Held in customs re invoice?
Asked by Elaine furness |
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Not experienced in these matters returned bed sheets Feb to seller in China. Your holding package in customs I'm
Told no invoice (haven't a clue what that meant). How can I clear this and get it to seller in China asap
Told no invoice (haven't a clue what that meant). How can I clear this and get it to seller in China asap
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Daisy
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Hi Elaine furness,
It's certainly worrying to have your package detained by customs, especially if it's your first time experiencing this. Please don't worry, the problem you're facing is quite common; it's usually because your package is missing the necessary documents for customs clearance.
In your case of returning the item, customs' statement about "no invoice" actually means they're missing a pro forma invoice that describes the contents of the package. For packages sent by individuals, this document can be prepared by you or the seller; it doesn't need to be the original shopping receipt.
I've outlined the core steps to resolve this issue for you, which you can follow directly:
Step 1: Confirm the reason for detention and the carrier.
Verify the source of information: First, check the detention notice you received to confirm which courier company it came from (e.g., DHL, FedEx, UPS, or EMS). All subsequent operations must be conducted through this courier company.
Proactively contact customer service: Immediately contact the courier company's customer service or dedicated customs clearance department to request the "Detention Notice" issued by customs or a list of missing documents to 100% confirm the cause of the problem.
Step Two: Prepare the Key Alternative Document – A Proforma Invoice
Since the reason is "no invoice," you need to prepare a proforma invoice as a substitute. This document is a letter of self-introduction to customs and needs to include the following information:
Sender and Recipient Information: Your name, address, and phone number; the Chinese seller's company name, address, and phone number.
Goods Details: Clearly state that it is "Returned Goods," and describe it in detail as "A set of bed sheets," including color, material, and quantity.
Declared Value: This is crucial. Please be sure to fill in the actual purchase or negotiated return value truthfully. Do not write "0 yuan" or "gift" to save time, otherwise customs will not be able to determine the value, making processing more complicated and possibly resulting in the package being returned.
Indicate "Returned Shipment": Prominently indicate "Personal Return, No Commercial Value" on the invoice to help customs officers quickly identify the nature of the package.
Supporting Documents: If convenient, prepare a screenshot of your original order or transaction record for the bed sheets and submit it along with the goods as proof of value.
Step 3: Submit Documents and Complete Customs Clearance
Submission Channel: Usually, you can submit scanned copies through the courier company's official website, app, or designated email address. The courier customer service will guide you through the process.
Declaration and Tax Payment: When submitting documents, you may need to fill out an online "Personal Item Declaration Form." If customs determines that your package requires tax payment (e.g., the value exceeds the 1000 RMB limit), you can pay online through Alipay, the China Customs mobile app, etc.
Special Reminder: You are returning goods, and Chinese customs has a tax exemption policy for "returned goods." As long as you can prove that this is a return of previously exported goods, it is highly likely that you will not need to pay taxes again. Please be sure to emphasize the fact of "return" when declaring.
Some Additional Reminders
Communication Partner: Throughout the process, your main communication partner is the courier company's customs clearance department, who will represent you in liaising with customs.
Processing Time: Customs typically has a processing timeframe (e.g., 3-7 days). We recommend you process it as soon as possible to avoid storage fees or automatic return.
Keep Your Phone Accessible: After submitting your materials, please be prepared to answer calls from unknown numbers. Customs or the courier company may call to verify your information.
In short, you only need to contact the courier company to request a template, fill out a pro forma invoice containing "returned bed sheet" information, attach a screenshot of your order, submit it, and wait for customs release.