Contacting Customs

Seziertisch

I am awaiting delivery of some stuff from the states. It was posted USPS about a month ago and still hasn't shown up.

I was told by the guy who sent it that I should just contact customs and quote the customs number and my name and they should be able to tell me where it is.

This isn't about import duty or whatever as what I ordered is only worth about 60 Euros. So no need to advise me on that :-)

My question is how/where do I contact customs in such a case? I found a number for Athlone in the Golden Pages which just rings out on me. Any tips/suggestions? Cheers.

Doctor J

If it's only €60 it probably never went anywhere near customs in the first place. I'd say you need to contact An Post or USPS, this sounds like more of a lost/stolen thing that it being held up by customs, unfortunately.

Dord

It's rare that an item worth €60 would be stopped by customs. For USPS, An Post takes over once it gets to Ireland. So I'd check with them.

Do you have a tracking number for it? USPS Intl. Priority usually has a tracking number.

Seziertisch

It was sent flat rate priority so no tracking number. The guy did provide me a customs number, though. I reckon that you could well be right, that it has been "lost in transit". An Post was the first place I contacted but without a tracking number, they weren't able to help.

Before I can take any further steps I have to contact customs and get an official response from them, ruling in or out the relevancy of the customs number I was provided with, and whether or not it even made it to Ireland. So any suggestions?

Dord

I believe the Revenue Commissioners run Customs & Excise over here.

http://www.revenue.ie/index.htm?/faqs/faq_cat5.htm

Johnny Storm

I agree with what Dr J said - Based on my experience Customs will only hold onto your package if they want you to pay duty on it and they will write to you pretty much immediately in that case.

The "number" that your boy is talking about is probably the number on the customs declaration form he filled out.

If you bought it via Ebay or Paypal you should study up on their policies, I would suggest.

Seziertisch

Mmmm. Ay. I reckon you could be onto something there Johnny.

Seziertisch

Well that was pretty painless. Contacted customs and they could do nought for me. Contacted the seller again and there is a replacement on the way.

Dord

Is he sending it by the same service?

Seziertisch

Yeah, he is. But in fairness I have had a lot of stuff sent by the same service and nothing has gone missing before. He said that they have blanket insurance so they just had to claim.

Dord

Ah right, hopefully you'll get it this time.