also, and this is not a response to MarysMan78, here is something else to consider.

Customs will never be able to open every incoming package, however, they can certainly use technology to catch more of the illegal stuff coming in.

If you are currently making your living by importing this stuff, you MIGHT want to consider building something legitimate, as this type of thing will become more and more difficult over time.

got 1 today...

10 Clearance delay CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 05:15

3 more are coming there tomorrow.... Im on the boat now...

I've had one make it though this week (the rest have been toast), but all my suppliers are saying they will inform me when all is clear.

4 packages currently stuck in Cincy....presumably seized but I continue to hold my breath and cross my fingers.....

So what will you do when it get toast. Just sit there and wait for the letter????

Same here i have 2 packages in cinncinati delay processing. How long will this last or i can tell my supplier to send it ems before he ships it.

11 Clearance processing complete at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 04:41

finally i can breathe again. the other 3 are with delivery courier right now.:sleepy:

Have been told all is well again! Have 6 coming in this week will keep everyone updated.

I've been told the same by my trusted suppliers. My guys seem to be very cautious so I will update everyone as well. Also, I squeezed one in last week amidst all the nonsense.

Glad to see it!

I am 2 for 2 today:

Sunday, June 17, 2012
10 Clearance processing complete at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 10:57 AM
9 Processed at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 10:57 AM
8 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 10:40 AM

I also have had 5 clearance process completed as well. Just hope the other 6 go through as well. I'm using three different addresses. This is the largest order I have made up to this point. I sure hope all has returned to normal.

Did any of the ones you had clear been on hold for a week before clearing?

Still holding out some small hope on my two orders that hit Cincy about 10 days ago....

6 for 6 ... looks to be back to normal

...damn you guys lol! Still 0 for 3! :violin:

I'm 0 for 2 as of now. DHL tracking hasn't updated since 6/12. What's weird is the tracking info says Clearance Delay BEFORE Arrived at Sort Facility for 1 of my packages.

9 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:17
8 Clearance delay CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:05
7 Processed for clearance at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:05

On the other it says...

9 Clearance delay CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:46
8 Processed for clearance at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:46
7 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:17


The times are very close and the date is the same which tells me my supplier shipped them together. They usually don't do that. It seems like it really helps to space the packages a day or so apart.

All packages from last week are gone..Things only started to get better thi week. If you have package coming this week, must likely it will clear customs.

I'm 3 for 3 this week=}-

Yep I just got the contact DHL update today. I figured that would be the case. Oh well, sh*t happens. I'm just thankful it was a relatively small order.

For those of you that are getting your items seized are they the typical well known phakes? Because the people scanning these through the x-ray are pros, and have seen the same sh!t go through there 100s-1000s of times a day, and just push them aside to inspect. I have been using DHL for years, and have had one or two issues, and it wasn't for products I sell, but for relatives who wanted the phake version for cheap. Out of the 8-10 years I have imported seriously for products I sell, I have not had one issue with DHL. I get anywhere from 2-15 packages a week, and they range from a 1 pound to over 80+ pounds. Not one issue.....which leads me to believe I answered my original question....

Thanks for the god, 12 packages all got Clearance processing completed this week .I can have a good sleeping tonight.

If a package is seized, odds are it contains something that is not kosher. Customs does not notmally seize legitimate items.

I went 9 for 9 these last two days using DHL. Had 4 huge packages delivered with no problems to one address yesterday, three to another, and two today at another address. Seems everything is back to normal. I've had one bad summer two years ago with DHL. Since then, no seizures,

Clearance delay, Contac DHL, Seized?
 

This is how the tracking on the package went. I just wanted to know is it OK to call DHL or just assumed my shipment has been seized. I bought through DHgate so I can file a claim ,but I might need paperwork if the package is seized as proof. What should I do?

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Location Time
10 Please contact DHL CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:03

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 Location Time
9 Processed for clearance at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:04

8 Clearance delay CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:04

7 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 00:54

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Location Time
6 Departed Facility in HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 18:23

5 Processed at HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 17:22

Monday, June 11, 2012 Location Time
4 Arrived at Sort Facility HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 21:05

3 Departed Facility in HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 20:13

2 Processed at HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 20:12

1 Shipment picked up HONG KONG - HONG KONG 18:59