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Problems with U.S. Customs - Watch Out

A couple of weeks ago I agreed to buy a cd player from a fellow audiogoner in good standing from Canada. (I'm located in the U.S.) Upon receiving my check, he shipped the unit out FedEx ground the same day. Using the tracking number I could see it steadily making progress until a "Customs Delay" notice appeared.

After hours on the phone with FedEx inquiring as to the delay, the seller was informed he needed to file one form for the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), a "Declaration for imported products subject to radiation control standards" (I guess the FDA is worried I might eat the cd player) and another for the FCC, a "Statement regarding the importation of radio frequency devices capable of causing harmful interference" (I'm not sure how a cd player has the potential to cause harmful interference).

In additon the seller had to pay a hefty brokerage fee to FedEx Ground for a surety bond.

After the seller completed all the paperwork and payed the associated fees, I assumed the cd player would be released by customs. That was until later in the day when I got a call from FedEx saying the cd player was being held by U.S. customs for a visual inspection. E.g. the will be removing it from the seller's careful packing and poking and proding it to make sure it isn't something nasty.

I still don't have any idea if and when I'll get the unit.

Anyone have any similar problems dealing with U.S. Customs?
cdc2
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
Good tip, Byfo.
usblues
1,216 posts
 
Second the good tip,Bob
audiofil
17 posts
 
Contrary to your many comments excusing the system, the reality is a bit different. The FDA has nothing better to do but screw with people much like the communists. 2 years ago I was entered into the FDA data base at LAX as a "salami smuggler" on the way back from Tuscany with 2 4-inch salamis. I was given a retarded lecture about the safety of the environment by some ambitious imbecile who much to his dissapointment found nothing else. The source of the problems are people looking for satisfaction of self-applied authority. It is the direct result of social alienation by means of unsatisfied work condition and lack of interaction with others, so common in North America.
eddaytona
216 posts
 
"Salami Smuggler"???
I too have been accused of that but never at customs control.
(Sorry, couldn't let that one pass)
distortion
571 posts
 
I can hear the exchange at the Customs counter in my head, "Excuse me Sir, what's in your pants?" "Ohh nothing, just Salami." "Ohh a wise-@ss are ya? We'll see about that."

Seriously though, instead of blaming everyone on the North American continent wouldn't it have been easier just to claim the Salami in the first place.

P.S. Yes, I sometimes hear things in my head! Like for instance, "Hide the Salami, you can doo eet, now hide that Salami." Though, usually not at the Customs desk.
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