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I am starting to get a bit iffy about my last bear that went off to Australia last week. I arranged a courier service which normally takes about 3 days literally anywhere but a week later all I am getting from the tracking page is ' CLEARANCE DELAY' Now I have checked the prohibited list on the customs pages and can't see that my bear would not be allowed to be imported into Australia but he's stuck there, and I am sweating and not sleeping much because I am imagining all sorts of horrors. Having just been paid a good deal of money for this bear I do want the buyer to receive him in as pristine a condition as he was in when he left my hands a week ago.
Somebody say something to calm my nerves before my husband leaves me!! It's 4.30am and I am wide awake worrying!
Past Time Bears:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: That's all I know to give you, Jenny . . . hope it all works out!
Thanks SueAnn....What a sinking feeling I am getting in my tummy here...not nice!!
Dolls N DreamsHi Jenny, poor dear, :hug:
hope he finds his way to his new home safe & sound
Thanks Tami..I think I might be getting to the bottom of what may be happening and why it's taking so long. I have been scouring the Australian Customs website and apparently when items of over A$1000 are imported it triggers a requirement on the part of the importer to pay duty and also to fulfill some customs form filling requirements.It's not simple...I will have to wait till someone who has dealt with this kind of thing before logs on and can ease my troubled mind. :pray:
I won't state the value as less than it is on the invoice to avoid duty and paperwork because then it means that I am the one breaking the law and that goes against the grain with me...so I suspect it's that paperwork still needs to be completed!! Like I said earlier I did check the list of prohibited imports and Alexi doesn't seem to have any worries on that score....
Red tape 
.....who needs it..last time I sent a bear abroad it was there in two days!!!
Newcastle, OntarioJenny,
It probably is just that. I know when we import from the U.S. using a courier service like UPS, we have to pay a brokerage fee, as well as duty, sales tax and PST (like your VAT). It's a royal pain. Good luck and keep us posted.
hugs,
Brenda
Hi Jenny,
I live in Australia, and that is right. If an item is over $1,000, duty fees have to be paid on it. The one time I have ever had to do it, Australia Post advised me in writing that they were holding my package, and that a Customs Agent would be required to release it. I then had to find a "Customs Agent" from the phone book (they work as private businesses over here) and I had to go and see him and fill out several forms. The forms all pertained to the fact that this was a personal item for my use only and would not be resold. I then had to pay a customs duty in order for Australia Post to release the package. I also had to pay the Customs Agent for his efforts in completing the forms. It was a bit of a headache, but it all was fine in the end. I suppose the annoyance was that, up until that time, I hadn't realised that an item over $1,000 had to have taxes paid on it.
You have done everything correct from your end, and I would imagine that your collector may get a letter soon from Australian Customs telling her that they are holding her item pending these forms being completed. Let me know if I can help you anymore.
Thanks Christine...I expect that is why then...because it's been about 4 days including the weekend since he was 'on hold'..and if your Customs folks , like ours, are Monday to Friday bods, it would explain everything!!!
Rufnut Teddy'sChristine is right Jenny about the duties/taxes, sounds like the delay in customs, I have experienced the same on a work level previously. Hang in there, I am sure it will all work out fine. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Thanks Karen..I am breathimg easier now...I do think this is the case!!
Posts: 3,540:hug: :hug: I know the feeling all too well when my three went 'missing' for three weeks. :hug: :hug: :hug: I'm sure it will just be a case of paperwork, and he'll be to his new mommy soon. 
Wazza Bears AustraliaJenny the other Ozzies on here have got it right. We have to pay 10% GST on items over a certain amount.
I hope the bear gets to the destination very soon
Australia Post and Customs are usually pretty ok to deal with- sounds like you have hit on the reason for the delay, duty/GST to pay. Are you in touch with your customer? If so you might give her the number Christine I think it was, posted the other day, argh I can't remember what its called- the one that gives the duty free category for bears. It might save them some $$$ if they have to have it cleared formally, as not all customs agents are up on the numbers.
Yes I have been in touch with the lady..it seems she is a very busy person with family in hospital and is to and fro from home. She thinks duty needs sorting out and is aware of it...so I suspect we may be on the home run now!! Thanks for the help ladies!! :hug:
Jenny another thought for you! It could also be held up in quarantine. My bears were just returned from Mindy and they were opened and inspected by Aussie quarantine. Our quarantine regulations are some of the strictest in the world.
Thanks Lisa..it could be though I did check the list of prohibited things and there doEsn't appear to be a problem there...the lady hasn't paid her duty yet..I think that's what it is! I hope that's what it is
Jenny it sounds like it is all up to your customer now!
Patsy Lake BearsJenny as Lisa says Australia has the one of the strictest quarentine in the world. I did post about my daughter sending Christmas parcels from the UK, sent four three arrived before Christmas. WE didn't get ours untill after the new year as it had been held up in quarentine as it had a furry hot water bottle in the parcel. I am sure it will arrive shortly.
