Last month, I sent my SME 3009 tonearm to Scotland for full service and it was shipped back to me on April 29 via Interparcel [FedEx]. It is the earliest 3009 model with the rare S3 headshell and Ortofon SPU.
The package is being delayed at the Memphis, TN, FedEx office. I called FedEx yesterday, they said that the issue for clearance delay - Import Shipment requires importer's registration/identification number for clearance. (Examples include EIN, SSN, VAT, GST, RFC, etc.).
The shipping invoice is very clear: Tonearm and book. Reason for export: return.
Customer support emailed me a CBP 5106 form and told me to mail it back to Fedex, I did it this morning but I still do not understand why I had to fill a three page form, that I was unable to fully understand since I am not in the importing business. I did not understand the trade lingo and abbreviations, more complicated than the Federal Tax Return form. Could it be that the declared value of the shipment was too high at £700? I'll be more than happy to pay import duty but FedEx did not ask for payment.
Since 1976 I have been buying audio equipment from the UK [Quads, Linn, Michel, NAIM, Wilson Benesch...] more valuable than a used SME 3009 and I never had to fill a form or had any problems. Last January I received my SME 3012 that was rewired by the same person in Edinburgh but it came via USPS without insurance, it was risky but fast and without problems.
My Garrard 401 is being rebuilt in the UK and I'm afraid to have problems with Fedex-Customs again but using USPS is risky since my deck costs $1,8K.
I would really appreciate your suggestions.
Cheers,
The package is being delayed at the Memphis, TN, FedEx office. I called FedEx yesterday, they said that the issue for clearance delay - Import Shipment requires importer's registration/identification number for clearance. (Examples include EIN, SSN, VAT, GST, RFC, etc.).
The shipping invoice is very clear: Tonearm and book. Reason for export: return.
Customer support emailed me a CBP 5106 form and told me to mail it back to Fedex, I did it this morning but I still do not understand why I had to fill a three page form, that I was unable to fully understand since I am not in the importing business. I did not understand the trade lingo and abbreviations, more complicated than the Federal Tax Return form. Could it be that the declared value of the shipment was too high at £700? I'll be more than happy to pay import duty but FedEx did not ask for payment.
Since 1976 I have been buying audio equipment from the UK [Quads, Linn, Michel, NAIM, Wilson Benesch...] more valuable than a used SME 3009 and I never had to fill a form or had any problems. Last January I received my SME 3012 that was rewired by the same person in Edinburgh but it came via USPS without insurance, it was risky but fast and without problems.
My Garrard 401 is being rebuilt in the UK and I'm afraid to have problems with Fedex-Customs again but using USPS is risky since my deck costs $1,8K.
I would really appreciate your suggestions.
Cheers,
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