DHL Quarantine Processing Fee ... wtf?

[Disco EMU]

Hi Guys

Has anyone else received a notice from DHL (after importing goods from OS) for a Quarantine Processing Fee of $47.30

I received the goods last week (value $74) and then today received an invoice for the fee.

Seems like a scam to me ... any thoughts?

Thanks

Craig

[areyonga]

Ring DHL, they have been the subject of a number of scams

[speewa158]

Dose that include GST ,Carbon tax & GBHRT Allowance  ( Great Bloke Having A Rough Trot ) 

[Chris-Vi]

I would think they would want the money before it was delivered. I know a few years ago we bought a tent in from the USA that we had used once and Quarantine got hold of it and said there was dirt on it and it had to be treated. We had the option of them treating it or it being returned to the USA. Doesn't sound right to me that DHL would deliver it and then send you a bill. 

[nic.t]

I believe it to be a scam, I bring a lot of goods in from various countries. Carriers will never deliver the goods till they have been paid in full.

as above, I would call Dhl, and not the number listed on the invoice.

NICK

[bobnrob]

Excuse my ignorance, what is "DHL"?

[Geoffwin]

ring them and ask for a copy of the documentation and import details - they will not have them. DHL tries this on regularly. They will waive the fee.

Ask DHL to provide you with an inspection number from AQIS or Customs. If they can't or won't provide this, you owe them nothing.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1361647&p=7

This thread on whirlpool is full of it

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1361647

[outback jack]

don't even ring them. "scam"

[nic.t]

Excuse my ignorance, what is "DHL"?

freight company, like TNT, UPS,  FEDeX etc. they cover most of the world.



NICK

[speewa158]

Is that likr POQ     

[beigewagon]

Sounds like a scam. I used to import car parts from the 'States' for work. Everything was paid up front.

If you have the goods already, its not like they will 'hold' them or delay delivery now.

Beigewgon.

[rodw]

Sounds like a scam. I used to import car parts from the 'States' for work. Everything was paid up front.

If you have the goods already, its not like they will 'hold' them or delay delivery now.

Beigewgon.

I've used DHL regularly for a while for goods out of the UK. X2 on this one. They phone you with customs clearance fees etc. We changed to UPS, customs fees ae lower, they phone me much earlier before the goods get to Australia (even on a Saturday or Sunday) so they are much better to deal with than DHL. I'd ignore it.

[Mandrake]

As a retired Customs Broker let me ask a couple of questions first ..
What were the goods ? Where from ?
Both of those have a bearing on AQIS being "interested" in your shipment .

You should ask DHL for a copy of the AQIS receipt - this will show your consignment number
and details of what the $47.30 made up .. Inspection fee , documentation fee etc . If they
produce that receipt then you'll have to pay but as all have said above I don't think they
have it -
All items under AUD1000 FOB (Free On Board - ie does not include overseas freight charges.) are cleared on an informal basis and do not attract GST and normally do not attract AQIS fees ..

Cheers

Steve

[Disco EMU]

What were the goods ? Where from ?
Both of those have a bearing on AQIS being "interested" in your shipment .
Steve

Thanks Steve
Goods where from a company called "Think Geek" ... the box contained a wall mounted Star Wars light sabre lamp for my son and was clearly marked on the invoice attached to the outside of the box (plus some other kids toys) total value ... $74.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Craig

[timbo43]

Hi Steve
If you have the product in your possession I would not even answer the email / nor phone
No way would you receive the goods before all Costs had been paid for
Just ignore it and Save  the Phone call cost