Customs delays when ordering a Roku from Amazon

[bobbytb]

I ordered a roku from amazon a few weeks back. While trying to track the parcel today, I got the message attached below. The shipper is i-parcel.com. I have ordered plenty of other items (from amazon and others) but never seen this. Anyone else got this message before? What "additional info" did you have to submit?

 

[bobbytb]

I also received the following mail from i-parcel as soon as the order was shipped and I submitted my via their website. Is this standard nowadays for all incoming parcels?

As of September 1st, 2012 South Africa customs requires your ID Number for all shipments being imported into South Africa up to ZAR25000 in value. For shipments with a value of greater than ZAR25000, importers are required to register with South Africa customs to obtain an importer code. iParcel policy is to obtain that information prior to export to allow us to clear your parcel quickly upon arrival in South Africa. No additional fees are assessed with fulfilling this requirement and it is used for customs clearance purposes only.

Your shipment value is less than ZAR25000 and therefore we require your ID Number, please click here to enter your information.

Please be advised your shipment will not be able to export from the US until we have received the information and may be returned as undeliverable to the internet retailer if not received within 15 days of this email. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Best Regards,
i-Parcel client relations

 

[bobbytb]

Never mind, it arrived this morning

 

[Yotch]

How much did you pay in total for the Roku (LT, 1, 2 or 3?)?

 

[bromster]

If customs doesn't find an invoice attached to the package, they will detain it because they don't know what VAT or Customs Duty to charge you. You will need to present an invoice by email or in person, then Customs can release it to your Post Orifice.

This rarely happens with reputable sellers. Post office call centre is 0860 111 502. You can also track your parcel on the SAPO web site once it has arrived in SA.

enjoy Roku!

 

[Messugga]

Balls, mine is still in Johannesburg... last status update was 57min ago, so I suppose I'll get it on Monday

 

[bobbytb]

How much did you pay in total for the Roku (LT, 1, 2 or 3?)?

Roku 3. Got it during the black friday / cyber monday sale (It was $88 I think). Breakdown in local amounts is below:

Item Subtotal: ZAR 945.53
Shipping & Handling: ZAR 225.32
Total Before Tax: ZAR 1,170.85
Import Fees Deposit: ZAR 163.96
Order Total: ZAR 1,334.81

Ordered on 3rd Dec. Delivered on 20 Dec.

 

[Yotch]

Thanks for the update. The landed price is roughly 15 times the dollar price!