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i purchased an alligator hand bag that has been confiscated by customs.. how can i get it back??
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United States State (if USA): New York Already Tried: prepared a cites document
Hi,My name is XXXXX XXXXX X'd be happy to answer your questions today. I'm sorry to hear that this happened.We have recently implemented a new payment and feedback system. Please be aware that you are rating my courtesy and service as a professional, and not whether the answer supports your legal position. If you have any questions at all, or there is anything I can clarify for you, please bypass the rating system and click “Continue the Conversation” or "Reply". Choosing either of the lowest two options reflects poorly on me (and not the law), so please reply to me if there is anything I can do to help before choosing those options. I appreciate your patience while we work out the kinks.Unfortunately, products made with alligator are prohibited. They may not be brought into the United States. When Immigrations and Customs seizes a prohibited item, there isn't a way to have it released to you. The fact that you didn't know that it was illegal isn't an exception, so the government will not return the item or reimburse you for the money that you spent on the bag. I apologize, as the Customs and Border Service's website is not operating properly, but they do have a full list of prohibited items here. Hopefully, the site will be available soon.http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xmlIn the meantime, this site also has a list of prohibited items.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/what-items-are-prohibited-by-customs.html?id=2567012I apologize that this was probably not the Answer you were hoping to receive. However, it would be unfair to you and unprofessional of me were I to provide you with anything less than truthful and honest information. I hope you understand.Good luck.
Hello Lucy ,
I'm sorry. I thought you meant that you were trying to carry it through Customs with you. Are you talking about something you bought online? Or an item that was legally imported that you happened to carry with you when you left?
thank you for your reply, it was purchased in the states shipped to me and then i shipped it out of the us.. it wasnt with me
Where was it going?
kingdom of bahrain..
If it was imported legally, and you have the documentation, you should be able to send it out of the country, unless it's also prohibited in Bahrain. In that case, it would be confiscated, which may be what happened. If they're seizing the item, then they should notify you that it's being seized, and give you an opportunity to present evidence showing that the handbag is legal (that's required by due process). Carefully read through everything they sent you and see if there is anything about a hearing, a request, an appeal, or anything like that. If not, you can try calling on Monday to find out what's going on, or you can submit an online complaint (which can be done now). https://help.cbp.gov/app/forms/complaint/session/L3NpZC85UDFfel9faw%3D%3D/kw/confiscated%20items/p/0/c/0Hopefully, it won't be necessary to file suit (and go to D.C.) to sue the Customs Service. You should be able to work it out without getting that far.
Experience: Lawyer