So, I ordered two pens from Japan, both from the same seller. One lovely Platinum Izumo Tagayasan Gloss, which I received yesterday and the other a Sailor 1911L Demonstrator that was initially due to arrive tomorrow.
This morning when checking the tracking, I noticed that the second package is held up on initial entrance into the United States due to the need to examine for the Toxic Substance Control Act.
Note that the first pen, with it's included, single ink cartridge, purchased from the same seller in Japan, did not need any further examination and it arrived to me without any delay. Both pens were shipped initially via Japan's "Kuronekoyamato" service with a transfer to UPS.
No doubt that the second pen only has the included Sailor single ink cartridge as well. I did not order any ink, nor could I imagine that there is, (there had better not be!) any ink or cartridge inside the pen.
I just now received as call from UPS requesting my e-mail address so that I could sign a Customs document for them so that they can release the pen.
Now, the first pen had complete documentation from the experienced seller with it and I have no doubt that the second pen does too so .....what gives?
Has anyone experienced this before? I have ordered several pens from Japan as well as Europe and have never had anything like this occur. Furthermore, why would a fountain pen be subject to this act even if an ink cartridge or bottle(s) of ink were in the package?
I guess that I just find this an oddity but after all.............there is Customs involvement so....?!?!?!?!
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