I am still "Stewing" about my incident with Customs.
Not only do I feel the charges I had to pay were unfair and unjust, the delay in getting my coins back because of all the red tape and slack attitude of the Customs department is most annoying.
There must be some avenue where I can get "Redress" on this issue.
Imagine if a coin dealer had this drama , There would most likely be coins in the consignment that are being graded for customers or even Pre-Sale coins in there that are delayed for another Month.
There would be some unhappy clients involved I would imagine and I most certainly wouldn't be any good for business.
I really cannot see how they can justify a fee for simply doing their job even though NO offence was committed or import duty Due on the consignment.
Anyone here know where I can go to fill out the myriad of necessary forms so that I can send a "Rocket" where the sun doesn't shine for these buggers?
I just picked up the consignment along with another one that was sent a month later to PCGS.
Neither parcels had been opened or inspected, so WTF was the $48.85 charge for?
Quote from: 'trout' pid='59898' dateline='1411440255'I just picked up the consignment along with another one that was sent a month later to PCGS.
Neither parcels had been opened or inspected, so WTF was the $48.85 charge for?
It's a good little money earner if you can get away with it
QuoteIt's a good little money earner if you can get away with it
I was under the misapprehension that they were in place to catch Criminals, Not act like one :dodgy:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='59906' dateline='1411444678'QuoteIt's a good little money earner if you can get away with it
I was under the misapprehension that they were in place to catch Criminals, Not act like one :dodgy:
Revenue raising or law enforcement.We could have the same discussion
about speeding fines
Are you in a position to phone the Customs and ask the simple question WHY?
Our PCGS packages were marked as shipped last Friday and we have them in our hands today Tuesday :angel: The customs forms declared a value of under $1,000 on both packages :angel::angel::angel::angel:
OK guys....before I retired I was a Licenced Customs Broker (my licence is still current and expires in July 2015) so do know a little about the system.
To get your goods into Australia Free of duty and GST they must the total must be under A$1000. These going thru Australia Post would normally be posted onto you.
If it goes thru another party like DHL etc. they do have a customs processing fee. I would ask them for an official receipt from customs to show they had paid this amount to Australian Customs.
If you have been charged duty and GST incorrectly then you should appeal before you pay.
Otherwise you could try complaining http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4231.asp or to the Commonwealth Ombudsman http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/pages/publications-and-media/reports/annual/ar2009-10/chapter5.html
If you want additional information PM or email me details with your contact phone number and I will have a look at the circumstances for you.
thank goodness humpty
it seems to be an ongoing problem for Trout so it would be excellent for the big fish to have a way around this problem from some solid advice from an expert!!
Quote from: 'humpybong' pid='59933' dateline='1411468047'OK guys....before I retired I was a Licenced Customs Broker (my licence is still current and expires in July 2015) so do know a little about the system.
To get your goods into Australia Free of duty and GST they must the total must be under A$1000. These going thru Australia Post would normally be posted onto you.
If it goes thru another party like DHL etc. they do have a customs processing fee. I would ask them for an official receipt from customs to show they had paid this amount to Australian Customs.
If you have been charged duty and GST incorrectly then you should appeal before you pay.
Otherwise you could try complaining http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4231.asp or to the Commonwealth Ombudsman http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/pages/publications-and-media/reports/annual/ar2009-10/chapter5.html
If you want additional information PM or email me details with your contact phone number and I will have a look at the circumstances for you.
Thanks Mate.
I did the "Feedback" thing and am awaiting a response :good:
From now on even if I send 10 sovereigns in the total value won't exceed $1000 :angel:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='59936' dateline='1411468794'Quote from: 'humpybong' pid='59933' dateline='1411468047'OK guys....before I retired I was a Licenced Customs Broker (my licence is still current and expires in July 2015) so do know a little about the system.
To get your goods into Australia Free of duty and GST they must the total must be under A$1000. These going thru Australia Post would normally be posted onto you.
If it goes thru another party like DHL etc. they do have a customs processing fee. I would ask them for an official receipt from customs to show they had paid this amount to Australian Customs.
If you have been charged duty and GST incorrectly then you should appeal before you pay.
Otherwise you could try complaining http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4231.asp or to the Commonwealth Ombudsman http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/pages/publications-and-media/reports/annual/ar2009-10/chapter5.html
If you want additional information PM or email me details with your contact phone number and I will have a look at the circumstances for you.
Thanks Mate.
I did the "Feedback" thing and am awaiting a response :good:
From now on even if I send 10 sovereigns in the total value won't exceed $1000 :angel:
They are not silly and have ways on checking the values. Best to send them in different packages over a few weeks or send them to someone else you know who can onforward them to you. Also keep proff of purchase value (invoice and funds transfer document) to prove under $1000.
