Customs

[katonk66]

Hello. I'm expecting two nihontou from Japan, and it the tracking still says "ICS Los Angeles". How long (on the average) does it take to clear customs?

 

Thanks,

 

Henry

[Rivkin]

Either about 2-4 days or until they steal it.

[Mushin]

May I ask how long has it been stuck there? In cases where we see swords hit Customs and stall, quick action is needed. Go to your local USPS office and enlist their help in tracking the package. Call the ICS facility in LA as well. Be prepared to make noise. The issue of thefts has been a growing problem and fast action is the only hope in getting your package. Also encourage you to get pictures out of the blade so fellow collectors can help. I have had two coming from Japan through Queens in NY stolen. They simply hit Customs and that was it. A keen-eyed friend spotted the last stolen sword on Reddit website and I ended up having to buy it back from the person who "bought it" in a USPS auction in Atlanta. This piece supposedly lost its labels and ended up on the auction block a mere three weeks after clearing customs. Problem is, USPS rules say the agency is supposed to investigate defaced packages and can only auction the goods after 90 days.  In the end it was a happy story as the insurance from the stolen package covered the buy back. But the first package vanished. EMS is a crap shoot these days. If the piece is valuable it is worth paying more to send it by UPS, that is if the dealer in Japan has an arrangement with them. But the problem of thefts has gotten so bad, I have shied away from buying from Japanese dealers because of the stress. Good luck.