TNT Bulgaria customs clearance

[unclebg]

Hi everyone some advice needed please.

I recently ordered a watch through a TD I have bought from several times in the past without any issues whatsoever. The watch was sent June 23th by FedEx and yesterday - June 30th - I had a phone call from TNT Bulgaria asking for my email address which I then sent. The email I received states that TNT Bulgaria will perform the customs clearance at Sofia Airport under a simplified declaration regime. In order to do this I need to provide them with:

- Description of the goods
- A copy of the order
- Method of payment - PP, bank transfer etc

Failure to do this will result in the package being returned to sender.

The commercial invoice provided by the Exporter states that the package contains Plastic Case For Accessories with a value of $37.20.

I immediately informed the TD and he suggested:

we do a fake conversation
you ask us the price for watch parts and we answer you
you can do a PP for this amount
after that we pay you back

Incidentally, I paid $60 shipping insurance on top of the shipping cost.

The TD is suggesting that I provide fake documentation and make a false declaration which in this country is likely to lead to prosecution. Neither can I admit to ordering a counterfeit watch!

My inclination is to deny all knowledge of the package or say something like 'I enquired about watch parts some time ago but have not ordered anything' and let the package be returned to the TD.

I fully expect the TD to honour the fact that I paid for insurance.

I would be most grateful for any comments/advice

 

[flashu]

Leave it in the custom, don’t go in a deeper hole with fake docs.
Say that you didn’t expect any order and it is a mistake, they can return to sender.
I assume that you made the request to be sent with FedEx/TNT so it is your loss basically.
If the watch returns to TD then he can send it back on the regular safe way …..if

 

[unclebg]

Hi, I didn't request it be sent by FedEx. I have had watches from this TD in the past sent by DHL Netherlands/Germany with no problems whatsoever. I was rather surprised to see that he had sent via FedEx as I'm aware of the potential problems of shipping through them.
I have no intention of going along with the TDs suggestion of falsifying documentation
As i sated I paid for shipping insurance and i expect my deal with him to be honoured regardless of whether the watch is returned to him or not

 

[flashu]

Then if the carrier was his choice and it is seized for any reason your TD should refund you or send a replacement, alternatively him wait to see if the watch is getting back to his hands and send it back to you différent courier .

 

[unclebg]

Absolutely. I just heard from the TD and he's trying to convince me that it's normal and the only way to get the watch. I totally disagree and told him so. i also told him that I fully expect him to honour his part of the agreement

 

[Matt102]

So true