Juanita

Hi there -
my stuff is stuck in customs
I've got a relocation company sorting out my move and they keep saying that there is nothing that they can do, immigration are short staffed and there is a backlog at the docks. What are other people's experiences of this - how long did you have to wait for your stuff to clear customs? Would there be any merit in hassling the immigration people or is this a big no no?

Going mad sleeping on the floor!!

spalen

Your immigration company should have a booked time slot with the customs/ Quarantine people for an inspection - ask them when it is - and what the process is .

Im not 100% sure that 'customs' provide booking times but I know for a fact that Aqis have to be booked and AQIS will have a lead-time too!.

PIn them down on facts, not just ' theres a backlog ' , ask them how they go about booking your stuff for Customs inspection, and AQIS, (its not just all piled up on the dock and the guy walks along the line as far as he can each day... ).

Customs/Aqis wont talk to you I doubt - but beat the crap out of your shippers thats what you paid them for.

Good luck.

Bella Donna

We got lucky - freight took 27 days to get to Oz and a further eight days to clear customs. Our freight is waiting for us to find a rental!

Good luck - it's maddening being without your stuff.

Sue

Pollyana

ALmost certainly nothing you can do. It happens at Christmas as well - mky stuff arrived at Christmas but didn't clear customs till mid Feb due to the backlog

Juanita

Oh my god thats AWFUL!!! :scared:
We're getting by with a matress and two chairs at the moment - but can't do that for much longer.

mr mover

Juanita, i work in the industry in Adelaide, believe me what your shipper is telling you is true. AQIS are putting a lot of new recruits on ,and they are checking every job according to the book. We are presently 3 days behind at are depot, also Adelaide has had an influx of Korean immigrants, and their shipments are being carefully scrutinised for food products, a lot are not declaring..........pm me if you want more imfo................ mm

Nicky & Dave

Oh God, what a nightmare to be stuck without your stuff for such a long period of time. I hope Juanita doesn't have to wait that long, poor love.

Nicky

AndyD

All the hassle and stress to get there and it don't end even when you get there. The last thing you need is a Custom's backlog, how frustrating!! Hope it gets to you soon. If you ring it will probably be the same old answer 'its being dealt with SOON' Best of luck.

Juanita

Thanks Mr Mover,
I've been told that I should get my stuff next week - so fingers crossed!
Thanks also to all the rest of you.
Juanita

cat5

We are just in the process of deciding whether to ship our stuff or leave it behind, most of our furniture is old with some new items from ikea,the only thing we would like to take is our new leather 4 piece suite, but after seeing all these problems.....is it really worth it!!

Time you pay for shipping cost 3,500+, insurance "poss container cleaning", and the inconveniance of being without when you get there, is it really worth it!!

Our house is going on the rental market, so we are considering letting it fully furnished.