How long do gemstones usually take to go through customs?

[purplemelody]

Hi all! I've been waiting for my package from Tan and it has arrived at the customs since 5 business days ago but no update since the arrival. Is this a normal timeframe for gemstones to be stuck at the customs? I live in Canada and it's my first time purchasing a colored stone for reference. I'm a bit anxious because I have never waited that long for my packages to be cleared at the customs ... should I opt for courier service next time?

 

[lelser]

Re: How long do gemstones usually take to go through customs

Boy does it ever depend.

Because I import for my business, I've got a customs broker. Each package costs me $$ on top of the duty and tax owed but things clear seamlessly. If your stone is with the post office or one of the carriers, then you're really at the mercy of both how the carrier brokers it in and what Canadian Customs decides to do. If they want a physical inspection it will take time.

You should be able to call the carrier and get some sort of update, but how good an update depends on the carrier and the class of service.

Lisa - about to write her broker a check. So worth it.
www.lisaelser.com

 

[T L]

Re: How long do gemstones usually take to go through customs

It can sometimes take a week or ten days. I wouldn't sweat it. Five days isn't as long a time. It took me almost three weeks to get a stone from Tan the last time I ordered one.

 

[deorwine]

Re: How long do gemstones usually take to go through customs

Ugh. Yeah, if you search you'll see a thread where rparker and I were both waiting for stones from Tan that came after almost a month. During the same period I got a package from Tan within 10 days. So it can vary a lot.

 

[Lee Little]

Re: How long do gemstones usually take to go through customs

Often packaging makes a difference. Envelopes, even bulky ones, go thru customs much easier than boxes. Best regards, Lee

 

[Sniven]

Re: How long do gemstones usually take to go through customs

I also live in Canada and have had a diamond at Vancouver Customs since August 18th. I get roughly 1 to 2 packages a week and this has been the longest that an item has sat at Customs for me.

I read somewhere that it is Canada Post that holds the package and not Customs, but I am not too sure how true it is. I also heard that they cannot hold it more than 10 business days...again only hearsay.

My experience with Currier's (DHL) is I have ALWAYS had to pay duty and handling which has not been the case with Canada Post, but one does seem to get them faster.

Good luck and I hope you get your package soon.

-Sniven

 

[purplemelody]

Re: How long do gemstones usually take to go through customs

Thanks a lot everyone for your replies. I'm glad that the package is now at the sorting facility. Got me sweating when it was stuck at customs ... I've bought all kind of things online and shipped to me with not much delay at customs, so I guess this taught me a lesson to use courier if I want the stone fast! Can't wait to receive it

 

[lelser]

Re: How long do gemstones usually take to go through customs

I stopped letting Fedex handle my brokerage when they sat on an overnight package for 3 days because the broker didn't like the paperwork and waited that long to call for more information. The paperwork was fine, she had misread it.

Glad your package is moving!

 

[Arkteia]

Re: How long do gemstones usually take to go through customs

I stopped letting Fedex handle my brokerage when they sat on an overnight package for 3 days because the broker didn't like the paperwork and waited that long to call for more information. The paperwork was fine, she had misread it.

Glad your package is moving!

Lisa, don't even get me started on Fedex and customs... I am still receiving calls from Fedex re. one of shipments. I leave multiple messages, which they do not respond to. If they were a private company, I'd probably find an easy way to deal with them, but I assume, they are government?