Any experience with customs appeals?

Discussion in 'Trade Talk' started by brees6221, Nov 2, 2012.

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  1. brees6221

    brees6221 Initiate (0) Aug 4, 2009 Western Sahara

    tl;dr - see question at bottom.

    Cliff notes: I attempted to hook up alpineclimber after he got screwed in a trade with lanamj. I shipped a box of beer from me and 3 other guys, it got seized by Canadian customs. Here's the original thread: http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/bad-trader-alert-lanamj.31660/

    I finally got in touch with someone at the customs office where the box is being held. I asked her if they could release the box to FedEx to be returned but since the goods were mis-declared as collectible glass, she said they won't release it. I tried telling her they were collectible bottles that weren't intended for consumption and that they lost their value once opened, but she reminded me that the collectible glass still contained alcohol and was being shipped without a license.

    She then told me that a notice of seizure was being mailed to me and that I have the opportunity to file an appeal within 90 days in writing. The box will be held at their facility pending appeal and will be destroyed after 90 days if one isn't received. If the appeal is approved the box will be sent on its way.

    So my question is this: Has anyone filed an appeal with customs to have a seized box of beer released and what was the outcome? If you were successful what was your explanation?
     
    #1 brees6221, Nov 2, 2012
  2. biglobo8971

    biglobo8971 Initiate (0) May 6, 2010 Minnesota

    all of my international trades has never taken this route. You are on un-charted waters for me. File the appeal and see what happens. You already know the worst thing (destroying of beer), what do you have to lose? Oh, answer, the beer. Try it, see where it gets you.
     
    #2 biglobo8971, Nov 2, 2012
  3. oldp0rt

    oldp0rt Initiate (0) Feb 24, 2011 Canada (QC)

    damn that sucks. Hasn't happened to me yet, and hopefully never.

    I'd do what biglobo said. Nothing to lose from there..
     
    #3 oldp0rt, Nov 2, 2012
  4. nicks6217

    nicks6217 Initiate (0) Jan 15, 2010 California

    Im also hesitante in shipping to Canada, Ive shipped maybe 30-40 packages internationally and the only package I've ever had a problem with was going to Canada.

    To echo what biglobo said, file your claim because at this point you really got nothing to lose.
     
    #4 nicks6217, Nov 2, 2012
  5. claaark13

    claaark13 Maven (1,412) Nov 29, 2007 Indiana
    Trader

    I have not personally tried it for Canada, but has anyone used and had success/failure with USPS instead of FedEx/UPS? USPS has historically been successful for BAs when shipping to Europe. Or, does Canada just have a stronger Customs?
     
    #5 claaark13, Nov 3, 2012
  6. mulder1010

    mulder1010 Initiate (0) Aug 29, 2008 Australia

    I think the problem is using Fed ex or UPS to Canada. There are more forms to send to Canada by Fed Ex or UPS so if not claimed correctly on the customs forms then Canadian Customs does have the right to take a package and not release it. This is different than US customs where the box is sent back to the sender if it does not make it through customs. Have had a box sent back to me from the US so can at least stomach losing the shipping money and not the double whammy of shipping and the beer.
    Should never use Fed Ex or UPS to send internationally. Always use USPS as it gets routed into that country's mail system
     
    #6 mulder1010, Nov 3, 2012
  7. UCLABrewN84

    UCLABrewN84 Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2010 California

    Lame Canadians...
     
    #7 UCLABrewN84, Nov 3, 2012
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