How is the green machine online shipping?

[I3raven]

They don't have documentation.

[somewhatshocked]

My point was that you may have to call them internationally if they're not responding to messages. Since it's already been shipped, that obviously won't help.

At this point, you're at the whim of customs. Though, take note: if it clears and arrives at your home, that doesn't mean you (or anyone else) should order an item like that internationally without proper documentation in the future. And it doesn't mean it's tank-safe. Be sure to clean it, soak it in some RO/DI water for an extended period and test the water it sits in regularly for things that could be potentially toxic.

Originally Posted by I3raven

It's been "despatched" since the 2/21/13. I can't call them by phone because its not available from here. It takes so long for them to reply, up to 3-4 days. So if anyone is wanting to buy from them, be patient with emails.

[I3raven]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

My point was that you may have to call them internationally if they're not responding to messages. Since it's already been shipped, that obviously won't help.

At this point, you're at the whim of customs. Though, take note: if it clears and arrives at your home, that doesn't mean you (or anyone else) should order an item like that internationally without proper documentation in the future. And it doesn't mean it's tank-safe. Be sure to clean it, soak it in some RO/DI water for an extended period and test the water it sits in regularly for things that could be potentially toxic.

Do you think it's too late to contact customs at this point? The greenmachine online refused to refund since it wasn't their fault. I'm trying to research how to rid of pesticides if it does get sprayed. The customs from the website said they either heat treat or use pesticides. Thanks for responding and keeping up with my posts. I'll update when the package comes..

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi I3raven,

First of all the the good news is that since the website sells to the aquarium hobbyist it is unlikely the wood is treated with insecticides.

That said, importing plant material (including aquatic plants, wood, leaves, etc) without the proper certificates and documentation is not responsible behavior. Some of the worst diseases and pests including Dutch Elm Disease, 1000 Cankers Disease, and Japanese Beetles that threaten our beautiful native forests all 'hitchhiked' to the US on plants and wood products. That is why our US Government requires inspections and certificates. If a shipment is improperly documented, and is caught by US Customs, the goods are confiscated and fines may be issued to the individuals that imported the items. It is the buyer / importer (you and me) that are required to know the laws and insure that shipments are properly documented.

I am not trying to scare you but I would encourage you to be responsible and not to order plants or plant material like wood or leaves from overseas in the future.

[I3raven]

Originally Posted by Seattle_Aquarist

Hi I3raven,

First of all the the good news is that since the website sells to the aquarium hobbyist it is unlikely the wood is treated with insecticides.

That said, importing plant material (including aquatic plants, wood, leaves, etc) without the proper certificates and documentation is not responsible behavior. Some of the worst diseases and pests including Dutch Elm Disease, 1000 Cankers Disease, and Japanese Beetles that threaten our beautiful native forests all 'hitchhiked' to the US on plants and wood products. That is why our US Government requires inspections and certificates. If a shipment is improperly documented, and is caught by US Customs, the goods are confiscated and fines may be issued to the individuals that imported the items. It is the buyer / importer (you and me) that are required to know the laws and insure that shipments are properly documented.

I am not trying to scare you but I would encourage you to be responsible and not to order plants or plant material like wood or leaves from overseas in the future.

Oh that's a relief, I thought the US customs must require all wood to be sprayed if there isn't any documentation provided. This is my first international purchase of wood and I did not know such laws existed, but ignorance is not an excuse in the society we live in today. Thanks for the information you provided, I found it hard and tedious to find the information on customs.

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi I3raven,

We all make mistakes, and I certainly have made my fair share. The key for me has been to learn from my mistakes and try not to repeat them.

Let's hope your wood arrives safely. When it arrives I strongly suggest boiling it for 5 minutes. If it doesn't all fit in the largest pot you can find in the kitchen; flip it around and boil a section at a time - each section for 5 minutes. Let us know how things turn out.

[I3raven]

Originally Posted by Seattle_Aquarist

Hi I3raven,

We all make mistakes, and I certainly have made my fair share. The key for me has been to learn from my mistakes and try not to repeat them.

Let's hope your wood arrives safely. When it arrives I strongly suggest boiling it for 5 minutes. If it doesn't all fit in the largest pot you can find in the kitchen; flip it around and boil a section at a time - each section for 5 minutes. Let us know how things turn out.

Well said, I hope the package arrives today.

[somewhatshocked]

Pesticides come in on the customs front - not from the seller.

Though, since the wood did not originate in the US - and likely not even the UK - you'll want to take extra care to make sure it hasn't been treated with anything.

A five-minute boil won't accomplish much. You'll want to do something for an extended period of time, likely outdoors, if possible.

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi All,

I have not heard of nor am I aware of the US Customs nor USDA treating incoming shipments from overseas; it is not in their charter which is to inspect incoming goods, verify documentation, and collect duties. Properly treating a shipment and providing the appropriate documentation is the responsibility of the shipper/buyer. If products arrive and are discovered not be as described and/or improperly documented they are confiscated and destroyed and an advisory letter / postcard warning is is mailed to the individual that was to receive the shipment; one GSAS member received a visit from the USDA.

[I3raven]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Pesticides come in on the customs front - not from the seller.

Though, since the wood did not originate in the US - and likely not even the UK - you'll want to take extra care to make sure it hasn't been treated with anything.

A five-minute boil won't accomplish much. You'll want to do something for an extended period of time, likely outdoors, if possible.

I'll boil it for half a day in the outdoors to make sure it sinks and rid of nasties. When the wood comes, does the customs leave a note saying they treated it? Thanks.

[I3raven]

Originally Posted by Seattle_Aquarist

Hi All,

I have not heard of nor am I aware of the US Customs nor USDA treating incoming shipments from overseas; it is not in their charter which is to inspect incoming goods, verify documentation, and collect duties. Properly treating a shipment and providing the appropriate documentation is the responsibility of the shipper/buyer. If products arrive and are discovered not be as described and/or improperly documented they are confiscated and destroyed and an advisory letter / postcard warning is is mailed to the individual that was to receive the shipment; one GSAS member received a visit from the USDA.

So my wood I ordered will be confiscated and destroyed? And how many days/weeks should I give it before calling it "confiscated".

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi I3raven,

I have ordered 'dry goods' (filters, glassware, etc) from overseas and typically it takes a couple of weeks or so for it to arrive. Like I said, if it is confiscated a letter or postcard is usually sent out to the addressee.

[I3raven]

Originally Posted by Seattle_Aquarist

Hi I3raven,

I have ordered 'dry goods' (filters, glassware, etc) from overseas and typically it takes a couple of weeks or so for it to arrive. Like I said, if it is confiscated a letter or postcard is usually sent out to the addressee.

So it's really a 50/50 chance, I guess I'll wait 1-2 weeks before asking for my money back if the wood doesn't arrive.

[crazydog64]

Originally Posted by I3raven

So it's really a 50/50 chance, I guess I'll wait 1-2 weeks before asking for my money back if the wood doesn't arrive.

If the wood is confiscated/destroyed I highly doubt you will be getting your money back.

[I3raven]

Originally Posted by crazydog64

If the wood is confiscated/destroyed I highly doubt you will be getting your money back.

Yeah, I found out today, that they are not refunding for damages, lost items, and, confiscations. Buyers at fault.