Clearing customs.....

hestheman · 24-09-2008, 07:36 PM

I have a question about importing from China. I recently had a larger item shipped from China through EMS. When I was tracking my package today it said HANDED OVER TO CUSTOMS. Is this bad? What happens now? Does'nt customs check every package anyway? Will my package make it to me? P.S.....I am thinking of starting a unique company but it will involve ALOT of importing from China to the US (medium size packages) How can I make sure my deliveries won't be held up or damaged by customs?? All advice is appreciated TIA.

**uhafmail** · 24-09-2008, 07:40 PM

No this is normal, the next stage is proabably AWAITING charges and then can take 2 or 3 days to receive after that - if your lucky the next day.

D M · 24-09-2008, 07:41 PM

What were you importing?

hestheman · 24-09-2008, 07:53 PM

an unbranded electronics product.....

hestheman · 24-09-2008, 08:02 PM

I do have one more question....like I said, I will soon be launching a unique business that will require alot of importing from China. Is there a way to make sure my products will be cleared through customs immediately and avoid any kind of delivery hangups? Is this a responsibility of the supplier or is there something I can do? I've read about people paying some kind of fee to customs to make sure their packages arrive. What is this fee and how does it work? Thanks again....

**uhafmail** · 24-09-2008, 08:04 PM

ask your supplier to send via DHL - they seem to clear customs very fast.

hestheman · 24-09-2008, 08:07 PM

Okay I will definitely do that.....thanks for the tip.

D M · 24-09-2008, 08:15 PM

Or arrange your own customs clearence tho it'll cost you.

hestheman · 24-09-2008, 08:23 PM

How Would I go about doing that? Whom would I contact and how much would it cost?

D M · 24-09-2008, 08:30 PM

Customs broker. Costs alot. No point if you're importing small quantities.