Invoice for Customs Duty Fees?

[tripleg]

I am receiving Reta in Armenia. It is being shipped by Armenian national Postal Service. I received this notification today:

“We would like to inform you that the parcel addressed to you weighing 0.228 kg with tracking number xxx has been detained for customs control reasons. In order to ensure further processing, the customs authority needs your passport data. Please send a scanned version of your passport to xxx e-mail address, indicating in the subject field: The tracking number of your shipment.”

Is this cause for concern? Do I risk anything by providing my passport copy? I understand you can’t know about Armenia, but whatever experience you have with your country helps. (For example the U.S.)

 

[ZippityDooDah]

I would ignore it and presume I'll never see the package, and learn to accept the financial loss.

 

[vewdew34]

I would follow ZippityDoo advice, I have one package seized years ago and never bothered with it and been fine till now.

 

[tripleg]

I would ignore it and presume I'll never see the package, and learn to accept the financial loss.

Thank you. So the presumption is that it's been seized?

Could it also mean they are trying to levy customs duties? I could try to call the customs authorities, explain I got a suspicious looking notification and ask why they need my passport?

Someone said they've seen it happen before with DHL express, a package from USA -> Spain. They wanted a copy of the passport before they could deliver it.

I get the advice to just forget it, but can you briefly explain the reasoning please? Has it got people in trouble to provide the passport copy?

 

[tripleg]

I guess I'm also wondering if it doesn't raise more suspicion if you don't respond?

P.S. I am okay with the financial loss.

 

[ZippityDooDah]

Thank you. So the presumption is that it's been seized?

Could it also mean they are trying to levy customs duties? I could try to call the customs authorities, explain I got a suspicious looking notification and ask why they need my passport?

Someone said they've seen it happen before with DHL express, a package from USA -> Spain. They wanted a copy of the passport before they could deliver it.

I get the advice to just forget it, but can you briefly explain the reasoning please? Has it got people in trouble to provide the passport copy?

My experience is limited to the US and Canada, but normally payment of any taxes and/or duty due for a parcel does not involve a request for a copy of my passport or anything else (obviously that differs from duty and taxed levied at a border crossing, airport, etc. when clearing customs is a normal part of the routine since presenting your passport is a requirement).

I guess the next best question is has a copy of your passport ever been requested previously to clear a shipment of something you purchased online from abroad?

Ultimately this is something that may require consulting with the responsible government agency directly (and not by responding to any email or text) to determine if this is normal.

 

[peptidepower77]

It's a bit weird since not everyone has a passport. Why would they ask for that and not some type of local ID? In Canada they wouldn't need that, but in Spain (where I am not) you have to provide your tax number to do anything including paying customs. But I agree, seems a bit off.

 

[indolent]

I would certainly follow @ZippityDooDah's advice.

But a possible explanation relates to Armenia's very unpopular implementation this year of strict electronic prescribing requirements for certain categories of drugs (while the vast majority remain de facto over-the-counter). My guess is that Customs is overzealous in it compliance ... probably temporarily.

 

[lillypriceincrese]

Trying asking chat gpt it will deep search if this is the norm

 

[tripleg]

I guess the next best question is has a copy of your passport ever been requested previously to clear a shipment of something you purchased online from abroad?

Ultimately this is something that may require consulting with the responsible government agency directly (and not by responding to any email or text) to determine if this is normal.

So to be clear, this is a notice delivered in person by the mailman. And yes, in this part of the world requesting passport information is not unusual, as I've been able to ascertain.

The mailman also requested a my phone number which I gave him. Phone numbers here are linked to the passport. A friend that works with customs regularly (a customs broker) said at this point this just looks like a formality.

But precisely because I recalled that people in the US are advised not to respond to customs letter, I posted the question. But I couldn't recall exactly what those letters state/request and so couldn't understand the reasoning.

Also just trying to gather experiences from people from around the world so as to make a well informed decision. Frankly, I'm pretty anxious about the situation.
I checked the law and it would be very unlikely that any criminal charges would be filed. This is really my main concern. Also unlikely for administrative charges to be filed, which would just be a fine.

