[Gemini]

Has anyone else had to have a customs inspection on their shipping?

We already know that MAF are going to check our vacuum cleaner tomorrow and that "The Moving Company" have added on $64.50 to the invoice for their "admin" fees.

Now we're informed that Customs have selected our items along with some others to be x rayed. Customs don't charge a fee but of course "The Moving Company" do and have invoiced us for a total of $351.97. We're told that we've just been "unlucky" and that we've just been randomly selected and basically just deal with it and pay up. :(

[Nienke]

:mad: They are still at it then. Ooooh this gets me mad all over again. Try a search on maf fees and/or moving company on this forum, and you'll see you're not the only one with these kind of problems.
Make sure that the MAF inspection is at your home, tell the moving company that you will pay MAF directly. You will find when you ask the MAF that the actual inspection fee is a lot less than what the Moving Company is trying to get from you.
Good luck!

[irishliz]

We had a MAF check three weeks ago on one box with footie boots in, plus hoover and 5 bikes. Although we paid the company direct we were only charged $180 dollars - the MAF cost. They were very helpful in fact as there was a bit of a backlog in Wellington, so they dropped off the container, took back the required items, MAF checked at warehouse and then they dropped everything back to us when done. I seem to remember when I asked them that there was no extra charge because we had paid in the UK for door to door - but most people would do this I assume.

I do think you have had bad luck here - but ask them what the actual MAF charge was which I think they won't know until it is completed btw, and see what they say.

Good luck

[irishliz]

Apologies - I confused myself.

Start again - I would have expected that any potential extra charges should have been pointed out before hand and they are unlikely to be strangers to this. Again best of luck.

[Debbie]

MAF were very helpful when we had our shipment and arranged a home inspection for us which saved us lots. However, my understanding is that customs are different from MAF. (customs look for illegal or duty due items and MAF for bio-security risks). If customs are wanting items unloaded off your contained and transported to their x-ray then the Moving company will have the job of locating the boxes they want and unloading them and therefore will charge you for this. If I was you I would ask for a contact at customs and explain that you think you are being charged an unreasonable amount for this and ask their advise. They may also be able to a home inspection or at least explain to you what you are being charged for.
Out of interest did you have a shared container? We were warned that they inspect shared containers closer, (no help to you now I know).
All the best.
Debbie

[Gemini]

Thank you everyone, we have resolved the problem now. I understand the difference between MAF fees and customs, my issue was that I was told by our shipping company in the UK that the only other fees that may be incurred would be MAF costs.

Strangely emailing our original shippers proved fruitless, I guess they were paid and have no further interest. Anyway all resolved now and our things are being delivered this week. :)