Parcel (flashlight) "Held for Clearence" at NZ Customs

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iAmMyOwn

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Wannabe Geek

#232043 26-Mar-2018 23:37

So I ordered a flashlight which has been "held for clearence" at NZ Customs since the 22nd (4 days)

I am positive they are not holding these because I owe duty and tax fees as it is valued just over $100NZD.

On the NZ Post FAQ "The parcel will usually be released within 24 hours if not held for payment of duties or restricted from entry into the country".

Has any one had experience with items being held at customs and how long does it generally take?

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#1983890 26-Mar-2018 23:38

Did it ship with a battery thru standard post?

Richard rich.ms

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Wannabe Geek

#1983891 26-Mar-2018 23:39

Yeah through standard post (singapore post). The flashlight comes with an 18650 lithium ion battery. could this be the reason that it is being held?

richms

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#1983892 26-Mar-2018 23:40

Heard from 2 friends that had things dissappear at the customs stage recently that had 18650s in the parcel, one was a mad vaper so probably got attention for that, the other was just some random electronics. Nothing ever came from it and they got $ back from a dispute.

Richard rich.ms

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Wannabe Geek

#1983893 26-Mar-2018 23:42

dammit thats a worry

Geektastic

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#1983898 27-Mar-2018 00:20

richms:

Heard from 2 friends that had things dissappear at the customs stage recently that had 18650s in the parcel, one was a mad vaper so probably got attention for that, the other was just some random electronics. Nothing ever came from it and they got $ back from a dispute.

Do you mean Customs stole it?

richms

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#1983901 27-Mar-2018 00:26

I was assuming they blocked it for having prohibited items in them. Im also waiting well overdue for some replacement cellphone batteries from aliexpress which everything else ordered on the same day arrived about a week and a half ago. Not supposed to be posted so who knows what they do with them.

Richard rich.ms

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iAmMyOwn

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Wannabe Geek

#1983908 27-Mar-2018 02:22

richms:

I was assuming they blocked it for having prohibited items in them. Im also waiting well overdue for some replacement cellphone batteries from aliexpress which everything else ordered on the same day arrived about a week and a half ago. Not supposed to be posted so who knows what they do with them.

Do you mean anything containing lithium ion batteries are prohibited in the normal post?

Tinkerisk

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#1983911 27-Mar-2018 03:48

iAmMyOwn:

Do you mean anything containing lithium ion batteries are prohibited in the normal post?

At least it must be declared as dangerous goods. You should read it in their Terms of Transportation.

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#1983927 27-Mar-2018 07:11

Easter comming, I'd say the inwards goods at the postal depot is getting rather busy.

Customs can only work as fast as their staff and dogs... If theres a slow down then potentially lots of suss packages being checked.

Remember they are also looking for bio threats (plants, bugs)....not just drugs and dodgy batterys. I think the checking of contents value is the least of all their concerns (unless they need to get some $$).

:-)

iAmMyOwn

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Wannabe Geek

#1983936 27-Mar-2018 07:42

iAmMyOwn:

richms:

I was assuming they blocked it for having prohibited items in them. Im also waiting well overdue for some replacement cellphone batteries from aliexpress which everything else ordered on the same day arrived about a week and a half ago. Not supposed to be posted so who knows what they do with them.

Do you mean anything containing lithium ion batteries are prohibited in the normal post?

Im sure a flashlight with a lithium ion battery is not prohibited to bring into NZ. Hoping it will be ok

BTR

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#1984086 27-Mar-2018 09:44

iAmMyOwn:

iAmMyOwn:

richms:

I was assuming they blocked it for having prohibited items in them. Im also waiting well overdue for some replacement cellphone batteries from aliexpress which everything else ordered on the same day arrived about a week and a half ago. Not supposed to be posted so who knows what they do with them.

Do you mean anything containing lithium ion batteries are prohibited in the normal post?

Im sure a flashlight with a lithium ion battery is not prohibited to bring into NZ. Hoping it will be ok

No but NZ post do not carry items with batteries in them, read their T&C's.

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#1984094 27-Mar-2018 10:00

BTR:

No but NZ post do not carry items with batteries in them, read their T&C's.

So how do they get on with mobile phones and the like?

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KiwiME

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#1984103 27-Mar-2018 10:15

BTR:

No but NZ post do not carry items with batteries in them, read their T&C's.

Here that is from NZ Post site, domestic services:

Special packaging requirements for sending Lithium-ion (including Lithium-ion polymer) batteries:

A maximum of 2 batteries, or 4 cells (single cell batteries), maybe contained in equipment per parcel.
Each cell or battery must be under a certain power capacity rating:
- Each Lithium-ion cell - maximum 20 Watt-hours.
- Each Lithium-ion battery - maximum 100 Watt-hours.
  (Batteries for most consumer devices are likely to be under this limit eg. mobile phones, laptops, tablet computers, cameras etc. The Wh rating will be printed on the battery or may be stated in the device manual).
The device must be switched off and packaged so that it can not move around or be accidentally activated during transport.
The device with battery must be in strong external packaging to withstand a 1.2m drop.

Oblivian

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#1984119 27-Mar-2018 10:33

Handsomedan:

BTR:

No but NZ post do not carry items with batteries in them, read their T&C's.

So how do they get on with mobile phones and the like?

First question asked at postshop nowadays usually "does it have batteries in it" before "how is it packaged" and a big label goes on the side or it is rejected. And sometimes requiring courier upgrade to ensure safe stowage

That is however, a lot tighter for domestic sending. Importation is at the hands of not only customs declaring items an offensive weapon, but post (in the same building) allowing it past. Classified under either restricted, or prohibited (where there appears to be a fine line at discretion of inspector based on the item and how the batteries are installed/contained)

Which is odd as even using alternate 'battery safe' shippers via Denmark/EU and the likes usually all end up in our 1 port - AKL on possibly the same last-mile planes they try to protect or block arrival of ex China

djtOtago

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#1984125 27-Mar-2018 10:40

Handsomedan:

BTR:

No but NZ post do not carry items with batteries in them, read their T&C's.

So how do they get on with mobile phones and the like?

They go by courier not post.

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