Item being held

[michellebartley]

I have at present an item being held at Global Shipping Centrein UK as it is a prohibited substance((anti-bacterial powder). Will they send it back to seller possibly and am I entitled to refund in this instance?

[padi*0409]

Michelle was probably very lucky the customs here didn't find that powder, that would have flagged her for regular inspections for a while enigmabear, and customs take a very dim view of regularly importing prohibited items from overseas.

[imastawka]

There's $31 down the drain from another seller who 'may not post to Australia'

Michelle, just go to the local vet.   They sell this stuff over the counter.

You don't have to pay a hefty fee to see the vet

[davidc4430]

she's been warned about importing prohibted items many times, i say let her go, a good big fine from customs will sort her out.

if it doesnt being arrested might.

[davidc4430]

i found you something to read,

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/My-Story-by-Schapelle-Corby-Kathryn-Bonella-Paperback-2006-/152109825410?...

[book-of-hezekiah · Accepted solution]

Hi Michelle,  

Who said the item is prohibited? If it was Australian Customs and Quarantine then you have made the error and unfortunately have lost on this sale. As others have said it is the buyer's responsibility to know about their local laws.

If it was the GSP arbitrarily putting it on their banned list contrary to Quarantine information then something else might come into play. Alas I have no experience with the GSP. I suggest looking on the Australian Quarantine website to try to find information about your product. If you are unsure then email Customs and Quarantine to ask them if you are eligible to import the item. They will tell you yes or no. They may also give advice on how to apply for eligility (often a lengthy and costly procedure. )

Parting advice: always, always, every time and without fail research your product for import restrictions BEFORE YOU BID OR BUY no matter who you are buying from or what delivery method they offer AND even if you have purchased before. Rules can and do change frequently.  You will save yourself a lot of time, money and anxiety doing the research first.

Best wishes!

[michellebartley]

Item was held in UK. There is a possibility it MAY still be cleared but wont find out til early next week. I have told seller what is happening.
In future if doubtful I will ask the seller to check to see if OK to ship.
It says on the check list site for prohibited items that liquids cant be sent but I have had vitamin drops (for pets) sent from UK before quite a few times.
The anti bacterial powder for personal use is available from some chemists in AUS as I have used it.
This brand I bought is not available in AUS and there is nothing similar to purchase here.
And dont compare me with Schapelle b..... Corby. Yecchh.... I 'd rather be compared to a bunch of turnips.

[padi*0409]

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@michellebartley wrote:

In future if doubtful I will ask the seller to check to see if OK to ship.

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Michelle it's really up to you to find out what can and can't be imported into Australia which would involve looking up the website for customs and quarantine, and if necessary ringing them to clarify the position.

I doubt very much if a seller is likely to do this work for you for a low-value item, at the end of the day it's your responsibily not the seller's to know whether an item is prohibited or not.

[davidc4430]

i realise your not the brightest spark in the pack, but use some of the lump in your head.

the fact "This brand I bought is not available in AUS and there is nothing similar to purchase here." might just be because...

the authorities have NOT given the company that makes it permission to import it into australia!

this might not get through your thick skull but everything we buy here as food or drugs has to be given an ok by the government.

but you just go ahead an keep BREAKING THE LAW and they will catch you sooner or later.

you and chapelle will look very similar once it happens

wont do any good saying, aww, i didnt know, boo hoo.

[book-of-hezekiah]

Thanks Michelle, this info helps.

Remember, be patient: it's too early to panic just yet!

Good on you for alerting your seller about what is happening. (Just try not to send too many messages!)

You said, "In future if doubtful I will ask the seller to check to see if OK to ship." Half of this is good, the other half is so wrong. The bit that is right when in doubt, ask. The bit that is wrong is asking the seller. The seller is never the one responsible for knowing if the product is acceptable to ship to another country. YOU need to ask the Australian authorities.

I'll let davidc speak for himself about the book!

I'll go into teacher mode now. I don't mean to be condescending but it will probably come across that way. Michelle, can you please type a quick summary of what you understand the buying procedure to be when an Aussie buyer (you) buys from overseas, whatever the product is and regardless of whether or not you have purchased the same or similar before? This might help to identify gaps in your knowledge and indicate where an answers might need a bit more info.

Thanks!

[enigmabear]

It is NOT up to sellers to find out if it is ok to ship something. That is the resposnisbility of the BUYER

If a buyer is in doubt and does not want to find out, simple solution is don't buy