Do NOT use TNT Express!!!

<p>I had a parcel sent from the UK to SA Tracking number ********** 29. The UK TNT marked a gift item over R1400 which is the limit for South Africa. We declared that this item is estimated at R2000+. We did not try to cheat the system in any way.We mention all the items within the package and are told all is fine and package is marked whatever way they mark it off and sent. TNT fails to inform us that we need to fill in a "used goods permit" firstly, as it exceeds the R1400 gift limit. Secondly, that shoes are not in fact clothing items, and it has to be marked off differently. Package reaches South Africa on the 28th December 2017, Customs queries the package... On day one I get a call to ask for my ID number. I ask why, as we have never had to give this out with DHL. Lusanda, TNT agent, says this is common practice (Call received on 17:21 on the 27th December. Feel welcome to check the recording). I give it out. Day 2, I call to ask how far the package is, and am then asked about the shoes in the parcel. As this is something my mother sent as a gift to her granddaughters, myself and partner, I mention that there are shoes, though cannot confirm the quantity without speaking to her. I am then asked to describe the shoes, of which I say a pair is little girls crocs. I speak to another agent, Minenhle, who now finally tells me on around the 29th/30th, that the parcel is in fact at Customs still.Tertia Botha, the Manager, tries to explain that I need to fill in this and that in order for things to go by the book, but what use are they if I have to fill in forms and submit them to organisations, only for them to get the final result and easily clear a package??? At that point I can clear it at customs myself! They need me to fill in a form I have never seen before and will pay a duty of R1800, inclusive of their R500+- "ADMIN FEE". I am also asked for itemised billing per item, which they DONT HAVE, but is part of their processes. We come to couriers because it is their business and we do not know what is needed for sending things.Today, 4th Jan 2018, I am asked to fill in a 45+ Page form to allow for used goods sent from mother to family. What am I paying Admin for????? What did we pay TNT for????? Dont, I repeat, do not, use TNT. DHL might have its issues, but you do not have to go fight a bear AND WIN first before receiving your package!</p>