Clearance of mailed tapes

Press, 12 November 1985, Page 16

Clearance of mailed tapes

Sir,—Each week I receive a tape from a friend in Brisbane. He receives my tape the same week I post it. The last two tapes received by me took two weeks and three weeks respectively. Why does it take so long for tapes to be cleared by our Customs? The dates were: posted Brisbane October 4, received October 15; and October 6, received October 24. Surely the tapes could be processed within a week. I understand I am not the only person who has had tapes held up. — Yours, etc., STUART BURNS. October 29, 1985.

[The Collector of Customs, Mr R. G. Allison, replies: “It is the practice to examine postal packets on a random basis for enclosures such as dutiable goods, duplicate receipts or prohibited imports. Video tapes are one such item examined. Priority is given to this function; however, there is usually a resultant delay of up to four working days in the release of parcels. This may appear excessive to your correspondent but as examining facilities are remote from the. Postal Centre this is the minimum possible delay. Records held by this department indicate such a delay in release of tapes to Mr Burns, and also indicate, in at least one instance, a span of almost two

weeks from stated time of posting to receipt at the Customs Parcels Branch. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on any alleged delays in the postal system. I also understand this matter has been discussed by your correspondent with one of my officers.”]