The Dreaded DHL Package Hostage Case

[greeneyes]

Just FYI, I placed an Estervals order with shipping via UPS and received my order in a few days, no hassle re tobacco.

 

[greeneyes]

I placed a second order from Estervals via UPS and got my package inspected by the FDA and slapped with $169 of import fees. UPS can kiss my .... future business goodbye.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

I placed a second order from Estervals via UPS and got my package inspected by the FDA and slapped with $169 of import fees. UPS can kiss my .... future business goodbye.

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What in the everloving... what is this world coming to?

Been over 20 years since I worked at that UPS hub, sorry I can't help ya out.

 

[greeneyes]

What in the everloving... what is this world coming to?

Been over 20 years since I worked at that UPS hub, sorry I can't help ya out.

It is the "brokerage fee" scam.

UPS are charging me $167 in fees just for forwarding the $0.27 of import tax I owe to the federal government.

I'm furious.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

It is the "brokerage fee" scam.

UPS are charging me $167 in fees just for forwarding the $0.27 of import tax I owe to the federal government.

I'm furious.

What's the retail on the tobacco?

 

[greeneyes]

What's the retail on the tobacco?

Around $300. You can see the "government charges" above were $0.27.

I looked this up, apparently this is a racket that UPS has via a company they specifically set up for the purpose: UPS Customhouse Inc.

 

[greeneyes]

So just an update: my box arrived and there was no paperwork from the FDA, stamps, or any indication whatsoever that it was opened or inspected.

 

[woodsroad]

So just an update: my box arrived and there was no paperwork from the FDA, stamps, or any indication whatsoever that it was opened or inspected.

Did you pay the ransom?

 

[orlandofurioso]

Well my first order with Estervals went about as I expected. Held up in Cincinnati. The DHL representative reached out and wants me to fill out multiple forms, one being a Tobacco Import Permit. Has anyone ever gone through the process of actually obtaining the permit? I know there's a post about this situation from a couple of years ago where Greeneyes went through a similar situation but he got by without the tobacco import permit

So, not really "discrete" shippnig from Germany ?

 

[greeneyes]

Did you pay the ransom?

I paid the ransom via PayPal. Then as soon as the package was delivered, I disputed the payment and explained the situation, and told PayPal that I opted to pay the FDA myself.

I won.

Of course, there was no evidence the FDA even looked at my package. It hadn't been opened, no stamps or paperwork. No official notice from the FDA. It's a con. UPS is just brining in money for nothing.

 

[woodsroad]

I paid the ransom via PayPal. Then as soon as the package was delivered, I disputed the payment and explained the situation, and told PayPal that I opted to pay the FDA myself.

I won.

Of course, there was no evidence the FDA even looked at my package. It hadn't been opened, no stamps or paperwork. No official notice from the FDA. It's a con. UPS is just brining in money for nothing.

You done good, sir.
Thank you.