Items put on hold at LANGLEY HWDC, United Kingdom

[ven1]

Hello everybody,
I am an Ebay Seller with more than 10 years of background in selling different items worldwide.
So far I have never had difficulties in delivering parcels to UK customers by using the post services, but since two months all the items I sent to UK are received in Langley Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre and not redirected to the address of the recipient. I made a complaint to Royal Mail by using their webpage contact form and got an automatic reply with Enquiry reference number that they will get back to me within 3 working days. Nevertheless I sent two claims for the same issue of not delivered item which being tracked still shows that it is with Langley, I do not receive any feedback by the Royal mail with a clear answear what is the reason for holding the items in Langley.
The parcel I sent on July 18th from Bulgarua is put on hold in Langley since July 25th, means it has been delayed almost one month.
As the Buyer in Ebay has not received the item, he raised a claim and was refunded the amount of the item. Please be aware that once posting the items to UK which is outside the EU, I always declare not the real amont of the item, but a small amount, so that to keep the UK Buyer of not paying any import duties and taxes. First of all I thought that the parcels are kept in Langley for such a long time as the import taxes shall be paid, but this is not the case.
As I already contacted the Royal Mail asking them to give any explanation for this situation as Langley, HWDC is managed by them, please advise to whom to report this issue so that to speed up the delivery to the address of the UK customer? Apperently the Royal Mail will not answer that is why I am looking for other options to cope with this issue. Hope anyone in this forum could assist and cooperate in resolving the sitation.
Thank you.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The most likely cause for it being held in Customs is highlighted by this section of your post

I always declare not the real amont of the item, but a small amount,

In the UK knowingly under declaring the value of an item going through customs is an offence. SO it is likely the missing items are being investigated. Just to advise there are systems in place where you pay the VAT before you send the item and then the receiver won't be charged, and if the declarations are true the item will be released after investigation.

Key Points:
Customs and Excise Regulations: The UK customs regulations require accurate declarations of the value of goods being imported or exported. When an individual or business fails to declare the correct value, it is considered a violation of these regulations.

Criminal Offenses:

Fraud: Knowingly providing false information to customs authorities to reduce duty owed is considered customs fraud. This is a serious offense and can lead to criminal charges.
False Declaration: Under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, making false statements or declarations when dealing with customs is an offense, which can result in fines or imprisonment.

Consequences:

Fines: Individuals caught under-declaring the value of goods may be subject to substantial fines based on the value of the undeclared item and the duties owed.
Seizure of Goods: Customs authorities may seize the goods involved in the offense.

Criminal Charges: In serious cases, particularly involving large sums or persistent offenses, individuals can face prosecution and potentially a prison sentence.

[menditsa]

Further to this, even if you try to send via FedEx, DHL etc and knowingly under state the value of the items you will still run the risk of being caught.