UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com
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UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/26/2008 4:10:16 AM
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mjguy
Posts: 4
Joined: 4/26/2008
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UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com
I was searching the internet for the best Protein Isolate for building muscle mass and I came across the website bodybuilding.com
I live in England, UK and the products on offer at bodybuilding.com were substantially cheaper than their UK equivalent, in fact they were half the price. After reading a review of the best protein products on bodybuilding.com, I decided to place an order of 4 2lbs tubs of Syntrax Nectar.
Having read the shipping section on the bodybuilding.com website, I noted that they listed various substances that are banned from import into the UK. Since none of these substances were contained within this product and since this product was on sale in stores in the UK I had no reason to believe that ordering this product would cause any problems.
My order finally arrived over 1 week later, but what arrived was a large empty box!!!!!
After opening the box, I found a piece of paper on which was written “Seizure Information Notice” from HM Customs and Excise.
The notice stated that the items have been seized by customs as they contained the following substances:
Dairy Products from outside the EU
Any product made from or containing dairy and/or containing dried milk or cream are banned.
Egg Products from outside the EU
Any product made from or containing egg including dried forms are banned.
Meat Products from outside the EU
Any product made from or containing meat or dried meat products are banned.
On further the enquiries I was told that the products had been seized in the UK and will be destroyed!
After contacting bodybuilding.com, they were less than helpful. They told me that it was my responsibility to check with customs before ordering the goods.
I pointed out that there was no warning on their website stating that Dairy, Egg and Meat products or derivatives cannot be shipped to the UK. I suggested that they place such a warning on their website but they have yet to do so.
Since almost all protein powders and almost all bodybuilding supplements contain or are made from dairy, egg or meat products I can understand their reluctance to warn any UK customers. They would probably lose too many sales.
I have lost over $200 by ordering products from the USA company bodybuilding.com. They don’t care, they are happy to take your money and ship the goods you order, yet they are unwilling to warn UK customers that dairy, egg and meat products or derivative are banned from import into the UK. I found their website very misleading and feel that I have been tricked by this company.
In my experience, if you live in the UK, it is best to order any bodybuilding supplements from a UK supplier. Do not be tempted to order any protein goods from bodybuilding.com in the USA.
Don’t waste your hard earned cash like I did! :(
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/26/2008 4:37:50 AM
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kingkebabs
Posts: 162
Joined: 12/12/2007
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quote:
I have lost over $200 by ordering products from the USA company bodybuilding.com. They don’t care, they are happy to take your money and ship the goods you order, yet they are unwilling to warn UK customers that dairy, egg and meat products or derivative are banned from import into the UK. I found their website very misleading and feel that I have been tricked by this company.
It's not the responsibility of the supplier to research ever changing customs law.
You should have been more cautious in the first place for the fact that it's a heavy package which isn't marked. Had the package of been inspected (which it was) you would have been charged tax saving you no money anyways.
Now you understand theres good reason why UK residents don't readily import larger supplements which are temptingly half the price.
The rule of thumb is; Order small, non-heavy supplements from a company who is willing to mark the package as a gift less than the value of $25.
(in reply to mjguy)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/26/2008 4:57:04 AM
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mjguy
Posts: 4
Joined: 4/26/2008
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It is easy for companies like bodybuilding.com to hold their hands up and say it is not their responsibility to know the rules.
If they didn't know the rules then fair enough - they do now...
The fact is, they will continue to take orders from UK customers for products they know are banned from import to the UK.
We must ask why this is; is it because in not doing so it would hurt their bottom line?
I could understand if the customer was importing illegal steroids or drugs and they were aware of the risks, but we are talking about 99% of bodybuilding supplements (ie. Protein)!
These companies may not have a legal obligation to warn their customers but they do have a moral obligation if they are aware of the rules.
By not posting this information they are just blatantly ripping us off.
(in reply to kingkebabs)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/26/2008 6:08:39 AM
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The Sheep Man
Posts: 2465
Joined: 3/27/2005
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Not Ripping you off at all. It's your responsibility to know the laws at customs. When I went to send a product to my friend through fedex they told me that I should have my friend contact customs in his country to ensure there will not be any problems before Isent it.
This is much like what bb.com does.
And like kingkebabs said, often you end up paying the same once taxes and duty is applied at the border.
_____________________________
5'9"
March 23rd: 189lbs
BF: 20% BF
http://sheep-manland.myminicity.com/ind
(in reply to mjguy)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/26/2008 7:21:03 AM
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Italianangel
Posts: 2865
Joined: 8/4/2005
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Status: offline
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I would be pissed and I know I always end up with customs and gst fees here with orders from anywhere else but ........unfortunatley you must of heard of the term 'Buyer Beware'.
