I am writing to get your opinion on this issue I am having regarding Mailpac and customs fees to see if it is worthy of escalation.

I have been a Mailpac customer for several years and have used their services over the years with no issues. For the first time in September 2018, I used their services to get some clothes I purchased from the US company Dressbarn.

When the items reached Jamaica, I discovered that there was a US$220 customs fee on the items that I had paid US$381 for. I was taken aback by the customs fees.

When I asked Mailpac why the customs fees they were so high, they said that were valid.

When I tried to see if I could appeal through the Jamaica Customs Live Chat system, I got the following response:

“The percentage rate of duty applicable to clothing is 41 per cent, calculated on the cost of the clothing and the shipping cost payable along with the customs administrative fee (CAF) of $2,500. To assist you with the calculation, add all your costs together, find the equivalent in JMD then multiply the amount by 41 per cent, after which you will add the CAF $2500.

If you need further clarity, feel free to contact us.”

I was told that if I had broken up my purchases it would have been better. Is there a way that I could appeal this or should I just let it go?

I am not trying to rip them off as I know that I would have to pay something but it is so gut-wrenching to have to pay almost the same price for the items.

I am currently away but you can speak with my sister who I have also copied on this email.

LB

Dear LB

Tell Claudienne contacted the Customer Service Manager at the Jamaica Customs Agency about your issues and the possibility of your getting a waiver on a portion of the customs fees.

We also requested the manager to contact your sister for more detailed information about the shipment.

Tell Claudienne followed up with the Customer Service Manager to find out if it was possible for you to get a waiver on a portion of the customs fees and onNovember 27, 2018, shesent the column a copy of an e-mail she sent to you.

The e-mail stated:

“My apologies for the delayed response. Kindly note, I’ve contacted your sister regarding said matter as stated in your email. She informed me. That the shipment was cleared by Mailpac already.

In light of this, a reassessment cannot be done as your representative (Mailpac) accepted the relevant charges through their action to pay the duties and fees on your behalf (Customs Act Sec 233).

Any query or appeal would have to be done by Mailpac in this regard.

The situation is unfortunate, and I suggest going forward that prior to purchasing to contact the Agency to ascertain the relevant duties and fees. Also, speak with Mailpac to ensure that before your items are cleared, you’re notified of the charges, so you can make an informed decision whether to accept.”

Your sister told Tell Claudienne that you were informed by Mailpac that they could not seek a waiver on your behalf.

However, Mailpac agreed to wave their $5,000 fee. We note that you have paid the customs fees of $25,000 and cleared your package.

We wish you all the best.

Wire transfer to JN

Dear Claudienne

Good day. I am writing asking for your assistant .My son sent me 3000 pounds from his Barclays account in the UK by wire transfer to my JN account on the 23rd of November 2018 and it was said it would take one to seven working days, and up to the 5th of December the bank is still saying they don’t see anything in my account. I was given a sort code number. The UK bank is saying the money was taken out of my son’s account from the 23rd of November. All the papers showed that the funds went to recipient swiftbic JNBSJMKN Recipient Bank with the address 2-4 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10.

I would appreciate your helpwith this problem .

SP

Dear SP

Tell Claudienne has been in communication with JNBS re the money you said your son wired to the bank.

JNBS has advised Tell Claudienne that the bank can find no record of the transfer being received.

They tried to contact your son but were unable to reach him.

We note that you have informed us that your son paid Barclays a fee of 20 pounds sterling to find out what had happened to the money. You said that Barclays waived the fee after their search showed that the 3,000 pounds transfer had been sent to several banks in countries other than Jamaica.

We wish you all the best.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 876-936-9436 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail:edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.