How do I get more info from US Customs about a stopped package?
Definitely talk to Customs. Depending on how UPS is handling things, your package may be part of a consolidated shipment, listed on the same bill of lading with other imports from Hong Kong, and one of those other packages may actually be gumming up the works. The non-Customs government agency that’s placed the hold is most likely the FCC, as they require proper forms to be filled out whenever electronics are being imported into the US. Here’s the contact page for Customs and Border Protection. Depending on where you are vs. where your package is being held, find the appropriate port and start calling. Get whatever paperwork that your shipper can provide, and be prepared to send copies to whoever at Customs asks for it. You may need to speak to a Customs entry specialist, you may need to talk to someone at the FCC, whose information you should be able to get from the Customs officer. Ask UPS if they have filed an entry with C
So, here’s the end of this story: UPS released the package to Customs and it was destroyed. I never received any notice or documentation from Customs about what exactly happened, although what I pieced together was that the package was simply improperly labeled by the shipper; there was nothing wrong with the contents of the shipment, just the paperwork. I never got the package due to an error made by the seller, so I disputed the transaction with PayPal. PayPal asked me for a “counterfeit affidavit” from Customs, which made no sense. Tried to explain this to PayPal, but I kept getting a canned response back telling me that I had to submit this affidavit. I sent them all the copies of e-mails I exchanged with UPS and Customs I could, but PayPal’s response was to rule in favor of the seller, despite the fact that I clearly never got my package (and that was verifiable through UPS tracking data). Roughly $230 in the garbage. I will probably never buy internationally again, and I will avo
