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DHL parcel stuck in PH customs

Discussion in 'Consumer Concerns' started by RDJ, Jun 18, 2019.

  1. RDJ
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    RDJ New Member

    Hi everyone,

    I recently sent a phone to the Philippines via DHL for my partner. Initially it was going through the system quickly, went through our customs, hong kong customs etc.
    However, it has now been stuck at Philippines customs for like 4 or 5 days.

    Is this normal for PH? What is the likely timeframe etc?

    Thanks in advance.
  2. RobH
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    RobH Member

    I've had things stuck in customs for 3 weeks, asking for an import permit, which I didn't need. I had to get the Philippine amateur radio association involved, delivered in 2 days. The customs make it up as they go along, like a lot of government departments.
    The really annoying thing is that the shipping company charges for each extra day its in customs. Its more fun in the Philippines.
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  3. Mattecube
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    Mattecube face the sunshine so shadows fall behind you Trusted Member

    Go on the DHL internet site and raises it with them see what they say or do.
    • Agree Agree x 1
  4. RDJ
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    RDJ New Member

    Thanks for you reply. I have the same thing, asking for an import licence? How did you resolve this?
  5. Anon04576
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    Anon04576 Well-Known Member

    73's @RobH !

    I've had documents flown to the other sideof the world quicker than it is to deliver that same document less than 3 miles away in the Philippines. As stated, chase with DHL, they will push the courier in Pinas and will probably give you an email address over there.
  6. RDJ
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    RDJ New Member

    I've called DHL here in the UK, mentioning about the import licence requirement and they said they'll open up a case or something and get back to me later today.

    Any idea why it would need an import licence? It's just a gift, which I made clear on the documentation.
  7. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    I assume you sent a just-bought phone, rather than one that is secondhand. Big mistake that because Philippine Customs will assume that the addressee is importing to sell and consequently requires an import licence - DHL should have warned you about this. There is nothing you, or DHL, can do other than wait for Customs to decide how much duty and tax they want which DHL has to collect from your partner. This will come as a rude shock especially as shipments are assessed on a CIF basis and duty of 65% is not uncommon.
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  8. RDJ
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    RDJ New Member

    It is just my old phone, so secondhand. Does that have any bearing on it? Yes, DHL should have informed me about this. I'll just have to get her to let me know how much it'll be and then I cak pay for that, I'm not having her pay because of me or DHL.

    Thank you for the information Markham, I appreciate it.
  9. graham59
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    graham59 Banned

    Just take stuff with you when you visit... or send the money to buy there.

    I took two used iPhone 5s with me last time. Cost me nothing except p800 each to unlock over there, and made a couple of nice pressies for grateful nieces.
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  10. RobH
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    RobH Member

    Thanks for you reply. I have the same thing, asking for an import licence? How did you resolve this?[/QUOTE]

    I knew that the item (Antenna) didn't need an import licence, radio transmitters do however, I think this is what confused the customs. An email to the Philippine amateur radio association ( which I am a member of ) sorted it out with a phone call.
    Still bloody peeved about the additional costs, because of the delay. As an aside if the cost of the item is below 10,000 PHP there is no duty to pay but the cost includes the shipping, as long as it doesn't need an import permit.
  11. RDJ
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    RDJ New Member

    Would a secondhand phone require such a permit?

    Also, I spoke to DHL and they are telling me that anything sent outside of the EU requires an import permit?
  12. RobH
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    RobH Member

    To be honest I don't know, But I would be wary of the shippers they like to boost there income, an email or phonecall to the customs might be in order.

    I have had expensive stuff sent from China without an import permit, but the duty was crippling, plus the shippers adding there 20 percent as well. Always get stuff sent door to door not to the port, the road transport is exorbitant as well.
  13. Druk1
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    Druk1 Well-Known Member

    The recipient is going to be stung for a few thousand peso before they are allowed to collect the parcel,as someone said pinoy customs make it up as they go along,theres no rhyme nor reason.
  14. RobH
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    RobH Member

    Dont forget DHL or other companys are not the same as the UK, they are just agents here, and all have there eye open for making a few more Pesos on the side.
    Also bear in mind the Philippines is 50-60 years behind the western world.
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2019
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  15. RDJ
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    RDJ New Member

    Firstly, pardon my language but DHL and PH Customs are a f****** joke!

    No one from DHL made me aware that an import licence was going to be needed, nor that it would be a complete pain to get. The NTC wants my partner to do all the requirements for them, in office working days. She works 6 days a week, only has Sunday off, so this is near impossible.

    I didn't think it would be this hard just to send a secondhand mobile phone for personal use


    Thank you all for your information and advise so far. It is much appreciated
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  16. RDJ
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    RDJ New Member

    As an update.

    When I first sent the parcel with DHL from a service point in WHSmith. I wasn't given the option of proforma or commercial, and there was nothing to say that it would be sent as commercial. So DHL just assumed it was commercial and attached that invoice. I think this is why we are having issues now.

    Does anyone know whether PH customs would be helpful, if this was explained to them?
  17. Druk1
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    Druk1 Well-Known Member

    They couldn't give a flying fig to be honest,they dig their heels in and seem to take pleasure in extorting their countrymen and women for every last centavo they can squeeze out of them,thats how it goes.
    • Agree Agree x 1

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