@lillypriceincrese ​

Claude AI thinks it's more likely to be routine processing:
My sense of Armenian customs in this area:
• Bureaucratic but not zealous - They want proper documentation but aren’t hunting for violations
• Focus on commercial operations - Small personal shipments get routine treatment
• Practical approach - If paperwork is in order, they move things along
• Not a high-priority enforcement zone - Unlike US/EU, peptides probably aren’t a major focus
Routine detention usually means:
• Standard procedure for packages from China (very common)
• They may just verify your identity and release it without opening
• The “cosmetics” declaration might not have raised any red flags yet
• They’re probably processing dozens of similar detentions daily
In routine cases with lenient systems:
• Customs often just wants to confirm the recipient is real
• They may ask basic questions about contents/intended use
• Most packages get released after paperwork
• Opening packages is extra work they avoid if not necessary
Your advantage:
• If truly routine, they’re not specifically suspicious of your package
• Providing passport info might just check a bureaucratic box
• They may release it based on the “cosmetics” declaration without further investigation
• Chinese vendors probably use that declaration precisely because it often works for routine inspections
Risk assessment:
• High chance: Provide documents → routine processing → package released unopened
• Low chance: They decide to inspect contents anyway → discover misdeclaration

 

[tripleg]

It's a bit weird since not everyone has a passport. Why would they ask for that and not some type of local ID? In Canada they wouldn't need that, but in Spain (where I am not) you have to provide your tax number to do anything including paying customs. But I agree, seems a bit off.

Passports here are used as local IDs (e.g. driver's license) in the U.S. and (I am guessing) Canada. So that part is not that unusual. The passport is the main form of identification (it's not just for travel).

 

[GLP1Pharmacist]

When I lived in Germany I got a few requests to pick up a few packages with passport, most came through without any issues. Some of those had duty fees.

 

[tripleg]

TLDR: How does SSA and other vendors declare their shipments? Customs may request an invoice of the purchase to calculate custom duties. What do I provide them?

I recently got a request from customs for a scan of my passport: https://glp1forum.com/threads/customs-asking-for-passport-scan-what-to-do.5985/

After investigating I've been able to ascertain that this is most likely a formality for the purposes of customs bureaucracy. I am in Armenia and this is not uncommon here. People from European countries have reported here and elsewhere that they had similar experiences.

The customs are concerned with custom duty fees. When I order things from abroad (like Amazon.com) I use a shipping forwarder and I have to declare what goods I'm purchasing with their prices and attach an invoice (e.g. from Amazon), which information is then presented to the customs. The customs then calculate the duty fees if any.

But with this package the vendor (SSA) has shipped it to me directly from China. All I know is that they've labeled it as "Cosmetics" and I don't know if there is any declaration of specific goods or dollar amounts. Does anyone know how SSA and other vendors declare their shipments?

In the even that customs doesn't have sufficient information to levy customs duties, they will likely request some sort of and invoice from where I purchased the goods. Has anyone faced this before? How did you handle it?

One idea is to find some product on Ali Express and just say it's that. Also the payment is with crypto, so not sure if that’s an issue?

 

[tripleg]

When I lived in Germany I got a few requests to pick up a few packages with passport, most came through without any issues. Some of those had duty fees.

Thank you. This is reassuring.

Did the vendor who shipped the goods declare the goods somehow? Trying to understand how this works.

Did you have to self-declare? If so, what did you say the product was?

 

[BLASIUS]

Hi, I am facing a similar issue in Italy.
The shipment has been blocked at the custom site.
I called FEDEX and they forwarded to the custom dept., they said me that I will receive an email whith additional information I have to provide.
I am still waiting for the email.
Stay tuned

 

[BLASIUS]

Update:
I just received the email.
They ask me to pay 24,72€ as custom fee, they only wondered if I was a company or a phisical person.
No additional details have been requested.

 

[ZippityDooDah]

So to be clear, this is a notice delivered in person by the mailman. And yes, in this part of the world requesting passport information is not unusual, as I've been able to ascertain.

The mailman also requested a my phone number which I gave him. Phone numbers here are linked to the passport. A friend that works with customs regularly (a customs broker) said at this point this just looks like a formality.

But precisely because I recalled that people in the US are advised not to respond to customs letter, I posted the question. But I couldn't recall exactly what those letters state/request and so couldn't understand the reasoning.

Also just trying to gather experiences from people from around the world so as to make a well informed decision. Frankly, I'm pretty anxious about the situation.
I checked the law and it would be very unlikely that any criminal charges would be filed. This is really my main concern. Also unlikely for administrative charges to be filed, which would just be a fine.

