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  • Customs holding my imported Defender parts - bureaucracy gone mad!
    Started by NuwanJayasinghe
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NuwanJayasinghe
Aug 25, 2025, 11:54 AM
Guys, ordered TD5 engine parts from UK worth £800, been stuck at customs for 6 weeks now! They keep asking for different documents, valuations, import permits. Original shipping cost £200, now customs clearance agent asking another Rs 50k in "processing fees." Total cost becoming more than buying locally! Anyone faced similar issues with parts imports? What's proper procedure to avoid these delays and extra charges? Feeling like customs officers just creating problems to extract bribes.
David_Christopher
#1
Aug 30, 2025, 12:21 PM
Aiya, customs clearance is nightmare these days! Problem is they don't understand automotive parts, treat everything suspiciously. Use proper clearing agent who specializes in vehicle parts - few guys in Fort area who know the system. Declare parts properly with detailed descriptions and part numbers. Sometimes they want compatibility certificate proving parts fit your vehicle. My advice - next time use door-to-door courier like DHL or FedEx, they handle customs internally. More expensive initially but saves headaches and hidden costs. Government promised digitalized customs but still stuck in paper age!
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