HMRC/Border Force container seizure

[cheekymeerkat]

I use an established UK importer to import seasonal stock on my behalf.

One of the containers which was destined for me has been sitting with Customs "Route 2" since 1st September. They finally examined it last week and have decided to seize it!

I'm not the importer, so my capital is not at risk, however my business is at risk because I rely on said importer for 90% of my seasonal range and it's too late to buy elsewhere as these orders were secured back in March, potentially leaving my seasonal business high and dry this Christmas without stock.

The importer has told me that HMRC do not agree with a commodity code used on one or two products, and we're now waiting...again. They told me this happened years ago which was a genuine mistake, and HMRC destroyed the whole container, including all the products they did not have a problem with as punishment (?).

The containers tend to be mixed with 300 different products.

Interestingly, another container from said importer docked 20th Sept, also destined for me went Route 2, but was released 5 days later after paperwork was resubmitted by the freight forwarder. The importer has told me that every single one of their containers is now automatically going Route 2, but the majority are being released within 1 week, but 2 or 3 have been seized completely.

The importer has told me their MD is now instructing solicitors to get the container released? How long does that take?
What is pissing me off is the lack of transparently, from the freight forwarder / customs agent.

Can anyone in the industry advise?
What is the process in these situations, and time scales?

Thanks,

[dirky dirk]

Getting hold of someone with a brain in customs is nigh on impossible
Dont blame your forwarder

[DaveA8]

This happens more regularly than one might expect. Typically when they x-ray, the paperwork states something and if anomalies appear (usually different shapes/ textures) they'll open it and have a look.
I used to see "Demurrrage" fees and they related.
Shouting or pleading won't help, they go at a standard slow speed

[Chamon_Lee]

Again I echo the above customs are a nightmare.
They do a job which is important as far as I am concerned but it is highly inefficient and their conduct is borderline mafia like.

2 years ago I have a shipment pulled for checks and it took them 2 weeks to go through it, once they were done they don't repack it nicely etc Its just left dumped and the FF has to arrange for it to be collected etc

To add insult to injury you have to pay for storage fees while they take all the time in the world to mess around and sniff your goods.

You will just need to be patient and ride it out. maybe find 2nd importer to split the risk going forward. Shouting at the FF won't help they can't do anything at all.

It couldnt be a worse time to import due economic issues, supply issues, brexit issues etc etc
I am having a hard enough time without additional headaches such as customs!
Good luck!

[cheekymeerkat]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies. I found out more information today, it turns out it hasn't been seized and is still at the wharf side!! 6 weeks since the ship docked.
Apparently HMRC have not shifted it to their own facility for inspection due to a "technical reason" which they will not disclose and so the container stays in "route 2" status"
I fear once they have got their act together, the seasonal goods will be too late to market.