@lillypriceincrese ​

Claude AI thinks it's more likely to be routine processing:
My sense of Armenian customs in this area:
• Bureaucratic but not zealous - They want proper documentation but aren’t hunting for violations
• Focus on commercial operations - Small personal shipments get routine treatment
• Practical approach - If paperwork is in order, they move things along
• Not a high-priority enforcement zone - Unlike US/EU, peptides probably aren’t a major focus
Routine detention usually means:
• Standard procedure for packages from China (very common)
• They may just verify your identity and release it without opening
• The “cosmetics” declaration might not have raised any red flags yet
• They’re probably processing dozens of similar detentions daily
In routine cases with lenient systems:
• Customs often just wants to confirm the recipient is real
• They may ask basic questions about contents/intended use
• Most packages get released after paperwork
• Opening packages is extra work they avoid if not necessary
Your advantage:
• If truly routine, they’re not specifically suspicious of your package
• Providing passport info might just check a bureaucratic box
• They may release it based on the “cosmetics” declaration without further investigation
• Chinese vendors probably use that declaration precisely because it often works for routine inspections
Risk assessment:
• High chance: Provide documents → routine processing → package released unopened
• Low chance: They decide to inspect contents anyway → discover misdeclaration

Given that info, it certainly could be completely normal and innocuous. I suppose ultimately you have to decide if there is any risk, and if there is if that risk is worth it.

Obviously my knowledge and experience are skewed towards what is considered normal in North American terms, and that usually comes down to the government making sure they get their "cut" more than worrying about who you are or what you purchased. 🤪

 

[Batscout]

I am receiving Reta in Armenia. It is being shipped by Armenian national Postal Service. I received this notification today:

“We would like to inform you that the parcel addressed to you weighing 0.228 kg with tracking number xxx has been detained for customs control reasons. In order to ensure further processing, the customs authority needs your passport data. Please send a scanned version of your passport to xxx e-mail address, indicating in the subject field: The tracking number of your shipment.”

Is this cause for concern? Do I risk anything by providing my passport copy? I understand you can’t know about Armenia, but whatever experience you have with your country helps. (For example the U.S.)

Did your expected parcel match the tracking number and expected weight? It could be a scam and they just happened to message someone who was actually expecting a package. We have had similar scams in the United States.

 

[AndyPanda]

Update:
I just received the email.
They ask me to pay 24,72€ as custom fee, they only wondered if I was a company or a phisical person.
No additional details have been requested.

Don’t trust the government, friend. Just accept the loss.

 

[Batscout]

Don’t trust the government, friend. Just accept the loss.

Sounds like a scam

 

[tripleg]

Hey guys,

I just got off the phone with customs and they're requesting an invoice and a receipt of payment. This is almost certainly for the purposes of the collecting customs fees.

I've contacted my SSA rep and waiting for a response.

Also the payment is by crypto. Has anyone ever sent a crypto wallet transaction screenshot as a receipt for payment?

I can try to find something online and claim it is that. But just wondering what people might have done in the past.

Has anyone dealt with a similar issue before?

 

[tripleg]

Update:
I just received the email.
They ask me to pay 24,72€ as custom fee, they only wondered if I was a company or a phisical person.
No additional details have been requested.

@BLASIUS

How did they calculate the 24,72€ as custom fee? Did you provide them with an invoice? Did your supplier declare it? Did you have to provide a receipt of payment?

I just got off the phone with customs and they're requesting an invoice and a receipt of payment. This is almost certainly for the purposes of the collecting customs fees.

I've contacted my SSA rep and waiting for a response.

Also the payment is by crypto. Has anyone ever sent a crypto wallet transaction screenshot as a receipt for payment?

 

[exploitedworkerbee]

I don't think you're going to get much specific help because these procedures vary dramatically by country, and we don't have a lot of other Armenian users. General advice is if you get any letter from customs you throw it away and move on with your life, since engaging with them on it is an admission that you are importing the stuff which may be a crime depending on what the substance is and what country you are in. If I were you that's what I would do.

 

[BLASIUS]

@BLASIUS

How did they calculate the 24,72€ as custom fee? Did you provide them with an invoice? Did your supplier declare it? Did you have to provide a receipt of payment?

