Quarantine Processing fee?

[MGV]

So, i suppose over the last 10 years i have bought stuff out of the U.S. & U.K. probably more than 20 times.

About a month ago i bought a new watch (about $250), & today was hit with this:



$47.30 was about how much i thought i saved from buying from o/seas! Is this something DHL Express is hoping i will pay, or am i obliged to pay?

[Allegiance]

Never seen that, and I get packages all the time from the US using DHL Express. Let me know what the outcome is.

[ozgti]

Quarantine Processing fee?

Call and enquire as it could be a scam. I deal with DHL and the US often and have never been hit with this.

[tigger73]

It's a scam. Google it and there's quite a few of these. I'd be checking that the contact details are actually DHL and that it's not an elaborate scam. If it actually is DHL, I'd be refusing to pay it until they provide supporting documentation.

Plus you've not paid for the freight, the sender has so I'd tell them to go back to the sender.

Generally if it's a legit charge they won't release the goods until it's paid. The fact that you have the goods it's a bit of an afterthought.

Though I'm sure some people cough up so it must be worth sending these "invoices" out.

It seems that all these invoices are for the same amount of $47.30 - doesn't matter how much or little value of the goods.

[MGV]

Thanks for the tips, guys. GF will call the 1300 number tomorrow & inquire...
I just googled & checked the Dept of Ag, Fish & Forest website & a quick look at their fees & charges quotes a minimum fee of $40 for an inspector to 'further investigate' a package suspected of containing possible quarantine material. Hardly relates to a digital aluminium watch with a silicone band ! (Cool watch, tho! - Suunto 'Core')