Quote from: 'humpybong' pid='59938' dateline='1411469550'Quote from: 'trout' pid='59936' dateline='1411468794'Quote from: 'humpybong' pid='59933' dateline='1411468047'OK guys....before I retired I was a Licenced Customs Broker (my licence is still current and expires in July 2015) so do know a little about the system.
To get your goods into Australia Free of duty and GST they must the total must be under A$1000. These going thru Australia Post would normally be posted onto you.
If it goes thru another party like DHL etc. they do have a customs processing fee. I would ask them for an official receipt from customs to show they had paid this amount to Australian Customs.
If you have been charged duty and GST incorrectly then you should appeal before you pay.
Otherwise you could try complaining http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4231.asp or to the Commonwealth Ombudsman http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/pages/publications-and-media/reports/annual/ar2009-10/chapter5.html
If you want additional information PM or email me details with your contact phone number and I will have a look at the circumstances for you.
Thanks Mate.
I did the "Feedback" thing and am awaiting a response :good:
From now on even if I send 10 sovereigns in the total value won't exceed $1000 :angel:
They are not silly and have ways on checking the values. Best to send them in different packages over a few weeks or send them to someone else you know who can onforward them to you. Also keep proff of purchase value (invoice and funds transfer document) to prove under $1000.
Sorry Barry But these guys don't even open the package , they simply look at the declared value .
And NO they are NOT silly , they get $48.85 for doing "Bugger All" :dash1:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='59950' dateline='1411477261'Sorry Barry But these guys don't even open the package , they simply look at the declared value .
And NO they are NOT silly , they get $48.85 for doing "Bugger All" :dash1:
Yes but was it Australian Customs who you paid or someone else?
Quote from: 'humpybong' pid='59984' dateline='1411541767'Quote from: 'trout' pid='59950' dateline='1411477261'Sorry Barry But these guys don't even open the package , they simply look at the declared value .
And NO they are NOT silly , they get $48.85 for doing "Bugger All" :dash1:
Yes but was it Australian Customs who you paid or someone else?
Customs Mate :dodgy:
Just remember if you have more than $1k and the declaration says under $1k you have no insurance.
Hello,
There are some dodgy staff. I remember many years ago a School-mate had a Seiko watch sent from a relative. The package had been inspected. The watch was not in it, but after a complaint it was " found " apparently they " forgot " to put it back in.
I have a consignment of 100 coins getting graded at PCGS at the moment and the valuation is in excess of $1000, Does this mean that they will automatically get held and I will have to go through all this BS again.
Is there anyway I can circumvent this from happening?
Possibly by sending smaller parcels of coins to get graded.
We've discussed this before (http://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=2599&pid=52331&highlight=customs#pid52331).
Quote from: 'trout' pid='60019' dateline='1411598807'I have a consignment of 100 coins getting graded at PCGS at the moment and the valuation is in excess of $1000, Does this mean that they will automatically get held and I will have to go through all this BS again.
Is there anyway I can circumvent this from happening?
You could complete an Export Entry and declare that the goods will be coming back into Australia after grading by PCGS. Make sure a full description of the articles are shown and if possible have a Customs Officer verify. That way you should have no problem when it is re-imported. When re-imported have the same value declared and ensure PCGS declares there added value (ie cost of grading).
Quote from: 'trout' pid='59890' dateline='1411426185'I am still "Stewing" about my incident with Customs.
Anyone here know where I can go to fill out the myriad of necessary forms so that I can send a "Rocket" where the sun doesn't shine for these buggers?
Trout, they are a protected class and don't give a toss what the little people think of them.
If you vent your spleen at them then they will do one of 3 things with your complaint>
1: laugh at it and file in the waste paper basket.
2: use it to wipe the stewed prunes from where the sun doesn't shine.
3: add you to their annoying bugger list for special customer service (future packages will get opened in a rough manner, the contents will be evaluated for maximum duty and then the cracked slabs will eventually reach you with new fingerprints on the handled coins).
Quotethey are a protected class
NO such animal Mate, They are Public Servants and I doubt that they would overstep their mark just to be a Jerk.
They also rely on the public for information and help with customs issues and I doubt that they would enjoy getting Bagged publicly and loose the assistance of the Australian public.
I DID send feedback to the Customs But I worded it so as not to be offensive or confronting, I simply outlined my concerns and want a straight answer from them as far as my future consignments will be treated.
Maybe with a bit of luck they may look at consignments from PCGS and NGC in a different light and just scan the package for contraband and send it on its merry way to the recipient, This is the outcome that I am hoping for and will be a great assistance to other Collectors that send large submissions in.
It May be a "Pipe Dream" But if you don't try then NOTHING will ever change.
same as the hospitals jim , give the nurses lollies or chocs and you get treated much better ,
give them cheek or report them and you stay in a dirty nappie till the next shift take over .. ,, kel ,,
Quote from: 'trout' pid='60111' dateline='1411885764'Quotethey are a protected class
NO such animal Mate, They are Public Servants and I doubt that they would overstep their mark just to be a Jerk.
