Dutch Customs - Import issues?

[OffshoreNL]

Hi,
I have some watches on the way but the first one is already held by dutch customs since the 23rd of August. The tracking doesn't go further than that.
Every package that's going through the UK lately seems to get opened by customs, taxed and then eventually released. Is there some new rule in place and can I write off ordering reps from our beloved TD's to The Netherlands?
Actually asked them not to ship through the UK and when I emailed them today, while approving QC pictures for watch number 2 I pointed out the issue. The reply I got was, it's all fine it's with customs.
Anyone has any similar experience lately and can I forget about my orders?

 

[RedBearrd]

It’s probably being assessed by customs. Did you add the tracking number in the post nl app? This worked for me as it showed I had to pay duties. My package was not a watch though.
Confiscating a package bu customs is imho not a real Dutch experience

 

[OffshoreNL]

I have tried to find it in the post nl app but it says 'nothing found for this tracking number' (rough translation).

 

[michoholic]

Wow that really sucks. Trying to get a watch to. something to look out for. Curious about next handling.

Did you use the postnl international? post nl has 2 tracking sites international and dutch i believe

 

[Pierre Le Trek]

I sent a parcel to Holland from the UK on the 25th July and the tracking says "Your item has been presented to Customs on 03-08-2021 for assessment. More information will be available once the assessment is complete." Like the previous post says, NL post website says tracking number can't be found.

If you check the Dutch customs website they say that they more than likely dont even have your parcel and it is usually still with the local courier service.
Check this copy and paste below for an explanation from dutch customs website ( better not link them on here ha!)
My parcel has reached Customs - how long does it take to arrive?


Do you expect your parcel to be at Customs? Usually it is not. In most cases, Customs does not even get to see the parcels. Let us explain how it works. Your parcel arrives at Schiphol Airport


Your parcel arrives at Schiphol Airport by plane. Upon arrival, it is distributed by Schiphol Airport personnel to the warehouses of the various postal or courier services, along with all the other parcels.

Is your parcel sent from another country by an international courier (e.g. DHL/TNT)? Then it goes to that courier. Otherwise it usually ends up with PostNL. How does your courier service work?


All courier services that deliver parcels in the Netherlands use Customs software. If necessary, they will contact us on your behalf. If the courier service has any questions about your parcel it will notify you. Until the problem is solved, the parcel will remain in the courier's warehouse.

If, in turn, you have a question about your parcel, the courier service will be able to handle it. If it all goes correctly, we do not even have to deal with your parcel


In most cases, your parcel is sent directly from the aircraft to you via the courier service. Customs does not enter the process.

Sometimes the courier service has a reason to contact us. For example, about the specification of the goods or the contents of a parcel. Only when we suspect that the parcel contains illegal goods, such as weapons or drugs, do we inspect it. Usually on the spot, sometimes in our own workspace. But where is my parcel?


We do not know where it is. Even if 'Track and Trace' states that your parcel is being processed by Customs, it is still in the courier's warehouse. So if you are wondering where your parcel is, you can only check with the courier's customer service.

 

[OffshoreNL]

Pierre Le Trek Thanks for this!! I'll try to reach post-nl about it than Lets hope it arrives! Will keep you updated

 

[derjenigewelcher]

Thanks for this!! I'll try to reach post-nl about it than Lets hope it arrives! Will keep you updated

Just wait man - 8 days are nothing at customs these days. since covid there are tons of packages to check more at customs, so we wait more time.
If you ask about the order, they have a proof that you ordered. So in case, they would open it up and see a illegal replica, your fucked.
else you can still say "what - i did not order anything like that".

So why would you call them? It wont be passed to you earlier, so you cant change anything. be patient, wait, and look what happens.

 

[Casinoboy]

I had 2 watches outside of the EU one was from US to NL other was UK to NL both high franken total value close to 5K euro. Both packages send with DHL express. Both packages opened as stated on arrival on the package. Value for watch from the UK was 20 GBP they charged me 40 EURO duty and tax, i just paid the damn tax and didn't complain. US package was valued 17USD watch parts got charged like 4,50 EURO. Risk is to high for me to get stuff outside of the EU seems like if it says, broken watch or watch parts they open it. Was happy i got the pieces to my doorstep.

 

[OffshoreNL]

Update: I called PostNL today and they told me I should have received a SMS with a link to a payment request for the import fees. I asked them to which phone number they sent it and they couldn't tell me. Then the customer support explained me how to get to the payment page and I paid 6euro's and now the package is scheduled for delivery tomorrow.

 

[michoholic]

Ow that's sweet. Not really that much of money really. UK is still a hassle because of the VAT declaration, i'm sure customs will check the package if prices aren't clarified on the package.