[sdiy] Shipping PCBs to the EU ???

[Steve Carter]

I've been ordering electronic components from the USA for many years  
without any problems - occasionally there is some duty to pay which is  
to be expected - it depends on the goods and, of course, their value.  
My first problem has happened very recently when an order for some  
PCBs didn't arrive.  Tracking using the customs number shows that they  
left their destination but they can't be tracked in the UK which I  
read to mean that they have been grabbed by customs. From what  
everyone else is saying in the forum this seems to be a new trend and  
what a pain if that's the case.  Is the problem with the EU  
destination when dealing with specifically US goods or is it from any  
source?  I have never had problems from suppliers in China or  
Australia so far.

Steve


On 11 Aug 2008, at 20:53, Tom Bugs wrote:

> Also to note:
>
> All orders I've had from Futurlec for the past year or so that have  
> used the regular airmail shipping rate have reached me fine with no  
> charge in the UK.
> - this has included quite a few which have had a declared customs  
> form of over $100, both pcbs and general parts.
> - I have, however, been charged when things come in via Fedex (plus  
> they add their handling fee - often more than the customs charge)
>
> I also heard from a friend in Portugal who says that his recent  
> F'lec orders have all been got by the customs.
> Conclusions...?!.?!