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DHL "Clearance event" question
 

I ordered some generic cell phone cases from China, none of them are branded and are not in any sort of retail packaging. I have never had any issues before today. I was looking at the tracking and after it got to LA it said "clearance event" last night and once again today. Should I be worried?

When you are on the tracking page, look for a little red box with a white plus sign....it's located just under the words Clearance Event. Click on it and it will expand the explanation and provide details of the actual Clearance Event.

One such message could say "A DHL representative shall attempt to contact importer or shipper if any further information is required to complete the entry. Customer should contact DHL Customer Service if not reached by DHL"

Mine says "This shipment is pending completion of customs inspection" I have had my packages get opened by customers, there is usually a sticker indicating so but I have never had them take this long. It has been stopped for about 24 hours now and has two different "clearance event" updates, one today and one yesterday. When I spoke with a rep they made it sound like a routine inspection would only take one day.

Since you have used DHL in the past, you should know that they do nothing on the weekends. Be patient.

My packages do move from shipping centers on weekends, I know they do not deliver, or at least using the method I choose. I just wasn't sure how customs works on the weekends.

It can sometimes take 2-3 days for the customs inspection when it happens over a weekend. However, since these are generic non-branded items, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Agree - 2-3 days - aiming for some update on Tues or Wed is a good approach

2-3 days is a good figure to work with for this.

Week-ends get in the way too often.

Good Luck

:typing:

Should have no issues at all. Just takes a few days.

This is not always true and they are very inconsistent on the weekends. This is why I say you simply must wait until Monday or Tuesday before you make any rash decisions.

Thanks for the replies! I will wait till Tuesday and hope everything gets sorted.

It totally depends on how busy they are, at least at the Cincinnati hub. Still, no worries since the items are generic. The only issue is the inconvenience of the delay. Here in the US, as long as the estimated value of the items is under $2,000 they usually don't assess fees or duties, although they can if they want to.

I have only ever had my shipments go through the LA hub fortunately. Is it their estimated retail value they go by?

Not an estimated retail value....they look at seller declaration and can do inspection - what is the status showing on your product today when you check tracking nikeb5?

Still showing "clearance event". It has had shown that once a day since last thursday evening. DHL doesn't know what is taking it so long but they said it could take up to 5 full business days and tomorrow would be the 5th day. I don't know why this is taking so long, like I said before the cases are generic with no logos or anything.

Should wait to see what pops before the weekend....doesnt feel or sound good at the moment but no jumping to conclusions yet.

DHL just called and asked for my tax ID number, which would give me the impression that I might owe a little tax on the package. My seller stated the value at about $0.35 per unit so he under-did it a little. Do you know how long it takes them to release a package and bill me? I am assuming that is what is going on.

DHL usually send the import tax bill to my shipping address. Never gotten a call from them on that. I pay the bill and happily move on.

Never gotten one from them before. Im assuming you have to pay the bill before they send it to you? Do you know if there is a way to pay over the phone to speed the whole ordeal up? I was expecting it last Friday.

I have heard of people paying the fees over the phone so I think its doable. You could always call them to make sure on that. Dont need to fear about anything, its just a simple question.

If they ask for the value will they want proof as well? My supplier has been saying to just tell them the amount that is listed on the invoice, which I believe he under-shot.

DHL do phone up sometimes in the UK, I have had them on the phone asking to pay a Charge b4.