Customs 'full out' inspection at Southampton.

[Seventy]

For the first time I have had a container selected for a full out inspection after an X-ray.
Shipment is from Indonesia and is a mixture of furniture and handicrafts. I've obviously got nothing to worry about regarding what's inside but I am worried about timeframes/damage/extra costs etc. I can't imagine that hmrc will take the care to repack it that was taken in packing it! It is rammed with all space (well nearly all!) taken - space is money after all!
Has anyone had any experience of this?
Many thanks.

[grumbas]

I might be making this up or remembering incorrectly, but I'm sure I recall seeing some reality TV type program covering customs and this sort of inspection - I seem to recall repacking not being HMRC's problem.

[IATM]

I seen the same TCV programme and it was very much a case of ok we unpacked it and now sort it out yourself if they find nothing.

Seems odd to me but it is what they do. I am not sure what happens if say you are using a shipping agent - they might have staff or know people who can pick up and repack accordingly

[fellatthefirst]

Speak to your shipping agent immediately! It is correct that HMRC have the right to unload your container and then ask you to arrange to have it reloaded and moved when they are done with it. It's infuriating, however for them to actually strip a container down, they must have a high level of concern as to what's inside. They don't normally do that for fun.

[D1ckie]

I've had this years ago, but when they opened the container they didn't want to lift the cartons inside, maybe they were too heavy.

Anyway they brought the container to me, along with their x-ray machine and conveyor belt and we unloaded onto their conveyor as they scanned everything.

[Seventy]

To tidy this thread up.
Container was finally delivered yesterday. HMRC had it for a total of 27 days and charged me £1040 for the privilege- £980 for daily storage for the period and £60 for the X-ray. They couldn't fit it all back in so I've got to go to Southampton docks to collect the overspill. They also caused about £800 of damage. Not happy. Nothing I can do though although I will claim for the damage.

[Simpo Two]

Shocking. To make amends you should really go and smash up their offices, then send them a bill for your time. But then you'd go to jail, hey ho...

NB: How on earth can they justify charging extra to search stuff? I thought that's what their salaries were for...

[anonymous-user]

That's shocking.

Once again, those that play by the rules get shafted.

[Boarder1]

Will you be getting a bill from the shipping line for not returning the container on time?

[CoolHands]

Since you're unlikely to get hit twice, next time bring some coke in to offset the loss

[PVN]

As far as I am aware Customs don't make a charge for x-ray or searching. I suspect the charges are for demurrage and dock labour for repacking the container which will be charged by ABP and nothing to do with Customs. It would be interesting to see the invoice.

[Seventy]

PVN said:

As far as I am aware Customs don't make a charge for x-ray or searching. I suspect the charges are for demurrage and dock labour for repacking the container which will be charged by ABP and nothing to do with Customs. It would be interesting to see the invoice.

You're right, apart from the X-ray. Demurrage and dock storage but customs DO charge for xraying.

[Terminator X]

Seventy said:

To tidy this thread up.
Container was finally delivered yesterday. HMRC had it for a total of 27 days and charged me £1040 for the privilege- £980 for daily storage for the period and £60 for the X-ray. They couldn't fit it all back in so I've got to go to Southampton docks to collect the overspill. They also caused about £800 of damage. Not happy. Nothing I can do though although I will claim for the damage.

Wtf with every day that passes they come up with ever more ingenious ways to rob us blind! Slightly o/t but HMRC are attempting to charge me a fine of 30% of a £5k tax rebate even though it was spotted early by me / the accountant and never received!

TX.