They also rely on the public for information and help with customs issues and I doubt that they would enjoy getting Bagged publicly and loose the assistance of the Australian public.
Jim, I know of a number of people who worked for contractors as detention centre guards and for escort duty (my son did this job last year). They all know of many colleagues who were immediately canned just for getting off side with Customs employees. If there was a shortage of accommodation then the Customs staff got the beds and the contractors staff got to sleep rough. If anyone complained about any infringements by Customs (mistreatment of detainees, sexual assault etc) then the whistle blower would be canned.
You don't get stuff ups like Manus Is without the stuff ups who work for Customs.
I'm sure there are hundreds who work for them who do a great job, my colleagues (and you) have dealt with the many who are not so great. As a former employee of the federal govt I can assure you that we never regarded ourselves as servants of the public and the various public sector unions had our backs, not yours.
Just got a reply for my concerns from Customs, Lots of "Gobbledegook" and back flipping But the upside is I got a phone# and a real person to talk to next time this happens :yahoo:
Well done mate, small win but you got something out of it !
Quote from: 'ausproofs' pid='60271' dateline='1412156792'Well done mate, small win but you got something out of it !
Baby Steps :good:
Yeah but....did you get a refund of what you paid?
ha ha
great question
Quote from: 'humpybong' pid='60321' dateline='1412205687'Yeah but....did you get a refund of what you paid?
yair right........ Fat chance of that happening :dodgy:
that's why you need a customs broker
These Buggers have done it again.
can anyone remember the number that I have to put on the N10 Form?
Is the value less than or greater than A$1000.00?
If you are talking about GST exemption you need to show:
GSTE=417
Also look at www.cargosupport.gov.au/notices/acca/documents/ACCA0722.pdf
Quote from: 'humpybong' pid='61965' dateline='1415242333'If you are talking about GST exemption you need to show:
GSTE=417
Thanks mate , I am actually looking for the "Tariff Classification" Number:)
All is good I found the number I was looking for :good:
I sent this message with the paperwork.
Hi There,
You have once again held one of my packages of coins that I sent to the US to be graded and encapsulated.
I didn't buy these overseas I bought them in Australia.
I sent them to the US to be graded.
I have filled out the N10 form and have attached it along with the invoice from PCGS.Once you receive these can you send me an invoice so that I can once again pay the ridicules $48.85 fee.
It must be awful hard work to look at a packing slip to charge me for doing it.
Regards
James Hudson
I have my doubts the officials will understand the sarcasm/irony. However, you can but try.
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='61968' dateline='1415251483'I have my doubts the officials will understand the sarcasm/irony. However, you can but try.
Yes I know but for nearly $50 and an extra wait of a Month at least, I recon I have to say my piece :)
I'm still getting the run around from these Jerks.
Next time I send my dollar coins away to be graded they will be valued at "Face Value".
I am SOOOOO over these Bureaucratic thieves .
Its not the extra cost its all the red tape I have to go through and the delays that really annoy me.
They can't keep all the drugs and illegal immigrants out of the country But they are in there like a flash when my coins arrive from the States :dash1:
Trout,
Why do any work when you can get paid for nothing ? I have done work in most Gov. departments, some of the so called jokes are closer to the truth than most people realize.
I have sent another 58 coins away to be graded But I put them in 3 different submissions.
It will cost me over $100 extra in postage but at least I won't get stuffed around by customs when they arrive back in Aus :good:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='62039' dateline='1415410218'I have sent another 58 coins away to be graded But I put them in 3 different submissions.
It will cost me over $100 extra in postage but at least I won't get stuffed around by customs when they arrive back in Aus :good:
You hope!
Quote from: 'Goldseeker' pid='62055' dateline='1415438758'Quote from: 'trout' pid='62039' dateline='1415410218'I have sent another 58 coins away to be graded But I put them in 3 different submissions.
It will cost me over $100 extra in postage but at least I won't get stuffed around by customs when they arrive back in Aus :good:
You hope!
I have to try something because the last two submissions have caused me a heap of ANGST .
It is enough drama filling out the forms, labelling the coins, waiting for their safe arrival to PCGS .
Then Paying for the grading fees and waiting until MY coins finally arrive back home without these creeps stuffing me about for another Month and charging me extra money, time and effort at the same time.
These guys don't even open the package to check what is in there, they just look at the value of the contents and screw you over for $48.80 and make you wait another Month to get what is your own property back :dodgy:
I am SOOOO dirty on these Scumbags at the moment
Trout I can understand where you are coming from.
Could it be that Customs record all your dispatched to the States and the returns and as you are an individual, they are treating you harshly.
Have you ever thought of having yourself deemed a company, (most probably you may already be that) and inform customs of your dealing.
