Anyone working for Customs NZ?

[kevin-chow]

Anyone working for Custom NZ, or can point me where for help!

Got some bike parts ship from the US has landed in to NZ 7 days ago and is process by Customs NZ. I waited for 5 working days but Custom NZ still has not release my parts for shipping. I have not received any phone calls or letter form them regarding if there is a problem like tax to pay or what ever. So I email the head office and they toll me to ring Auckland department so I did, all f******* Friday, all I got was the answer machine (leave a message and we ring you back)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did that too, but never got a call back.

Have shipped parts before and Custom NZ always notify me if there is any problem, not sure what is going on this time.
Was looking forward getting the bike going before weekend!

[Mully]

How were they shipped? Via Post or an Express company (DHL, TNT, etc)?

Your information was a little scanty for me to make any specific helpful comments.

[kevin-chow]

USPS, tracked online it just shows custom still processing it.

[Mully]

NZ Post will be holding it then. I'd suggest ringing them on Tuesday if you have a tracking number. NZ Post probably can arrange Customs Clearance, but I think they charge for it.

Failing that, if you have never imported before, you can go into an NZ Customs office and their front desk will assist.

You will need the NZ Post notification plus all the commercial documents. Keep in mind that it's probably been held because there's GST payable.

NZ Customs (particularly their call centre) wont give a shit. They aren't specifically holding it - it's being held for Customs Clearance.

[kevin-chow]

Thank you. Will do that on Tuesday

[Quasievil]

What did you buy in ?

[kevin-chow]

Starter motor gears and gaskets, all up about 30 parts

[Quasievil]

Starter motor gears and gaskets, all up about 30 parts

Was is cheaper than buying in NZ.............given the hassles ?

[White trash]

Customs normally are reluctant to hear from individual importers. That's why we have things called "brokers" who speak both plain english and customs geek speak. NZ Post (UPS) are fucking useless if they can't tell you why your shipment's not released.

Edit: NZ Customs are happy to deal directly if you're importing Ecstasy I've heard.

[Molly]

I've had this problem. Had some exhausts held by NZ Post but I couldn't just go to the Post Office window a few steps away and pay. No. I had to go home, ring some bloody number, pay by credit card and go back into town to pick up. Shit system they've got.

As it happens, I used to be a Customs Officer. Worst paid job I ever had. They can't hold on to front line staff unless for those staff it's a good job compared to their last one. As such, I found myself working alongside some bloke that was driving a taxi a few weeks before and some girl that'd just finished working at the local casino. Those of us with decent qualifications and options soon moved on.

Anyway, you'll get your parts down the line. Financially it can be well worth it.

[mossy1200]

If the total is over $1000nzd including freight you will need to fill in more paper work than normal as it is classed commercial until you show otherwise.
Things that will help if you go to local office are
Photo copy licence
Copy of invoice or paypal or online receipt(must show freight also).This is to prove the items are of matching value to the freight sticker.
If its over 1g then any info linking the parts to your ride will help you.
They do checks to see if the seller is a known trader who sells to public and not just dealers etc to see if you are trying to onsell the items.

Once you have provided info you will pay gst on the value.If they decide its commercial then a further 18% is added for vehicle parts.Dont go to the office withour all the paperwork.Mine was processed and payed in 45minutes and arrived the next day.

Broker charge is $80 if you get Post to do it.

[Mully]

That's why we have things called "brokers" who speak both plain english and customs geek speak.

Hey!! I resent that!!

I try to avoid speaking plain english - it makes me sound more important....

[kevin-chow]

Was is cheaper than buying in NZ.............given the hassles ?

No one is doing Aprilia parts around here. The few Aprilia dealers left in this country will take my order but every part is on back order and they can’t tell me when parts will turn up.

I don’t have any problem paying GST just pee off it takes shit load of times for things to happen. I mean custom should just send my package to the nearest Post shop to my address. I go to the post shop pay what ever GST there is and job done. Shit system.

[Quasievil]

No one is doing Aprilia parts around here. The few Aprilia dealers left in this country will take my order but every part is on back order and they can’t tell me when parts will turn up.

yeah I feel your pain, If I was an Aprillia dealer I wouldnt stock the parts either........reason, everyone goes offshore to buy them instead, vicious circle isnt it, one day we wont have bike shops to buy anything from, they are dropping like flies and they will continue to for sometime yet.
so what can be done? support your NZ bike shops.

[kevin-chow]

Im all up for supporting NZ bike shops but if they cant tell me what time frame for parts then I will look some where else. Last time I got some oil filter on back order dealer, waited 3 months for that. The problem is not the dealer, its Aprillia NZ not up to the game. I can tell you the parts from off shore are not any cheaper. Until Aprilia NZ get there shits together I don’t think many riders will support them.