Thread: How long does customs take?

Ordered a Magpul Shotgun stock from the states, arrived here Friday last week at Customs, they still have it. Is this normal? or is it likely they are holding it awaiting something from me? I haven't had any contact, do I need to ring them. If I do, do I just give them the tracking number from USPS?

Cheers in advance if anyone can help. If it's just a matter of waiting then im all good, but If I need to do something I would rather get on to it sooner rather than later.

They should just send it through since its an A cat part, but since you're waiting you probably have a dear John letter coming.

How much you pay for it in usd?

if there is any gst etc.. owing they won't ring you, they will send out a letter in due course to the address on the parcel. can take over a week for the letter to show up.

if you're impatient like i am, you have to ring nz post with your tracking number, then get the entry and notice numbers to ring customs with to clear it. be prepared to spend a long time on hold....

so backwards compared to fedex or ups.

There has been recent staff changes in customs for those that handle firearms and parts. They dont have the knowledge of the previous employees. Therefore anything firearm related is going to stay there for a while.

A new policy has also been implemented - If the part is potentially part of a semi auto (AR15, AK, Shotgun etc) then you will probably be required to obtain a letter from your AO stating that the part is to be fitted to an A-Cat firearm only.

The part is for a Pump action shot gun. Remington 870

REMINGTON 870 MAGPUL STOCK SET - FDE $129.99 usd
REMINGTON EXTRACTOR, NON-MIM $17.29 usd
MAGPUL FDE SGA LOW CHEEK RISER $15.15 usd

Thats wjhat I ordered and paid. I might ring NZ post today as I have a bit of time up my sleeve.

Originally Posted by Digit

There has been recent staff changes in customs for those that handle firearms and parts. They dont have the knowledge of the previous employees. Therefore anything firearm related is going to stay there for a while.

A new policy has also been implemented - If the part is potentially part of a semi auto (AR15, AK, Shotgun etc) then you will probably be required to obtain a letter from your AO stating that the part is to be fitted to an A-Cat firearm only.

I got this customs letter for a shotgun magazine extension - AO wanted to see my shotgun before he emailed customs to get them to release it. Then it took them (that is customs and/or NZ Post) another few weeks to get round to sending it

Originally Posted by Digit

There has been recent staff changes in customs for those that handle firearms and parts. They dont have the knowledge of the previous employees. Therefore anything firearm related is going to stay there for a while.

A new policy has also been implemented - If the part is potentially part of a semi auto (AR15, AK, Shotgun etc) then you will probably be required to obtain a letter from your AO stating that the part is to be fitted to an A-Cat firearm only.

Has Scott gone? That would suck balls.

Originally Posted by Vapour

I got this customs letter for a shotgun magazine extension - AO wanted to see my shotgun before he emailed customs to get them to release it. Then it took them (that is customs and/or NZ Post) another few weeks to get round to sending it

Shit, serious? I'm in for a shit storm aren't I

Originally Posted by Beavis

Has Scott gone? That would suck balls.

Yes - Scott has gone.
My advice, use a premium service provider such as FedEx or a customs agent if the items are worth $$$. USPS should be avoided at all costs.

Originally Posted by Digit

Yes - Scott has gone.
My advice, use a premium service provider such as FedEx or a customs agent if the items are worth $$$. USPS should be avoided at all costs.

Who has replaced him? Its a pity cause he was excellent to deal with.

*Heart sinks* I hope he left on his own accord.

Well. The illumination kit I ordered after the stock has arrived, opened by customs, but arrived. So I guess customs has held my stock... Time to call me thinks.

He still works for customs, hes just moved up in the world. Adele is still there, she is great to deal with too.

What may happen is if total price "including" postage is over $200 or close to that. They'll add GST ,then they'll add customs duty at 19.5% of the new total ,Then they send you a bill to pay before you see your goods.I wouldn't ring them ,just sit tight .
The other thing is they may also want to see a copy of your import license if they feel like screwing you round.
Or they may just seize the goods under some act or other .