Do You Have Customs & Import Issues? - e-cigarette-forum.com • The place for electronic cigarette reviews, news and chat

Smokester! · 07-09-2008, 07:53 PM

Hi Everyone

I just wondered what problems (if any!) you may encounter when importing e-cigs etc. from overseas? And what your ideal import scenario would be for your country?

I've read irate posts that state sellers lie about the contents which causes problems, posts about HUGE customs and admin charges (presumably when the seller marks the goods accurately) and posts that tell stories of a smooth problem free deliveries.

I assume that all countries have slightly different import regulations and varying degrees of said regulations. What are your experiences?

I open up the floor to you all...

And yes, the answers you provide could well make all our lives a little easier and stress free when you import something from me

after all, you are best placed to comment about your own countries rules and regs.

Thanks
Smokester!

leaford · 07-09-2008, 08:10 PM

I've been lucky. I haven't had any customs problems at all, despite every Chinese seller lying about the contents, saying things like pipe parts, or picture frame.

Europeans tend to be truthful, but evasive, saying things like electronics, or electronic device. Pillbox declared cartridges and atomizers, but didn't say for what. ;D

Sedansa, though, actually declared it as a Toshiba laptop, valued at 380 Euro (WAAAY more than I actually spent), and even included an official looking invoice to that effect.

The only problem I've had with foreign purchases was penmanship. European handwriting is a bit different, particularly in the numbers. I've had delivery delays because they mistook the european 1 for a 7, or the 4 for a 21. When I finally got the packages, and saw the labels, I had to admit I might have been confused too.

TheEmperorOfIceCream · 07-09-2008, 10:46 PM

No issues with European packages (Janty, Sedansa). spanked for taxes by the Revenue on an inbound package from US NJOY (and there I thought I was saving a few quid over the EU site).

So my advice now is order from yer own continent, if at all possible. I had loads of returns and the European dealers came through fine. Took a while but it's all good. I'm less hopeful about NJOY (duff atomiser) who haven't replied to my mail yet. To be fair, I only sent it yesterday to the info@NJOYthefreedom.com address. Does anyone have a mail address for Mark (saw his name in a thread somewhere but never going to find it again)?

mixos · 07-10-2008, 07:04 AM

Im in australia, i ordered my first ecigarette from minicigarette.net. It was sent from china on the 4th and arrived in australia and handed over to customs on the 6th and has been stuck there since according to the EMS tracking site. Im wondering if im gonna have anyproblems? Normally how long does customs hold things?

clavit · 07-10-2008, 09:36 AM

No problems so far. I'm from Denmark, and have ordered from UK only. Danish customs are unpredictable at best, so i decided against importing from China. Shipments from within the EU tend to cause less problems and so far no packages have been stopped. I have had three mini e-cigs delivered by mail, and have just received a shipment of 10 mini e-cigs + 1000 cartridges!

TheEmperorOfIceCream · 07-10-2008, 01:08 PM

Hey Mixos

I had a similar customs hang-up in UK (package from US). Because I was tracking it, I contacted the local carrier (Royal Mail Parcelforce). It turned out the revenue wanted a bite and RMP were holding the package until they got it. They said they sent me an invoice by snail mail but I've never received it. I just ponied up the thirty quid to bail out my NJOY (swore a lot, though). Might be worth your while to contact your local carrier.

I've seen a lot of comment on this issue lately - seems like the PTB don't know how to handle these items.

Mystic Emp predicts: They'll tax us till our eyes bleed

Nazareth · 07-18-2008, 06:55 PM

I just want to announce that I just received my package from you smokester- fairly quick delivery- had to sign for it at post office- but no problems at all. Not sure how many days it took as I forgot whe I ordered it- I'd guess it took abotu 1 week or so, not bad at all concidering it came from overseas. Overall, I say great service, good shipping time, and excellent prices- thanks

TropicalBob · 07-18-2008, 08:45 PM

I'm the indignant one over Chinese lies about content -- after my flawed shipment, with paid-for "express" delivery -- was held a month by Customs in the U.S. E-Cig never made the deal right, after shorting me 50ml of E-Liquid. I've never forgiven them and never will. They also lie about contents and value, which Customs has been made aware of by my shipment.

About the same time Customs was holding my express shipment, the U.S. Post Office delivered me another E-Cig package. So it was FedEx at Customs that was the problem. The good old Post Office just .. delivered.

karenwest1961 · 07-18-2008, 09:38 PM

nooooooooooo comment.

Except this one:

Thank God for Mel and Jane.

Nazareth · 07-18-2008, 09:40 PM

I had to laugh, the description on my Smokester's package said "Lung Guard" or something liek that- but it worked evidently- the post office came htrough quite well for me- that's not to say it always will but it did htis time- quite pleased.

I just checked, and my order payment to Smokester's site went through on the evenign of the 11'th which was a Friday, late at night, and I beleive it was shipped the next day which was Saturday- not sure if it got picked up by the shipping company then or on Monday, but it arrived this A.M so I'm guessing it went into actual shipping on Monday and if so the shipping was 4 1/2 days or so- not bad at all- I don't think shipping companies work hte weekends, but I could be wrong, if so, it was still 7 days which isn't too bad at all- just gotta order before I run out next time just to be sure I've togt enough during transit

07-09-2008, 07:53 PM	#1
Smokester! UK/EU Supplier Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 143	Do You Have Customs & Import Issues? Hi Everyone I just wondered what problems (if any!) you may encounter when importing e-cigs etc. from overseas? And what your ideal import scenario would be for your country? I've read irate posts that state sellers lie about the contents which causes problems, posts about HUGE customs and admin charges (presumably when the seller marks the goods accurately) and posts that tell stories of a smooth problem free deliveries. I assume that all countries have slightly different import regulations and varying degrees of said regulations. What are your experiences? I open up the floor to you all... And yes, the answers you provide could well make all our lives a little easier and stress free when you import something from me after all, you are best placed to comment about your own countries rules and regs. Thanks Smokester! __________________ www.e-cigs.co.uk Your fast & friendly UK supplier - Free yourself...

