Customs - opening parcels to check contents

[deniser]

Out of thousands of incoming parcels from outside the EU, we got our first notification today that the parcel had been opened and inspected by customs and would be delivered shortly.

Just wondered how often parcels do get opened as this has never happened to us before. Not a problem, just wondering.....

 

[letterboxunlimited]

Every parcel gets scanned by xray and if they think it may be something illegal they open them. They also open a random selection just in case!

 

[BeeDub]

They've opened ours at times also and blatantly damaged the goods. Knife cuts right through some of them and not so much as a letter of apology. Sadly some special orders have been damaged in this way via over zealous customs officers.....

 

[Rasta Pickles]

Every parcel gets scanned by xray and if they think it may be something illegal they open them. They also open a random selection just in case!

I had to go to a local DHL to pick up a package that I'd been carded for not being in when the driver attempted delivery.

Have to say, I was well impressed, you imagine distribution depots to be dimly lit with cranky conveyor belts.........this one had everything including an x-ray machine routed to what must have been about 10 60" LCD screens.

Quite fascinating to watch the various boxes pass through the x-ray area and then see the resulting image all about the place.

 

[harryboon]

I had a parcel from the US opened and customs then charged me an extra £127.00 for the cigars - not a happy chap

But I have had at least 6-8 parcels opened etc