Customs Problems with the Crack

[Jesse0403]

Regarding the contact details: I just thought about it and have an idea why they are complaining about this.

I would guess that like 90% of the packages arent bought from the manufacturer itself but from some sort of dealer like Amazon. This way the address on the outside and the address on the invoice wouldnt tell you anything about the manufacturer.

Now the reaction of this dense official is starting to make sense to me!
I guess he thought that you were some sort of dealer and just importing this stuff from China. I actually told him the opposite. Maybe I wasnt clear enough, but I guess these people only hear what they want to hear.

I have to say: What an utter id***!

[SpeedyDad]

It's great how you take the whole thing because you have every reason to be upset. If you don't mind, feel free to upload their reasoning. Maybe we can glean something from it so Bottlehead can take steps to address the issues German customs have. I can't imagine that it's just the cable, but if that in fact is the sore spot, there would be an easy fix. Did they give you any guidance as to what you should do to properly import the Crack?

[Jesse0403]

I just received it in the mail.

I will translate their reasoning that they stated on page 2. It begins with the sentence after the ticked box:

"Devices which are regulated by the EMVG (Law for the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic devices - EMV-guideline 2004/108/EG) (for example household electronics, electronic tools, lighting devices, IT devices, entertainment electronic):
-The product is missing the CE-mark (EMVG §18)
-The product is missing details about the manufacturer (EMVG §9(2)) or the importer (EMVG §12 (1)). Because of this commisioning is not allowed.
-A German manual is missing (especially with a guide for safe first time commisioning)- thus the manufacturer withholds critical information for the safe and proper use of the product (EMVG §19).

Concluding I ultimately deny your request for release of the goods for free circulation."

I want to go over these quickly.
1.CE-Mark:
It has to be the cable. As said, the official of the Bundesnetzagentur told me that you dont need such documents for parts like cables (without termination), capacitors, resistors and so on.
2.Contact details of the manufacturer:
As I also said before, this is non-sense because the manufacturer is also the sender. Thus you already have the contact details.
3.German manual is missing:
I mean, 99% of the people under the age of 60 can speak English here, so it doesnt have to be in German. Additionally I already have the manual and it is also included on the CD.

Overall the only valid point they have is the cable and I told them on more than one occasion that they can just throw it in the trash.
The rest of the arguments are simply false.

I am already filing a complaint against my customs office. Wont change anything, but I need to tell someone who is responsible there about this idiocy.

[Pohly]

Update from the German customs

Today I was able to receive my crack from the customs. They had sent fotos of the parts (including the tubes) to the BUNDESNETZAGENTUR. Their conclusion was that the US power cord is not importable and must be deleted. This was okay for me and I gladly received the rest of the kit. They did not give me their internal communication with the BUNDESNETZAGENTUR but on my short view there was written that there was no documentation, but in my case this was not crucial.

Best wishes
Pohly

btw I payed about 20% taxes not only on the kit but also on the 150$ shipping fee. I.e. about 180$ for shipping only..

[Jesse0403]

Alright, I am starting to think they are just pranking me.
I mean, the same product is presented to the same authority and the decisions are completely different, although the circumstances are identical (they told me that they also sent a photo of the contents). These people really dont seem to know what they are doing.

Dont get me wrong Pohly, I am glad that you could receive your Crack but it makes me understand my situation even less.

[SpeedyDad]

Isn't the CE certification required for every single part? That was my understanding. The other points they make are problematic, I agree. The underlying regulations are mainly thought to protect the consumer, who in this case does not need protecting. I think an argument could be made that except for the actual technical issues (electromagnetic compliance, etc.) the regulation is designed for a different scenario (a third party importing electronic products that will then be sold on the European market to consumers). You could probably try to fight it if you think it's worth your time. Sorry you are dealing with this.

[Jesse0403]

Yeah, after re-reading their arguments it also came to my mind that they are mostly wrong or weak.

I wrote an "Einspruch" a day after the I got the letter (see down below). I know that this is not very well written (I corrected the typos before sending it) but maybe it will be enough to convince them.

And I was also thinking, the CE-mark has to be on every electrical component. The official from the Bundesnetzagentur told me that this not the case though. So my guess is the reason why they still list it as an argument has to be the cable.

[Jesse0403]

I just got a response for my objection and of course it has been denied again.

On the positive side I can now confirm the reason that lead to this decision. I will include the letter that I received.

The only point that was made here is that I need a manual in German. The official said that there was no way I could import the good without this and because the German manual is missing it is obvious "that the manufacturer doesnt intend the product to be used outside the US". Of course I dont agree with this.

I was thinking about translating the whole manual myself and sending it to him but this would be too much work and would also be uncertain, if I get my parcel in this case.