Just a bit of a report back on trying to get around paying import duties for a replacement item - it's on the rocks, but I think if you do things carefully, it's possible.
I had used SAPO to ship the item back to the states, and the replacement is coming via Aramex. I contacted Aramex when the mail came through for me to submit all the details for the package and was informed that I just need to send them all the supporting documents.
They apparently need "export documents" from SAPO to back up my claim that I sent the original item back. All I have is the slip with the tracking number that I got from them when sending it. That isn't good enough. I went to a branch and asked for help, they directed me to a tracking site and said it would be sufficient. I was also given a number to call for help if I got stuck. I called said number twice today and managed to get through to someone eventually, and got the same speech - they can tell me where the parcel is (which is BS, because I know it's delivered, but their system says en route) but they can't give me any documents. This didn't go down well with Aramex.
Now, I suspect that I spoke to someone who didn't understand me. Perhaps with enough sweet talk, I could have gotten something. I don't know.
The bottom line is, without these supporting documents, duties are heading my way. I have now accepted that I will be paying a couple of hundred in school fees. It saddens me, but such is life. The last glimmer of hope is the Aramex lady is going higher up to see what she can do, but I don't think she'll be able to do much.
I only used SAPO because I have used them before for international shipping, and the costs are reasonable. If there is a next time, and I expect to get a replacement item, I will try figure out a way to use something more reputable, that can provide these documents if need be.
Don't be like me LOL.
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