A few minutes ago, a deliveryman knocked on our door with a letter from the Australian Customs Service. We were really excited, thinking it was a notice to inform us that our long overdue shipment is ready to be sent to our home.
Here's what the letter said:
RE: One(1) Electric Fly Swat
Please find enclosed a Seizure Notice in respect of the above goods withheld from you at Melbourne on 23rd of Nov 2006, and Seized by Customs.
The importation of electronic fly swatters is prohibited under Item 12 of Schedule 2 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and therefore subject to the seizure provisions of Section 203 of the Customs Act 1901.
While the prohibited import regulations provide for the Minister to grant permission to import electronic fly swatters he is concerned about the potential harmful effects to people and animals if the goods are used inappropriately. As a result of his concerns, which are supported by independent technical research, the Minister has declined to grant permission to import such goods.
In this instance seizure action will be taken, however you should be aware that it is an offence to import these goods without a permit under s233(1)(b) of the Customs Act.
No action is required by you, with regard to the enclosed Notice, unless you intend to make a claim for recovery of the goods.
Yours faithfully,
XX for Supervisor, Cargo Examinations
Lessons Learnt
1. Aus Customs is serious about what you bring into the country. To find the fly swatter, they had to have examined every single one of our 67 boxes.
2. Don't bring in your own fly swatter. Just get one from the shops here. (We'd thought we were being forward-thinking by bringing our own, since summer is when flies go on the offensive!).
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