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8 months ago

Learning patience

8 months ago
Greetings!

So yesterday I recieved a notice from DHL for an Amazon order that it was being held in customs pending my providing further information on an item I had ordered.

I spent literally 45 minutes filing a form to the Costa Rican Ministry of Health for permission to import 3 toilet paper roll holders! Seriously, this is what they choose to waste time on?

Is this standard here?

I understand that with Amazon they will declare exactly what I ordered and I'm sure certain words trigger further inspection. Have you all figured out a work around for items where you have shipped here and were able to provide your own description on the Customs Declaration Form--for instance had I shipped the toilet paper roll holders to myself, if I put "paper roll holder" would that have not triggered the customs hold--since obviously "toilet" triggered the hold?

I am trying to ship myself a couple of bottles of Witch Hazel---three pharmacies I visited basically laughed at me when I asked for it-maybe they thought I aksed for a witch named Hazel--Google translate says it's: "Agua de hamamelis". One pharmacist said I might find it a a big pharmacy.

I am guessing that it will probably be stopped if I call it an "antiseptic" , but what it I call it "astringent lotion" or "makeup remover", or "oil remover"? I'm thnking "lotion" might trigger the health ministry hold.

At any rate I'm looking for any advice on how to beat the system as I don't want to have my items sitting in customs for 15 working days while some bureaucrat in San Jose decides if the itme is good for my health. Thanks in advance for any advice. Pura vida!

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