International Shipment Stuck in Customs

I've ordered a number of items from overseas, using a number of couriers, and unfortunately my latest experience with FedEx has been some of the worst service I've received thus far.

I recently ordered a small item from the U.S and paid the 50 odd USD for the FedEx priority shipping as this was the only option the seller listed.

The item reached South African s****s rather quickly, even though it was a day later than the original estimated delivery date.

However, since then the item has been stuck in customs clearance. I originally never got any communication from the local Fedex office regarding clearance, so I took it upon myself to call them and find out if they required any documentation from me etc.

I was told not to worry as the documentation was already submitted for clearance and it should be cleared within a day or two.

The next business day I received an email from a FedEx agent, providing very little context, requesting a biological import permit, for a USB cable?!

I tried to call the agent using the numbers provided in the signature of the email I had received, but the number just rang and rang. I then called the local FedEx call center and was told that the phone numbers listed in the agent's email signature don't work and there is no way to speak to the agent directly, other than via email.

I then rep**** to the email I had received stating that the item in question is a computer cable and should not require a biological import permit in order to clear customs. I received no reply to my initial response. I then followed up again the next business day via email, and got a response from the agent stating that the documentation had been resubmitted with the information I provided.

I've heard nothing since.

My parcel has now been in the country longer that it took to ship from the United States and I still haven't received it.

My complaint may seem minor when contrasted to the many other complaints found here and on Google for FedEx South Africa, the point is that the service I've received with this shipment is shocking when compared to the many other international shipments I have made to South Africa, mostly using competing courier companies.

In my experience, most other courier companies will pre-clear shipments though customs before the item(s) even land in South Africa. Thus ensuring that any potential issues and documents are sorted well in advance.

This service is poor for the price of using the service, and I would like this sorted ASAP and to have my parcel delivered this week still.

Looking forward to a prompt resolution.