Expert: Michael A. Zakkour - 10/21/2008

Question
My 24 year old daughter has relocated to China to teach English in Shenzhen.

She specifically had wanted to hold off bringing her laptop computer because she wanted to get a new one and she was uncertain about lugging it around along with her suitcase and other carry on.

So as a present, we bought her a new laptop and shipped it by UPS.  We also sent a few other things, including some new linens and some over-the-counter medications to treat diarrhea and cough and cold symptoms.  The total value of this care package was $2200 USD, 2000 of which was the computer.

But Chinese officials are not letting her have it - apparently concerned that she will re-sell items.

Any ideas or recourse?  We are upset that we had not been given any cautions about shipping things from UPS (or my daughter's employer.

Thanks.

Answer
Hello David.

I am sorry to hear of this.  Sadly it is not uncommon.  With Chinese customs it can be a crap shoot.

The best advice I can offer is this:

Prepare a formal statement to them that it is not for commerical purposes as it is only one computer for your daughter.  Point our that you have teh same names.

If this does not work you will have to bite the bullet, declare it as commercial aqnd pay the duty they ask.

Please let me know if you need more help and how things work out.

Yours in Beijing,

Michael