2. misc-audio
  3. 166527-10261

Fedex Customs problem

I sent my SME 3009 tonearm to Scotland for full service. I was shipped back to me on April 29 via Interparcel [Fedex].
The package is being delayed at the Memphis, TN, Fedex office. A few minutes ago I filled a CBP 5106 form and mailed it to Fedex. 

I still do not understand why I had to fill a form that I am unable to fully understand since I am not in the importing business. I do not understand the trade lingo and abbreviations.

Since 1976 I have been buying audio equipment from the UK [Quad 63s, Linn, Gyrodec, NAIM, etc] more valuable than a used SME 3009 and never had to fill a form or had any problems. Last January I received another SME 3009 that was rewired by the same person in Edinburgh but it came via USPS without insurance and it arrived pretty fast without a problem..

My Garrard 401 is being rebuilt in the UK and I'm afraid to have problems with Customs again but using USPS is risky since my deck costs $1,8K.

I would really appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Cheers,

Horacio


f456gt
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
President Potato. What're the odds? 
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,508 posts
 
+1 on DHL
teknorob23
18 posts
 
We send a lot of shipments to US from UK and FedEx are by far the most reliable and quickest service we’ve used. We also deal with returns and as long as you mark it for return or repair, with country of origin UK, then you should not pay any import duty or taxes on the return. This does require sme to do the same when they book the return. US import duty/ sales tax threshold is around $800, so on purchases costing less than this you shouldn’t pay any import or sales tax, but over this and you will. If is over it is also important the company sending from the UK uses the correct harmonisation product code, if it’s not Included the package will likely be held at us customs. This is the same no matter which courier company you use. 

As I say check with sme that they are declaring the shipment correctly and you shouldn’t have a problem or incurr any fees
tyray's avatar
tyray
562 posts
 
Same thing happened to me. I bought a Clayton S-40 amp with the Clayton M-200 transformer from HIFI ART in Canada and I had to fill out the form.

To me it was actually very simple with not a lot of questions that the Biden administration put it in as another step in shipping or receiving something out of country.

It was just annoying cause you had to call the provided number for them to send you the form to release your items, and of course shipping was delayed 2 to 3 days.   
sgreg1
612 posts
 
The best work around for this is to find a local dealer and use them to ship. Dealer to dealer is not going to be over analyzed. Anything going to an individual will be questioned for circumventing import taxes and counterfeit items. Plus a dealer has a profile in the system to fast track through customs.
More to discover