Customs Help

Summary: ash_a20, based in Canada, sold an Xbox to a US customer but forgot to include a tariff code on the package label. The package has been stuck in customs for a week, causing concern for potential financial loss. recped advises that the generic "Delivery may be delayed to public authority" message is standard for all US-bound packages, and suggests using USPS for more accurate tracking. mrdutch1001 believes that the delay might be due to customs assessing the package's value rather than the missing tariff code. ilikehockeyjerseys provides advice on handling potential disputes with the buyer and suggests steps to track the package efficiently. intimewithmusic and reallynicestamps recommend familiarizing with tariffs and HS codes for future shipments. The discussion ends with a suggestion that delays are common and to wait before taking further action.

For context I'm based in Canada and sold my Xbox to a customer in the US. I forgot to put the tariff code on the label and the package has been shown to be in customs for a week now. I called eBay and a rep told me that when they checked their system it cleared customs but the tracking never updated. I'm just worried because it's a lot of money to lose out on. The tracking did show that "Delivery may be delayed to public authority" so I'm wondering if the tariffs could have caused the delay in customs

ash_a20

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Posted 1 year ago·Last reply 1 year ago

9 comments

reallynicestamps

·1 year ago

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If you sell certain types of products often, make a note in your daybook of those HS codes.

I have four in constant use, and seven others that I have used occasionally over the past four years or so.

cottagewoman

·1 year ago

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Had a pkg at customs since the 9th - this morning USPS tracking pops it up in the Dallas TX hub for delivery tomorrow. No scans out of customs at all. FYI.

ilikehockeyjerseys

·1 year ago

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Every single package gets that public authority note. It is a generic notice that Canada Post seems to be tacking on to US bound packages in anticipation of delays if the USA decides to go through with every package needing to be checked for tariffs. Which has not happened yet.

Copy the tracking number into USPS.com - also copy it into https://parcelsapp.com/en/tracking.

Reason for USPS - Canada Post's portal won't show the same updates.

Reason for other tracking link - If your package was routed to the wrong country it will show it on there. That sometimes happens. I have had packages meant for the USA accidentally sent to Australia twice.

Don't contact the buyer unless they contact you. Packages get delayed all the time. It's normal. By contacting them, you're wasting their time, and alerting them to a problem they probably didn't even know existed.

If the expected delivery date has already passed, google "Missing Mail Request" - follow the form and open one on the USPS website.

If the buyer opens up an INR, be polite and helpful. Contact AskeBay on Twitter and direct message them. Include the item number, the item not received request number, and explain that the item is still in transit but is delayed. Ask them if they can extend the deadline for the INR because the item is still in transit. They probably grant you it if the item is still in transit and they can see that you didn't ignore the customer and actually reached out to USPS.

Once an INR is opened, that's when it becomes an issue because unless eBay grants you an extension, the buyer can get a refund while the item is still in transit if it is not delivered by the deadline.

reallynicestamps

·1 year ago

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Cut to the chase.

What is the last estimated date eBay gave your customer for delivery?

Mark that on your calendar and don't follow tracking.

Has the customer been complaining?

If they have, give them the tracking number.

If the last estimated date for delivery has passed AND the customer has opened a Dispute, give the tracking number in the dispute.

Do NOT trust that eBay will do this. Do it manually yourself in the Dispute.

recped

·1 year ago

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"Delivery may be delayed to public authority"

This is a generic message that Canada Post seems to be adding to all US bound packages.

Your should try tracking it on USPS.com, you might see more info there. The lack of a tariff code may or may not be an issue, worst case scenerio the package would be returned to you.

ash_a20

OP1 year ago

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Looking on USPS, it is saying inbound into customs and it's been like that since March 5th. The eBay rep said in 72 hours I should see movement on the package. Tracking on Canada Post is saying the delivery is delayed but still on the way to the buyer
. Definitely learned my lesson and I won't forget the tariff code next time

mrdutch1001

·1 year ago

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It is highly unlikely that the omission of the tariff code is the problem, more likely to have been held in customs for assessment of the value since that is over the $800.00 de minimus limit.

flipistics

·1 year ago

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@mrdutch1001 wrote:
It is highly unlikely that the omission of the tariff code is the problem, more likely to have been held in customs for assessment of the value since that is over the $800.00 de minimus limit.

The de minimis should be $800 USD, so I don't think that's the problem. It's taking my items a lot longer than normal to clear as well. I think USPS is just clogged up atm. Companies are probably rushing to try to get stuff across before April.

intimewithmusic

·1 year ago

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If you haven't already, for next time , research and brush up now on tariffs codes aka "Harmonized Tariff Codes" .

Many websites offer easy guidance. Canada Post is the least helpful.

For faster clearance you might consider adding a plastic see through envelope to the outside of your packages with 2 signed copies of a commercial invoice inside.