Just might lighten the anxiety a wee bit for you.
Why not talk to Walter and see what happens to his packages. Does Walter have the same charges etc?
Quote from: 'Goldseeker' pid='62072' dateline='1415447603'Trout I can understand where you are coming from.
Could it be that Customs record all your dispatched to the States and the returns and as you are an individual, they are treating you harshly.
Have you ever thought of having yourself deemed a company, (most probably you may already be that) and inform customs of your dealing.
Just might lighten the anxiety a wee bit for you.
Why not talk to Walter and see what happens to his packages. Does Walter have the same charges etc?
I am just a collector like you that Loves his Dollar coins.
I am NOT a dealer or have my own company, I unfortunately have to work for a living :ok:
I have NO idea how Eric, Walter or the other big players get around this problem and yet these guys are regular contributors to this site and haven't "Enlightened" me how to avoid this pit fall as of yet:angel:
I am just flying with the idea of sending 25-30 coins at a time under 1k until I get my collection done and avoid the "Turkeys' at customs
Hi,
Having a sarcastic streak myself I would write to the senior people at Customs, the Prime Minister and others asking how do I get things through with-out inspection delay and cost. I would ask what do the drug dealers and gun importers do to get through easily. I thought Coins were legal, when was the last time someone was killed with collectable Coins ?
If you write a really good letter, ( amusing ) it may get someone to do something. A letter normally has to be filed and replied to, an Email can easily be deleted. Rare for a phone call to get anywhere.
Are you not sending PCGS the customs specific form? It's been spoken about on the forum somewhere.
Quote from: 'purplepennyhunter' pid='62086' dateline='1415482510'Are you not sending PCGS the customs specific form? It's been spoken about on the forum somewhere.
OOPS.
I had a look at that form and you still have to declare a value of the coins and if that exceeds $1000 then Customs will hold the package anyway.
All my smaller 25-30 coin submissions have come through the system without a problem.
Its just to 2 larger submissions that I have had a drama with.
I think I will stick to sending smaller bunches of coins at a time and wear the extra postage costs because at the end of the day the customs costs and the lengthy delay justify it as far as I am concerned.
The last time this happened I had a submission at PCGS awaiting grading and it arrived at the same time that the package customs had held came back.
It took about 5 weeks from when the coins arrived in Aus to when I finally got them back from Customs. :dash1:
Or you can send your coins through an authorised dealer and let him stress over it. :)
Quote from: 'drakesterling' pid='62118' dateline='1415522481'Or you can send your coins through an authorised dealer and let him stress over it. :)
I normally do send my gold and otherwise valuable coins via someone else :diablo::)
I just really didn't think I would have a drama sending a bunch of relatively low value coins away.
Well I stuffed up big time thinking that :dash1:
This is only my first year doing this and I have sent about 400 coins in 18 submissions away since last year.
I will get the hang of it eventually:angel:
Seems like the customs are passing on an old military saying, Hurry up and wait!
Quote from: 'Goldseeker' pid='62128' dateline='1415526095'Seems like the customs are passing on an old military saying, Hurry up and wait!
I was thinking more like SNAFU :diablo::laugh2:
What about FUBAR.............but not quite appropriate is it?
Quote from: 'Goldseeker' pid='62132' dateline='1415526506'What about FUBAR.............but not quite appropriate is it?
HeHeHe
Probably not but if you aren't Military or ex Military you probably wouldn't have a clue what we are talking about anyway :angel:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='62134' dateline='1415526891'Quote from: 'Goldseeker' pid='62132' dateline='1415526506'What about FUBAR.............but not quite appropriate is it?
HeHeHe
Probably not but if you aren't Military or ex Military you probably wouldn't have a clue what we are talking about anyway :angel:
Thank heavens for Google then. :)
im not ex military
but I do know what a furby is and I think they all work at customs
Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='62139' dateline='1415531892'im not ex military
but I do know what a furby is and I think they all work at customs
HeHeHe, I haven't heard that one for a very long time :laugh2:
And then there's SNAFU!
QuoteProbably not but if you aren't Military or ex Military you probably wouldn't have a clue what we are talking about anyway
I'm neither, but I know
exactly what you're talking about. :good:
Quote from: 'Nevol' pid='62152' dateline='1415567689'QuoteProbably not but if you aren't Military or ex Military you probably wouldn't have a clue what we are talking about anyway
I'm neither, but I know exactly what you're talking about. :good:
OOPS :blush:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='62158' dateline='1415569039'OOPS :blush:
No probs, I'm very broad minded. :winkextra: :whistle2:
I picked up the coins today :yahoo:
NO charges, so it does make it worthwhile to have your say with these people. :)
The downside is my package arrived in Aus 28/10 I got it today 13/11 :dash1:
ALL is good my babies are home and safe at last :)