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Thread: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

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    Default "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    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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    Senior Member jar's Avatar
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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    It all depends on what exactly is written on the customs document. Sign the form and return it and consider this a normal possibility when ordering or shipping across borders.

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    EHV (April 6th, 2017)

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    Compare it to a policeman with a radar gun along a major highway. He cannot enforce the speed limit against every speeding vehicle, so he picks as many as he can.

    Fred

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    I had it happen to me once before. I had to contact someone (I forget who) but it didn't end up being a big delay. I was told that the customs form should specify the pen is being shipped empty and without ink to avoid future delays. There are some inks that contain (or used to contain) prohibited substances which is what customs is checking for.

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    EHV (April 6th, 2017)

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    Quote Originally Posted by mulrich View Post
    I had it happen to me once before. I had to contact someone (I forget who) but it didn't end up being a big delay. I was told that the customs form should specify the pen is being shipped empty and without ink to avoid future delays. There are some inks that contain (or used to contain) prohibited substances which is what customs is checking for.
    This is what I was thinking. If the vendor listed the chemical composition of the ink instead of simply "fountain pen ink" it would certainly draw skepticism at the customs office.

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    Two issues I have had in the past involved a listing of "ink reservoir" and "ink bottle". Both were resolved by simply checking a box that said there were no prohibited items.

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    Sounds like random screening. Nothing to worry about.

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    This just happened to me for a package that contained a pen (and not ink). If they see "pen" on the form, they assume there's ink in it.

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    Your seller probably ships contraband to the US and got your package mixed up with another package. Customs got a hit on the package and will arrest you when you come to claim the box, toss you in the slammer, and throw away the key.

    Or it is just a random screening and nothing to worry about...

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    EHV (April 6th, 2017)

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    All good and valid points but interestingly, the seller's form was carefully and logically filled out to state no toxic substances, no ink in the pen and one separate ink cartridge. All of this is exactly what I filled out on the UPS form and signed. Thankfully, the package was released quickly but I just don't see what all of this was necessary for if they already had the info that they needed.

    Sadly, Farmboy was correct and I type this from a jail cell after the Feds did indeed find serious contraband in the package and proceeded to hunt me down and arrest me. I did manage to hide a pen in my sock and I am now attempting to pick the lock on the cell door to no avail. Dang gold nibs are too soft. :-)





    Quote Originally Posted by Farmboy View Post
    Your seller probably ships contraband to the US and got your package mixed up with another package. Customs got a hit on the package and will arrest you when you come to claim the box, toss you in the slammer, and throw away the key.

    Or it is just a random screening and nothing to worry about...

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    Bet you wish you bought a Waterman with a keyhole nib...

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    You ain't kidding! :-)


    Quote Originally Posted by Farmboy View Post
    Bet you wish you bought a Waterman with a keyhole nib...

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    Quote Originally Posted by EHV View Post
    Sadly, Farmboy was correct and I type this from a jail cell after the Feds did indeed find serious contraband in the package and proceeded to hunt me down and arrest me. I did manage to hide a pen in my sock and I am now attempting to pick the lock on the cell door to no avail. Dang gold nibs are too soft. :-)
    At least you still have Internet access.

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    EHV (April 7th, 2017)

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    Quote Originally Posted by mulrich View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by EHV View Post
    Sadly, Farmboy was correct and I type this from a jail cell after the Feds did indeed find serious contraband in the package and proceeded to hunt me down and arrest me. I did manage to hide a pen in my sock and I am now attempting to pick the lock on the cell door to no avail. Dang gold nibs are too soft. :-)
    At least you still have Internet access.
    Only between taking credit cards numbers since they farmed out the online order function to the Department of Corrections.

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    So when you say you're in the pen, you're being literal?

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    Default Re: "Toxic Substance Control Act" (Pen Related)

    Yes....happened to me about 2 months ago. Just check the "No" box and be on your way. It's a random thing.

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