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Sandiswa S

1 reviews | Active since Dec 2010

13 Jul 2020, 18:01

DELAYS DUE TO INCORRECT PROCESSING OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

AWB *** This parcel arrived in the country on 9th of July. I had to repeatedly contact DHL to request that they send me the necessary invoices to pay for duty, that was the first frustration. When I eventually received the invoice, the online payment link did not work. I had to call them again to request their bank details so I can make payment. I made the payment and sent through the proof of payment immediately which was acknowledged. I called again 2 days later to check on progress, and I was told that they're still waiting for me to make payment so the parcel hadn't been submitted for release yet!! I explained that I had paid and the receipt of proof was acknowledged by DHL. I was promised a follow up. When I checked the online tracking again on Sunday it said "Entry Rejected". I called DHL again to find out what the issue was, and was informed that the parcel has been detained by Port Health, and they don't know when it will be released since Port Health offices have been temporarily closed. I repeatedly explained that the contents of the parcel are apparel, and has no products that would prompt a health inspection. I got the "sorry, there's nothing we can do" response. This morning (Monday) DHL sent me a text to say that Port Health is still closed, my parcel will be delayed and I should not call them they will update me daily. I called anyway, and eventually spoke to someone with some willingness to assist. It basically turns out that DHL made an error in filling in the clearance documentation (something about erroneously entering "green tea" in my list of items) which obviously flagged Port Health for inspection. I was promised that this will be resubmitted CORRECTLY and arranged for release tomorrow morning (Tuesday). I would like this sorted out IMMEDIATELY please. I have paid a premium fee for EXPRESS service, and the necessary import duties for smooth clearance of my parcel. While I would totally understand a legitimate health related detainment or customs inspection, this is obviously neither. This is a careless error on DHL clearance handling staff, and I cannot be expected to wait indefinitely while DHL gets away with "Sorry, there's nothing we can do" SORT OUT IMMEDIATELY PLEASE! This is a urgent parcel, and I cannot be expected to pay the price for incorrect processing of my package.

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Replies (3)
DHL Express
DHL Express's reply14 Jul 2020, 12:23
Official
Dear Sandiswa,

Please accept my sincere apologies for the manner in which this has been handled this far.

I have spoken to imports with regards to this issue, they confirmed that it was indeed an error on their side and are busy amending the entry so we can get a release. I will follow up with them again for progress and keep you updated.

Kind Regards,
Akhona Mvuza
Customer Care Executive Office
DHL Express ZA
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Sandiswa S's update15 Jul 2020, 16:03
Reviewer Update
Good Day Akhona,

Please note that I still have not received any feedback on this package, and it has been 24 hrs since your response. I only got the automated message from DHL this morning, basically saying "the package is delayed, don't call us we'll call you". There has been no update on the online tracking since Sunday morning.

Sandiswa
SS
Sandiswa S's update17 Jul 2020, 09:48
Reviewer Update
Good Day Akhona,

It is now 3 days since you promised to update me on my parcel, and I have not had any communication from you, and nobody seems to know what is happening with my parcel. The email that I have sent to you has had no response.

Sandiswa