I just got off the phone with customs and they're requesting an invoice and a receipt of payment. This is almost certainly for the purposes of the collecting customs fees.

I've contacted my SSA rep and waiting for a response.

Also the payment is by crypto. Has anyone ever sent a crypto wallet transaction screenshot as a receipt for payment?

I am not sure about the calculation they made. There was an invoice attached to the box, but the indicated value was not corresponding to the amount I payed.
In my opinion they charged a custom fee in an approssimate way, maybe just estimating the typical cost of such a product. In the past, I experienced a similar issue buying from USA, and they charged around the 30% of the product value, usually it is a combination of VAT + custom duties.
No idea about crypto.

 

[tripleg]

Has anyone ever used a crypto payment (like a screenshot of the wallet) as proof of payment?

 

[FNG33]

Stop and think about this.
What would the invoice say was shipped? You can't provide anything that probably won't raise a flag. Just let it go.

 

[tripleg]

This is a follow up to yesterday’s question and hopefully it’s clear that it’s not the same question.

Situation in brief: I ordered reta from SSA to Armenia and the package is currently at customs. The customs are asking for an invoice and payment proof (screenshot or whatever) in order to possibly collect customs duties. The package was apparently shipped from the Netherlands warehouse because the shipment originated from the NL and the tracking started with NL post.

I have found a product that I can claim on the B.S. invoice. But I am concerned that customs may already have some kind of documentation for the product. So if my provided invoice and the documents they already have don’t match, it may raise additional suspicion.

I ordered from SSA and they are not responsive and have gone dark as most of you know, so I cannot confirm with them if they attached any kind of documentation or declared any kind of monetary value. Nor can I ask them for an invoice.

So my question is in general, is it standard for shipments originating from a European warehouse to already have some kind of declaration and sum provided that the customs in the receiving country sees?

I’m thinking of just playing this one safe, though it’s a shame.

 

[tripleg]

Discussing this elsewhere, I’ve been able to piece together what most likely happened.The SSA rep must have thought that Armenia is in the EU.

They probably used freight forwarding as was common for all China to EU orders. So it would have arrived from China to Netherlands in bulk. At this point customs have been cleared. Then individual orders would have been distributed around the EU without any customs information (no need within the EU).

So my one order arrived in Armenia from the Netherlands without customs information and the local customs requested in invoice.

So would that mean that customs in Armenia would expect the invoice to be for a Dutch company? Would it be suspicious to put a Chinese company in that case?

This is both confusing and fascinating all at once.

 

[BLASIUS]

Discussing this elsewhere, I’ve been able to piece together what most likely happened.The SSA rep must have thought that Armenia is in the EU.

They probably used freight forwarding as was common for all China to EU orders. So it would have arrived from China to Netherlands in bulk. At this point customs have been cleared. Then individual orders would have been distributed around the EU without any customs information (no need within the EU).

So my one order arrived in Armenia from the Netherlands without customs information and the local customs requested in invoice.

So would that mean that customs in Armenia would expect the invoice to be for a Dutch company? Would it be suspicious to put a Chinese company in that case?

This is both confusing and fascinating all at once.

You can ask the dealer to send the invoice to you, in my box it was attached to the box itself and the people at the custom could see.

Try to ask your dealer to send the invoice by email and then you can forward to the custom.
In my opinion they know that the box comes from China, they manage thousands of shipments every day.
In the attachment you can find the invoice the dealer sent to me, same as attached to the box

 

[tripleg]

You can ask the dealer to send the invoice to you, in my box it was attached to the box itself and the people at the custom could see.

Try to ask your dealer to send the invoice by email and then you can forward to the custom.
In my opinion they know that the box comes from China, they manage thousands of shipments every day.
In the attachment you can find the invoice the dealer sent to me, same as attached to the box

Unfortunately I ordered from SSA and the recently went dark in the last few days. They're not responding at all to anyone.

Did your shipment come from China directly to Italy as a single order?

I am asking to test my theory that my order arrived from China to Netherlands by freight forwarder in bulk and individual orders were distributed from there. Someone said elsewhere:

"The rep probably thought Armenia was in the eu when they sent it lol And to skip customs they send it through the Netherlands."

Does this make sense?

If your order also went through a similar shipping sequence then I would expect there would be no invoice attached because custom duties are not charged between EU member states?

But now that I think about it, I am not sure it makes sense.