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Urgent Customs Query
 

Hi all any advice on this would be very gratefully received!

I have my parcel from HK waiting at customs. FedEx just rang me asked for the value, I said isn't it on the declaration? They said the sender has marked it down as $50 but the weight of the parcel is making them query it.

However the real value is nearer to $500! I didn't ask them to do this, and I am happy to pay what is due. However, I don't want to 'shop' my supplier or ruin my relationship with them. On the other hand, will I get in trouble if I tell them the true value? Is it safer to stick with $50? I'm guessing its the price I paid they want not what they cost to my supplier.

They want me to email them a written declaration stating the contents and value.

The items are completely genuine so no problems in that respect.

I'm just not sure what to do for the best?

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

You need to make sure that the declared value is what you have paid for the items. You can fall foul of HMRC by under declaring

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

Thanks. I think I'll tell supplier to me more truthful next time. Unless it is to avoid some export charges on their end?

So in this instance the safest course would be to give them the true value?

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

Tell them exactly what you paid for it. It's the safest option.

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

Ok great I will

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

I paid DHL customs £93 for a $500 box yesterday, I do find Fedex slightly more expensive, not sure if its cause we paying for there lunch to :laugh:

But i have been told you can pay up to £2000 for a false declaration by them in a email.

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

Fedex have a higher clearing charge that they pass onto the importer.

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

DHL sent my info to a collections agency for $27 for a package I received 8 months prior.

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

Absolutely. It's a black mark against you when you fib to HRMC.

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

Terrible - 8 months ...27$ ...why didnt you settle it earlier?

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

Forgot to mention that I never received a letter, email, or phone call about the money owed.

Never had to pay a customs fee before and I was surprised it took them so long to get into contact about a small amount. I obviously paid it right away once I was aware of my negative balance.

Thing is, I had many many shipments go thru DHL even when I supposedly had a negative balance too.

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

That's the annoying part - I've not done any fibbing myself. Chinese suppliers take it upon themselves to try and sneak things through as gifts and ridiculous low values. Yet as the duty payer that becomes my responsibility.

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

That's why you avoid covering the backs of your supplier.

Have to define in black and white what you want.... and get their response in gray :doh: Takes time to learn to deal with suppliers.

Customs are always right. Even when they are wrong.

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

So what happens say if customs seize and destroy the package? Will the supplier take responsibility? What if paid through escrow?

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

Are you thinking worst case scenario or not told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

From what you have said, you were prepared to make a stat dec for the true value.... that would appease Customs.


If seizure was in their poxy minds, their approach is a quite a wee bit different.

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

if you paid through escrow, then you should get your money back from the company you paid through.

Seized and destroyed will put a mark against your name.. Especially if they are phakes?

Re: Urgent Customs Query
 

No im still waiting for a response from customs / fedex after I gave them an honest value. I'll phone them shortly.

Just thinking worse case scenario!

They are not phakes in any way. Ironically all my ⊗⊗⊗⊗ stuff gets through without a hitch!!