Problems with customs in L.A.

I don't think so. I think beer/wine have the same issues in customs. You need TTB labels detailing the alcohol on all alcohol coming in from out of the country that's delivered from a business. If you don't have the labels, the alcohol gets held in customs or sent back. On top of that, BIAB isn't paying duties.

I buy a decent amount of wine from across the pond and we have to hire an importer that will tag each bottle with a COLA approved import tag for it to come in legally. It costs $6-8/btl for all custom taxes/duties/labels/shipping. But when the tags aren't properly done, it just sits at custom or gets sent back if they can't find the purchaser. My friend had an issue with over 120 cases of wine coming from France that sat at the Long Beach port because of improper tags.

If it's for personal use, you can just declare the value and pay the customs tax, but I'm pretty sure these BIAB boxes are being stopped because so many of them are coming through LAX and customs caught on and wants him to comply with importing regulations

 

Not always true. The feds do control what crosses the border but if it's going into a state that state also has control over it. There are many agricultural products that are allowed federally to enter the US but cannot enter CA because of state laws. It also says right on the state website that they have an agreement with CBP that allows 60 liters of alcohol. In most cases states don't have agreements with the feds to stop things but it is an option.

It's more likely to be clayfu said and they are regulating them as a business since they see so many coming through. I used to know someone who worked at the USPS facility, I'll try to track him down but it's been awhile.

 

All I'm saying is CBP enforces federal law only. Not state laws. It's incumbent on each state to enforce their own. Ag products, booze, whatever. Though it may sometimes look like CBP is enforcing state law because a particular state may have a law that's similar or identical to a federal one.

 

I agree with what you're saying. I'll still try to dig up my old friend and see if they know a simple solution.

 

You can't compare the shipping from a webshop (belgiuminabox) with shipping to a friend. They can't return the box back to belgium / netherlands as i ship it as a gift even if i ship the queen of Engeland as a collectible glassware. you only of a bigger chance now that they ask taxes (as they know it is alcohol) and it Will take a bit longer to get your package. So that everybody has a piece of the pie.

Same as ISC from Miami, they have the same problem with incoming boxes that they flag incoming beer boxes and all they want is that you pay taxes. But you Will get your beers!

However.... This doesn't count with webshops

 

Were you guys getting letters or any notification regarding the the return?

I have had a large box in Chicago since 3/22. Beginning to wonder if it is getting held up by Customs or the USPS keeps forgetting it in a dark corner.

It hasn't received an "inbound into customs" scan yet. Hoping it is just chilling in a dark corner but I would like it to move. Preferably toward me but at this point I don't have much hair left (figuratively).

 

Did your box come through LAX or New York? Also was your box through a vendor or a trading partner?

@riko

 

As a general offer, and feel free to check references if you feel the need, I'd be happy to help west coasters by receiving their Etre/BiaB orders and sending them along to CA. Damn the man!

 

Oh my mistake. I was thinking it was sitting at the post office.

Im trying to figure out if the problem is with the vendors or just everyone in general.

 

I had this same issue a month or so ago and a vendor just reshipped and the second try ended up going via NY instead of LAX.

I made another 2 orders recently on that shipped via Post NL and one via Bpost.
The Post NL arrived via SFO and cleared customs in 24hrs. Total shipping time from Bel to Seattle 9 days.
The second via Bpost went again to LAX and was sent back yesterday.
I'm hoping to get it shipped back via Post NL or refunded.

What has been everyone's experience with packages being returned? Have they been reshipped or refunded?
I'm working with multiple vendors that include BIAB, Etre, Trap + BB. All have been great and responsive this year.

T.Hanks

 

I ordered in mid-March, was shipped via BPost to Oregon. Got held up in LA customs for almost 2 months but I did end up receiving the box in early May. After talking with friends who made similar purchases earlier this year I consider myself extraordinarily fortunate that my box actually came through. I am highly reluctant to repeat this experience and all of its added stress. But if I were to reorder I would DEFINITELY wait until the fall so my beer isn't overheating in Los Angeles wharehouses during the summertime.

 

I have a buddy in LA and he had BIAB ship to me in Michigan and on to him because of the Customs trouble.

 

Another data point - I ordered a box for t.w. that shipped BPost through LAX. Made it through customs in about 3 days and on to Alaska (2 days CA to AK). 5x750, 1x375. There was nothing on the outside of the box to indicate what was inside - no company name, vague declaration, wrapped in black plastic. Exceptional packaging inside.

Received in AK June 5. I made the purchase on a whim and only found out about LAX issues after I ordered. Probably won't roll the dice again.

 

Thanks for the offer! I might need your help once I figure out what's going on with my Belgian package. My box has been stuck in LA customs for six days now. This is the one time I will say it sucks to live in California.

 

Any updates on the LAX customs issue?