The onus is on you ultimately, sadly, but ultimately. So if your like me and are ignorant to the laws of postal/customs you learn the hard way like I did.
Although I can tell you after a few mailing issues (I also buy off ebay and used to sell stuff on ebay regularly, not supps but runners or other items, bath etc) I learned quickly which questions to ask and such. There is much more to it than we realize.
You can appeal to the the govt sector who took your stuff, see what your recourse is, if any.
I know that in the end if the item was insured you may be able to at least get your money back or try.....they may say it was up to you to know the laws and not compensate you, and if it was over a certain amount of dollars you usually get insured but I don't know the laws for you....on your end so these are just ideas you can look into, they may or may not be available to you.
I also do suggest, knowing that bb.com is very reasonable, that you send them a note, nice one, be dipolamtic and own up to your end of things so dont' email them nasty, just email letting them know
'this is what happened to me. I was very upset but will be much more aware in the future although I do suggest you may want to indication some note on your sales site indicating that those from international areas should consult their postal and customs (or whatever govt body they have in each country checking imports and delivery into the country) for full details on what can and cannot be mailed to them.'
In the end it would be to their advantage and they would most likely recognize it and add this note. It is not good to have customers writing back angry for their money back.......so if there is not already some small print somewhere that you may have missed........check policies etc.......I am sure they would have no qualms looking at that suggestion so send them one.
Posting this here will only give you your time to rant but ultimatley won't solve anything unless you take approprate action.
http://www.google.ca/search?q=buyer+beware&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B2GGFB_enCA242
This search alone shows you that in all cases, buying off the net, blue pills teehee, or buying a car......whatever it is....you see all these threads indicate buyer beware as the onus being on you.
and here is your legal def.
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Buyer+beware
Sorry dude, your out of luck, gotta do some foot work to try to rectify some of your money if you can but you should consider it a loss for now so your not pissed incase it stays at end this way.
Good luck though!
Linda
< Message edited by Italianangel -- 4/26/2008 7:22:52 AM >
_____________________________
Come Visit my websites!
www.figureteam.com
www.lindacusmano.com
www.bodyrushpersonaltraining.com
(in reply to The Sheep Man)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/26/2008 10:16:35 AM
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mjguy
Posts: 4
Joined: 4/26/2008
Status: offline
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It is easy for companies like bodybuilding.com to hold their hands up and say it is not their responsibility to know the rules.
If they didn't know the rules then fair enough - they do now becuase I have made them aware ...
The fact is, they will continue to take orders from UK customers for products they know are banned from import to the UK.
We must ask why this is; is it because in not doing so it would hurt their bottom line?
I could understand if the customer was importing illegal steroids or drugs and they were aware of the risks, but we are talking about 90% of bodybuilding supplements (ie. Protein)!
These companies may not have a legal obligation to warn their customers but they do have a moral obligation if they are aware of the rules.
They DO have a list on their site for importing various substances in different countries:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/help/interproduct.htm
Dairy and egg products probably make up 90% or the bulk of all supplement products, so why should they omit this information and list specialist products like 'KAVA KAVA' or '5-HTP'.
By omitting the fact that dairy and egg products are banned from import to the UK then the information they do provide is misleading.
I know that the consumer should be aware of the rules before placing an order. But if a website is targeting UK consumers via Google adwords and via UK websites then they should take more responsibility to inform customers that ordering any dairy / egg products from their website are actually banned from import to the UK.
Why take orders from Uk customers knowing for well that the product you are about to ship them are banned?
Why not take the time to update 1 line of text on a web page (about 5 minutes work) to warn Uk customers about dairy/egg products?
Is it because that placing such a warning would prevent 90% of their products being sold to UK customers?
(in reply to Italianangel)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/26/2008 11:22:56 AM
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kingkebabs
Posts: 162
Joined: 12/12/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
Is it because that placing such a warning would prevent 90% of their products being sold to UK customers?
Do you seriously think that every man and his dog in the UK is importing supplements as heavy and sizable as whey protein?
Those who make the mistake of doing so usually learn the hard way by being nabbed for tax which results in a more expensive purchase in comparison to a typical UK price.
You made this mistake and it's because of the mistake the package was siezed and examined resulting a more detrimental issue.
I agree with some points you've raised, but you are failing to see the stupidity of your original move.
(in reply to mjguy)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/26/2008 11:29:29 AM
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Soccerking3000
Posts: 1958
Joined: 7/11/2007
Status: online
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im actually pretty surprised that your products were withheld by customs. Can contact them to resolve the situation in any way shape or form?
