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.

[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.

[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.