How long can I expect stuff to be held by USA Customs?

tom_h · Apr 3, 2009

I've ordered about 5-6 times from UK retailers (PBK, Wiggle, Ribble, Shiny Bikes), and usually the items arrive within 1 week of shipment, with final delivery being via US Postal Service.

Final component I needed for a bike build, the handlebars, for some reason Wiggle shipped via Parcel Force, not Royal Mail (UK Gov't mail). I presume Parcel Force is going to hand off to USPS fro final delivery to Calif, but I'm not sure.

Anyway, Parcel Force tracking is showing the handlebars as

31-03-2009 19:30 [March 31, 7:30pm]
Delivery Agent - NEW YORK - PTT
Awaiting Customs Clearance

Maybe this was also happening on my other orders, and I just didn't know about it.

Does anyone have previous experience with how long these delays might take?

I hope that Parcel Force, being a private delivery company, doesn't somehow find a way to pass on bogus "brokerage" fees, like UPS does.

thesmokingman · Apr 4, 2009

Parcel Force goes to USPS. It seems that customs is tagging lots of orders these days. I just got hit with customs too and the hold up took a day or two.

tom_h · Apr 4, 2009

My order just got released -- about 3 days total "hold" time :

03-04-2009 [April 03] 21:19 Delivery Agent - NEW YORK - PTT
On route to delivery depot

I will post next week, whether or not I got hit with duties, taxes, or fees.

M77PT · Apr 6, 2009

i had something stay at customs for about a week at u.s. customs via parcelforce.

best is to never order something you need urgently from the u.k. unless you live in the u.k. :thumbsup:

tom_h · Apr 7, 2009

My order arrived today in Calif, April 6.
Wiggle shipped it, March 30.

So even with 3 days of hold time at NYC Customs, total 7 days to arrive.

USPS did the delivery at my end ... NO duties, fees, or additional charges

How long can I expect stuff to be held by USA Customs?

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