07-10-2008, 09:36 AM	#5
clavit Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: EU Posts: 99	No problems so far. I'm from Denmark, and have ordered from UK only. Danish customs are unpredictable at best, so i decided against importing from China. Shipments from within the EU tend to cause less problems and so far no packages have been stopped. I have had three mini e-cigs delivered by mail, and have just received a shipment of 10 mini e-cigs + 1000 cartridges! __________________ Dave Allen: "I've stopped smoking...I think the cost was a lot of it, and not being able to breathe. I first gave up smoking when I was eight."

07-18-2008, 09:38 PM	#9
karenwest1961 Super Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 829	nooooooooooo comment. Except this one: Thank God for Mel and Jane. __________________ www.tracesjourney.com

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07-09-2008, 08:10 PM	#2
leaford Supporting Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 1,764	I've been lucky. I haven't had any customs problems at all, despite every Chinese seller lying about the contents, saying things like pipe parts, or picture frame. Europeans tend to be truthful, but evasive, saying things like electronics, or electronic device. Pillbox declared cartridges and atomizers, but didn't say for what. ;D Sedansa, though, actually declared it as a Toshiba laptop, valued at 380 Euro (WAAAY more than I actually spent), and even included an official looking invoice to that effect. The only problem I've had with foreign purchases was penmanship. European handwriting is a bit different, particularly in the numbers. I've had delivery delays because they mistook the european 1 for a 7, or the 4 for a 21. When I finally got the packages, and saw the labels, I had to admit I might have been confused too.

07-09-2008, 10:46 PM	#3
TheEmperorOfIceCream Super Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 911	No issues with European packages (Janty, Sedansa). spanked for taxes by the Revenue on an inbound package from US NJOY (and there I thought I was saving a few quid over the EU site). So my advice now is order from yer own continent, if at all possible. I had loads of returns and the European dealers came through fine. Took a while but it's all good. I'm less hopeful about NJOY (duff atomiser) who haven't replied to my mail yet. To be fair, I only sent it yesterday to the info@NJOYthefreedom.com address. Does anyone have a mail address for Mark (saw his name in a thread somewhere but never going to find it again)?

07-10-2008, 07:04 AM	#4
mixos Full Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 52	Im in australia, i ordered my first ecigarette from minicigarette.net. It was sent from china on the 4th and arrived in australia and handed over to customs on the 6th and has been stuck there since according to the EMS tracking site. Im wondering if im gonna have anyproblems? Normally how long does customs hold things?

07-10-2008, 01:08 PM	#6
TheEmperorOfIceCream Super Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 911	Hey Mixos I had a similar customs hang-up in UK (package from US). Because I was tracking it, I contacted the local carrier (Royal Mail Parcelforce). It turned out the revenue wanted a bite and RMP were holding the package until they got it. They said they sent me an invoice by snail mail but I've never received it. I just ponied up the thirty quid to bail out my NJOY (swore a lot, though). Might be worth your while to contact your local carrier. I've seen a lot of comment on this issue lately - seems like the PTB don't know how to handle these items. Mystic Emp predicts: They'll tax us till our eyes bleed

07-18-2008, 06:55 PM	#7
Nazareth Super Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USA Posts: 1,302	I just want to announce that I just received my package from you smokester- fairly quick delivery- had to sign for it at post office- but no problems at all. Not sure how many days it took as I forgot whe I ordered it- I'd guess it took abotu 1 week or so, not bad at all concidering it came from overseas. Overall, I say great service, good shipping time, and excellent prices- thanks

07-18-2008, 08:45 PM	#8
TropicalBob Super Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Port Charlotte, FL USA Posts: 2,529	I'm the indignant one over Chinese lies about content -- after my flawed shipment, with paid-for "express" delivery -- was held a month by Customs in the U.S. E-Cig never made the deal right, after shorting me 50ml of E-Liquid. I've never forgiven them and never will. They also lie about contents and value, which Customs has been made aware of by my shipment. About the same time Customs was holding my express shipment, the U.S. Post Office delivered me another E-Cig package. So it was FedEx at Customs that was the problem. The good old Post Office just .. delivered.

07-18-2008, 09:40 PM	#10
Nazareth Super Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USA Posts: 1,302	I had to laugh, the description on my Smokester's package said "Lung Guard" or something liek that- but it worked evidently- the post office came htrough quite well for me- that's not to say it always will but it did htis time- quite pleased. I just checked, and my order payment to Smokester's site went through on the evenign of the 11'th which was a Friday, late at night, and I beleive it was shipped the next day which was Saturday- not sure if it got picked up by the shipping company then or on Monday, but it arrived this A.M so I'm guessing it went into actual shipping on Monday and if so the shipping was 4 1/2 days or so- not bad at all- I don't think shipping companies work hte weekends, but I could be wrong, if so, it was still 7 days which isn't too bad at all- just gotta order before I run out next time just to be sure I've togt enough during transit