(in reply to kingkebabs)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/27/2008 8:01:57 AM
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mjguy
Posts: 4
Joined: 4/26/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
I agree with some points you've raised, but you are failing to see the stupidity of your original move.
I agree I was naive and I should never have ordered any products from the USA.
(in reply to kingkebabs)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/27/2008 9:15:23 AM
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quickfinch
Posts: 324
Joined: 3/15/2007
From: Mighty Yorkshire
Status: offline
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I order my storm and shock therapy from the U.S but I buy all my "food" supplements from myprotein.co.uk.
_____________________________
" I've heard that North wind blow before...."
(in reply to mjguy)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/27/2008 11:30:19 AM
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kingkebabs
Posts: 162
Joined: 12/12/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mjguy
quote:
I agree with some points you've raised, but you are failing to see the stupidity of your original move.
I agree I was naive and I should never have ordered any products from the USA.
Contact BB.com and let us know if there's any sort of positive outcome.
(in reply to mjguy)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/27/2008 11:48:36 AM
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The Sheep Man
Posts: 2465
Joined: 3/27/2005
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mjguy
It is easy for companies like bodybuilding.com to hold their hands up and say it is not their responsibility to know the rules.
If they didn't know the rules then fair enough - they do now becuase I have made them aware ...
The fact is, they will continue to take orders from UK customers for products they know are banned from import to the UK.
We must ask why this is; is it because in not doing so it would hurt their bottom line?
I could understand if the customer was importing illegal steroids or drugs and they were aware of the risks, but we are talking about 90% of bodybuilding supplements (ie. Protein)!
These companies may not have a legal obligation to warn their customers but they do have a moral obligation if they are aware of the rules.
They DO have a list on their site for importing various substances in different countries:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/help/interproduct.htm
Dairy and egg products probably make up 90% or the bulk of all supplement products, so why should they omit this information and list specialist products like 'KAVA KAVA' or '5-HTP'.
By omitting the fact that dairy and egg products are banned from import to the UK then the information they do provide is misleading.
I know that the consumer should be aware of the rules before placing an order. But if a website is targeting UK consumers via Google adwords and via UK websites then they should take more responsibility to inform customers that ordering any dairy / egg products from their website are actually banned from import to the UK.
Why take orders from Uk customers knowing for well that the product you are about to ship them are banned?
Why not take the time to update 1 line of text on a web page (about 5 minutes work) to warn Uk customers about dairy/egg products?
Is it because that placing such a warning would prevent 90% of their products being sold to UK customers?
Wow.
One of the first things I noticed was :
VERY IMPORTANT: We cannot be responsible for any customs restrictions, tariffs, or other regulations that may apply in countries outside the United States. If you have any questions, we encourage you to speak with your customs office, although we will ship any products you order to the address you provide.
The laws are different in every country and we cannot keep up with them all. The responsibility is yours to check with your country's Customs office to see if your country allows the shipment of products you ordered (or wish to order) to your country.
This seems pretty fair.
_____________________________
5'9"
March 23rd: 189lbs
BF: 20% BF
http://sheep-manland.myminicity.com/ind
(in reply to mjguy)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/28/2008 1:51:51 PM
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jiff7210
Posts: 18
Joined: 4/7/2008
Status: offline
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haha, how funny. I live in England as well. But I'm an American stationed over here in the Military. I order all my supps from the U.S. Haven't ever had a problem. But I dont think it's shipped the same way as yours. That sucks, i couldnt imagine buying supplements having to pay the ridiculous exchange rate with the pound.
(in reply to The Sheep Man)
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RE: UK customs seize goods from Bodybuilding.com - 4/29/2008 9:57:04 AM
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crunch
Posts: 242
Joined: 1/16/2008
Status: offline
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This is weird i was just on the phone to a supplement store and the man was telling me a story about a guy who ordered 6 tubs on NO Xplode off bodybuilding.com same as you got the information notice a cusom fine and now faces a court hearing as they believed he was going to traffic them!!! its crazy sh*t
BTW mjguy try discount-supplements.co.uk its great and arrives at your front door the next day:D
_____________________________
Age: 15
Weight: 167 pounds
Height: 6'1
Bodybuilding for:14 months
Supplements:whey protein (Optimum.Nutrition Choc. Mint)
Vivioptal Active Multi Vitamin
Fish oil tablets
Aims for June:Do savage in my exmas!!
"Rome wasnt built in a day"
(in reply to jiff7210)
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