Argentina shipping nightmare
 

I left my moto in Bueno Aires to have the motor rebuilt and flew back to the US. I ordered all of the necessary new parts and shipped them via DHL to Bueno Aires. Customs will not let them into the country, stating the parts are used, even though they are still in original packages, have a packing list and all documents state parts are new. DHL Argentina states they cannot do anything. The mechanic cannot get anywhere with customs or DHL. They want $500 US to send them back (it was $188 to ship there). Without the parts the bike obviously cannot be repaired or driven out of the country in the timeframe I was given. It seems clear either customs (and DHL Argentina ) are lazy, ignorant, or want a bribe. I cannot do anything about the first 2 and, even if I wanted to, I cannot do the third from here in the US. Any suggestions?

Strange thing to hear
 

Many travellers have picked up spare parts from the "correo internacional" in Retiro.Probably you had to go to DHL in town?There is no issue with used spareparts.What you and i couldn´t import are used bikes!!!!At least permanently......
Hire a lawyer and put some pressure.Try again nicely first.How bad is your castellano?(spanish).Isn´t there may be some issue,hahaha
Where in BA are you?
PM me.
KH

I am in the USA
 

I am fairly helpless to do anything from here and aduana and DHL know it. The parts are motor parts for a Harley- I would not put in used parts even if available. I have used parts in the moto-that's the problem!

Consulate
 

I have emailed the Argentine Consulate here, I will try the American Consulate in Argentina. I was going to carry the parts on the plane on my return flight, but the mechanic wanted them ASAP to get the work done. You can bet I regret shipping them . Thanks for the info.

Hire a customs broker.

Broker
 

Well, DHL was supposed act as the broker but instead the Argentina unit sits on their thumbs whining that they cannot (read:won't) do anything. The package only has small gaskets, bearings, bushings,etc. It is hard to see why they even targeted it.

On who´s name was the box sent?
 

Remember that only the person whos destinatary can pick up the box.Did you send it with the mecanics name?
Otherwise big trouble.
Good luck

pressure on DHL
 

Totally agree.
Where it might be difficult for you to arrange things in Buenos Aires,
you can start to make life difficult for your local DHL agent.
They claim to do fast and trouble-free worldwide deliveries, so let them keep their promise!
If there are any problems regarding import-rules they should have warned you before the shipment, i assume.
It might help when you tell DHL you will cancel your payment and that you'll also want your spare parts back or refunded.
Just try everything to make them contact their Argentinian office to get them to do their job.

Good luck and hope you'll succeed soon!

regards,

gerbie

I have found a USA DHL employee who has promised to take it up the line. We shall see. The package was addressed to the mechanic. A suspicious thing (besides customs claiming the parts are new) is that the mechanic received a note from DHL saying they could ship it back to me for $500 ( 2 1/2 times the original shipping cost). I am starting to feel I am the victim of blatant extortion. The HUBB replies have been helpful- thanks and keep them coming.

We are following the example from the north!
 

George
What an accurate view!Yes The current president is immitating your president.
What i don´t see up today is that argentina has´nt build a wall to a neighbor country.Or may be taking half other country too.
How much did you pay to "liberate" your bike from the customs?
You see we do our homework better now here in the south.Banana republic,hahahahaha no sir.Of course many bike tourists(not travellers) behave like in one.
Hals und Beinbruch mein Freund.
Now you now why we love americans(north).
Mucha suerte y cuidate!
Nos vemos

Martin
Miah had a similar problem few months a go.
Your packet probably is in Airport custom . The thing is that is not allow to bring spare parts, if you want to do it you need import it. That means pay import taxes .Because you will use them here anyway that later you take the bike outside the Country.
The one to be consigned the packet has to go to Custom at the cargo Area and pay the import taxes to pick up your parts. That’s all.
I did it with the things that Jeremiah St Our’s wife send to him with federal express.
It take us less than one day.
If you need a hand told to the one who are consigned the packet to call us.
Saludos.

Sandra & Javier…
www.DakarMotos.com

Javier, thanks for the response. My wife and I loved Argentina and thats why it is especially disappointing we may not have a repaired bike to go back to in Enero. The duties are $60 and the mechanic was willing to pay it but was told he still would not get the parts. If only aduana would take the time to realize their position is hurting Argentine people,too- the mechanic who may lose the rebuild job and its big labor charge and even you, as I still had the intention of purchasing that Sahara 3 rear and some shop time. As you may remember, my bike is a Harley so I took it to Juan Carlos Petrizzo of Petrizzo Motors, a short distance from the H-D shop, on the same road. Apparently, he feels he does not have the time or perhaps ability to haggle with aduana, even at the risk of losing a big job. Any help you could provide, even the email of someone higher up in aduana, would be helpful (although I cannot write in Spanish).
As for others who want to knock a country or profess your political views, please do not hijack my thread-get your own. I am here to work out a moto related problem; if you can't help do not waste space on this thread.

Javier
 

If you do not mind, I would like to give your phone number to Petrizzo in hopes he might call for advice on what to do. His number is 011 4793 9779. Any help anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated. I wonder if a mechanic went to aduana, asked them to open the package and declared the parts are new,would aduana be forced to admit their mistake and release the parts?
Martin

Martín
Ask to Juan Carlos to call me on the week time to my Workshop phone: 4730-0586 to see if both together can resolve something....
Sorry for answer F… Gringo post, my patriotic instinct was powerful than my little “Sudaca” brain. I promise I will try to control both..
Saludos.

Javier…
www.DakarMotos.com

Javier
 

No apologies,por favor. My remarks were NOT at all directed towards you, but at Gringo. Your country was very hospitable to us and I am glad you defended it. Now, about the aduana mess, I will encourage Juan Carlos (actually his wife, Mercedes, who has been the one calling aduana and DHL) to call you at the shop. Thank you. Petrizzo has a group of classic moto riders (not just Harley) that you may be interested in, if you like old motos. Martin