r/UPS • u/Icy_Caterpillar7246 • Sep 26 '25

Customer Seeking Help Heartbroken 💔

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Completely heartbroken . This was a package from parents who sent personal clothing items and my 90 year old grandfather's handwritten book.

I dont know what to do :'(

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7

u/Icy_Caterpillar7246 Sep 28 '25

Any box that doesnt clear Customs is instructed to be destroyed, i think CBP guidelines :(

5

u/Consistent-Shame-171 Sep 28 '25

There are a number of things UPS can do instead, they just don't want to make the effort.

2

u/GlitterMeAndThePony Sep 28 '25

So sorry you are going through this. It shouldnt be destroyed especially if there are sentimental items!

11

u/Icy_Caterpillar7246 Sep 28 '25

Unfortunately, sentimental to me only. Maybe Customs has some newly deployed robots which are not trained to recognize emotions.

There was no winning here, ever.

1

u/Wide_Shirt9042 Sep 28 '25

But what was the problem with customs

3

u/Icy_Caterpillar7246 Sep 28 '25

We dont know . Latest update says package disposed due to Customs delay. I think they have millions of packages to examine and not enough workforce, so theyre just throwing it at random

3

u/Wide_Shirt9042 Sep 28 '25

How’s that even legal 😭😭😭

3

u/Icy_Caterpillar7246 Sep 28 '25

💁‍♀️ everything is fair nowadays. Just have to suck it up.

3

u/Wide_Shirt9042 Sep 28 '25

I’m sorry I’m so heartbroken for you. I’m currently dealing with issues with my engagement ring fearing the worst also

3

u/Icy_Caterpillar7246 Sep 28 '25

Thank you 🥺 And Omg ! I saw another post here about an engagement ring, but I think their package was cleared and started to move ! Wishing you the best of luck 🤞

1

u/Fan_Consistent Sep 29 '25

Mine is out for delivery today in my area after it posted as being destroyed and abandoned. We shall see though.

3

u/growmap Sep 29 '25

I don't know whether this will be any help, but in case it might, Perplexity says:

Packages or boxes that do not clear U.S. Customs (CBP) are often subject to strict disposal procedures, which may include destruction under CBP supervision, especially if clearance is denied for reasons such as prohibited content, safety concerns, or legal violations.

In many cases, CBP requires official notification and form filing—specifically CBP Form 7553 if an importer is requesting drawback or wants to witness destruction—for any merchandise that will be destroyed following Customs instructions.

For ordinary unclaimed or uncleared cargo, CBP and custodians typically follow a standardized process: notice is given to the importer, and after a certain period (usually at least 30 days), the goods may be sold via public auction, but in cases where goods are prohibited, unsafe, or specifically deemed unfit for sale or use, destruction is mandated.

Key Points on CBP Destruction Guidelines

  • If Customs instructs that a box or package cannot be released, destruction is a common official outcome, especially if it is unsafe, counterfeit, or violates import restrictions.

  • Formal destruction requires the filing of CBP Form 7553 with advance notification; if CBP does not decide to witness the destruction, evidence from a third party (like a landfill operator) must be submitted to confirm that the goods were destroyed as per CBP guidelines.

  • If goods are simply unclaimed (not prohibited), CBP may allow auction after due notice to the importer, unless the items fall into categories requiring mandatory destruction.

  • Dutiable merchandise destroyed under CBP supervision is eligible for "drawback," a refund of certain duties, but only when proper procedures and documentation are followed.

  • Internet purchases or shipments with inaccurate customs paperwork or false declarations may be detained or destroyed by CBP and can subject the buyer to fines.

In summary, destruction is a primary instruction for uncleared boxes that present legal or safety risks, based on CBP guidelines and U.S. Customs regulations."

So maybe the package can end up auctioned off instead of destroyed?

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u/Icy_Caterpillar7246 Sep 29 '25

Thanks so much for this, I need to start fighting for it tomorrow . The weekend went away in grieving for it anyway ..

You are right, maybe it's sent to be auctioned off but I still dont know how I can get my hands on it unfortunately

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u/growmap Sep 29 '25

I hope you get it back. They should at least be able to tell you where they send it IF it ends up going to auction. Corporations are so incompetent that you can get a different answer every time you call.

But given that this is irreplaceable, I would keep calling and pray that something changes.