eBay International Standard Delivery Prohibited Item Issue (ESUS Not EIS)
Summary: gator.gaming shared an issue with shipping a bundle of video games to Saudi Arabia using eBay International Standard Delivery. The shipment was flagged as containing prohibited goods, likely due to Saudi customs restrictions on content featuring themes like sorcery and revealing attire. eoma689485 confirmed that the package is already set for return. albertabrightalberta inquired about eBay's policy if the buyer files an Item Not Received (INR) claim, questioning seller responsibility in such cases.
Hey everyone, looking for some insight from experienced international sellers.
I recently shipped a bundle of 5 physical video games (mainly Tomb Raider titles, all US/ESRB region) to a buyer in Saudi Arabia using eBay International Standard Delivery (eISD). I usually use Pirateship, but their service to SA has been spotty/unavailable with the war. (Yes, I know about EIS and have it enabled if buyers wish to pay more for this service and know shipping on my own is more risk.)
I haven't had an issue with EISD or other carriers to Saudi before, however, the tracking chain (ESUS number) just hit me with a very confusing sequence of automated updates:
"Your shipment contains prohibited goods. You may request a return or it will be liquidated."
(A minute later): "Your shipment is being returned due to issues encountered."
From what I’ve read, Saudi Arabia customs can be strict and certain Tomb Raider titles have historical country bans. It looks like the US consolidation hub auto-flagged the bundle to avoid border fines.
My questions:
Since the tracking updated to "Your shipment is being returned...", do I actually need to manually request a return intercept, or is it already safely in the domestic return loop back to me?
I have called eBay and they told me they put in a request for an "account specialist" to look into the issue and contact the carrier. Told to except an email in 24-48hrs.
Has anyone else had a media bundle triggered as "prohibited" by the automated hub scanners and successfully gotten their package back ?
Anyone knowledgeable on Saudi customs what would trigger Tomb Raider/a video game to be flagged as prohibitive?
I have shipped video games to Saudi Arabia with both ESUS and Pirateship in the past, not sure what would trigger them as prohibitive. (Lara Croft or her guns?)
Appreciate any advice or past experiences with this specific ESUS error loop!
eoma689485
·3 weeks ago · EditedYou do not need to request a manual return intercept. Because the tracking officially updated to "Your shipment is being returned due to issues encountered," the system has already overridden the liquidation warning and automatically placed your package into the domestic return loop.
Tomb Raider:
Themes involving sorcery, mythology, and cross-cultural religious elements, which violate strict local import guidelines. (Rise of the Tomb Raider is an example of that).
Yep - Laura Croft and her guns.
Saudi customs enforcement restricts media featuring what it deems as overly revealing or inappropriate attire on female characters.
The hub's automated scanners look for excessive depictions of realistic firearms and violence.
gator.gaming
OP3 weeks agoThanks for confirming. I had similar thoughts as well.
albertabrightalberta
·3 weeks ago@eoma689485
I'm just curious about something.
When this happens, how does ebay view it if the buyer files INR?
Was it the buyer's responsibility to know what is disallowed in his country?
Or is the seller responsible for issuing a refund because the item was RTS?
gator.gaming
OP3 weeks agoI was thinking about this as well. I planned to refund less shipping when I get it back. Not sure how eBay would rule if he opened up a case though.