Random examinations of shipments by foreign Customs Departments do occur prior to shipping.
The top countries for this to happen are China and the United States.
These export examinations are normally user-pays and costs are incurred by our agents which are passed on to us to retrieve from the targeted N.Z importer.
Delays are regrettably part & parcel with this process.
Our agents are but by-standers.
Required to pay Customs Examination Fees ‘up-front’ to enable to shipment to move.
In extreme cases this can involve the retrieval from ships-side & unloading of an entire container.
However ‘unjust’ these costs appear - they are legitimate.
We do sympathise.
However, we are not in-a position to negotiate.
We need to pass these costs on.
Recent Examples of where examinations have been requested: Motorbike spares ex the U.S and Medical Equipment ex China.
