Dear Group,
Just a heads up note...
Canada Customs is now opening boxed film, imported into Canada from an International source, delivered by all courier services to a personal address or a personal business address. This action could be totally random, and for the moment, undetermined.
Yesterday, a fresh box of 8X10 TMY from the View Camera Store, delivered by FedEx International Priority, had a Government of Canada Customs seal on it, noting that the box of film was opened and inspected by Canada Customs. Fred and Dennis are now cognizant about this issue.
I called FedEx to ask about this recent event, and FedEx told me that every package imported into Canada, from an International source, is handed over to Canada Customs. The imported package is cleared by Canada Customs, handed back to FedEx, and FedEx delivers the package to a Canadian customer. FedEx can not explain the actions of Canada Customs, nor were they about too. FedEx decided they will address this issue with Canada Customs, since it is a box of light sensitive film. Personally, I doubt FedEx will change Canada Customs mindset, regarding a box of film, due to the political climate we endure around the world, but FedEx did promise to inquire about the issue and get back to me directly.
That said, Kodak's paper seal surrounding the film was not opened. Could anyone tell me, from their own experience, how light proof this seal might be? Kodak's paper seal certainly looks like it is light proof...
I now believe that my delivered box of Ilford FP4 with a Customs seal on the box could be a different matter, especially if the Customs Inspector decided to take a look inside Ilford's plastic film bag. I will test a piece of film shortly to see if the film was accidently exposed.
This border crossing event for the moment, will more than likely impact any future purchase I might make, regarding boxed film from any international source...
jim k
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