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Dawn
Joined: 06 Mar 2004
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 Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 5:11 am Post subject: Customs hang-ups -- They think I'm an importer??? |
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So, I ordered about $120 worth of stuff from ShopNatural.com a few weeks ago, and had it shipped to ExpatExpress, who forwarded it on to me via FedEx (actually cheaper than postal mail and generally faster). Well, today I learned that my missing package has been sitting in customs since April 1 because the package didn't include my importer ID number.
Now, I did order three packages of hummus mix and a couple of boxes each of some other easy-to-fix, healthy food items. But for the most part, the order consisted of one each of a handful of items -- soy protein powder, echinacea/goldenseal capsules, acidophilus, etc. In other words, it wasn't exactly the kind of order that resembles a wholesaler's order.
Question is, has anybody else ever dealt with this mess like this, and does anyone know how the heck I go about getting my stuff outta dodge? |
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JongnoGuru
Joined: 25 May 2004
Location: peeing on your doorstep
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| Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 5:48 am Post subject: |
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Dealt with something like it. We purchased single units of several electronic items (accessories and replacement parts) that we needed for our equipment, and they assumed we were a licenced importer (we're not), because they thought the one-of-each assortment were samples. 
Your situation doesn't surprise me. Really, almost nothing could. I've been here too long. Hassles with Korean Customs used to be so common, and my memories of them so fresh, that my eyes probably bugged out reading your list of items the way I'm certain the customs agents' did.
How to get your things? Well, are any of these services you mention (ExpatExpress, FedEx) interceding on your behalf, or have they abandoned you to the non-English-speaking customs staff? I'd say contact them, if they speak English and if there's a communication barrier.
Someone somewhere has to know what your options are and tell you. I mean, you're not supposed to have to guess what to do next. |
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Dawn
Joined: 06 Mar 2004
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| Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 5:56 am Post subject: |
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ExpatExpress has been courteous, but has basically taken the attitude that its out of their hands. (They reminded me that I'm liable for any tariffs or duties the package incurs -- as if I didn't know that.) A N.American FedEx operator pretty much told me the package couldn't be processed without some kind of number, so she took down my alien registration number and said she would see if that would suffice. Somehow, I'm not expecting it to, so I'm trying to figure out Plan B.
How did you eventually get your stuff out of hock? |
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JongnoGuru
Joined: 25 May 2004
Location: peeing on your doorstep
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| Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 6:15 am Post subject: |
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| Dawn wrote: |
How did you eventually get your stuff out of hock? |
In the case I mentioned, it took a day and many phone calls, but in the end it was just a matter of faxing them two documents (on personal ID, one company registration) and they let it through. I've also had to go down their in person to sign a statement of use, sometimes to argue over or pay import duties.
Okay, if at this stage FedEx is still involved, then I'd say you best call FedEx here in Seoul instead of someone in N. America. They'll have English-speaking staff, and they can communicate directly in Korean with Customs. If Customs isn't actually trying to deny you your package, then this is just an infernal though common enough processing glitch. A blank slot needs a number and they can't find any number to put in it. The items you're receiving and your personal status would seem entirely innocent and plain for all to see. |
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Dawn
Joined: 06 Mar 2004
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| Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 6:25 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks for all your help. My boss was trying to get a phone number for FedEx here in Korea today, so I'll go bug him in the morning and see whether he was successful. |
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OiGirl
Joined: 23 Jan 2003
Location: Hoke-y-gun
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| Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 6:28 am Post subject: |
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| Is there a generic Statement of Use available? |
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JongnoGuru
Joined: 25 May 2004
Location: peeing on your doorstep
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| Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 7:15 am Post subject: |
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| OiGirl wrote: |
| Is there a generic Statement of Use available? |
This was years ago, and I've not had to fill one out lately. I believe I was given one in person and also faxed one, but really, it was just (in Hangul) the title and the usual personal details (name, DOB, national ID or passport #, date) and then a big empty space 3/4 of the page where I had to write something like: These items are purely for my own personal use, and I promise not to sell them. And then I had to sign it. I could have made the form myself.
In the early days, there was no email, and although they had fax machines, you typically had to appear in person to get anything done.
It could and frequently did get out of hand. One agent let me write the statement in English. I was just beginning to learn Korean back then. But another time, maybe a year later, another agent insisted that I write it in Hangul all by myself -- I couldn't write it in English, and he wouldn't write the Hangul for me and just let me sign it at the bottom. He wouldn't even tell me exactly what I was supposed to write.  I remember being so amazed and telling all my friends about that episode. (Though it wasn't the last time.)
(all convo in Korean)
Jongno: Okay, how do I start? What do I say again?
Customs Man: Just explain what you're going to use them for and....
Jongno: But they're movies on VHS.... I'm just going to watch them.
Customs Man: Right.
Jongno: Hmm. So, I guess I should write: "These are for my personal use only", right?
Customs Man: Okay. (in English)
Jongno: ("Okay?") Well, is that all, or should I mention that I won't sell them.
Customs Man: Yes, you have to write that.
Jongno: (to myself) Damn, why did I ask that! Sheesh, I'm just learning the language... I'm not sure about my spelling...
Customs Woman: *standing beside Custom Man, mentally tapping her foot, and staring at me without a hint of sympathy, as if to say 'Well, get writing then! We haven't got all day to wait for you. There's a long line of customers behind you'*
Jongno: *makes a messy series of chicken scratches, gets stuck on a word, looks up and pleads for help*
Customs Woman: *grabs my pen and corrects my misspellings* ... Okay, that's enough. 
Ahh, the good old, bad old days. Luckily, nobody has to deal with attitudes like that anymore! Nope, nothing but caring service with a winning smile here in the Hubcap of Asia! |
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