""Substantial delays" warning on shipping to USA" Topic

A quick heads up for those buying/selling/trading between USA & Europe.

I have just been speaking to staff at my nearest Main Post Office and they are warning of "very substantial" delays on any post over 453g TO the USA from here in Spain.
As they give the new (pre Christmas?) air traffic regulations in USA as the cause it will presumably apply to post from other countries as well.

Apparently they are expecting at least 9 to 10 day delays on item clearance at the USA end. This was while I was enquiring about Priority shipping which is normally a 4-6 day service. They would not be drawn on the possible knock on effect on economy parcel shipping.

Could have an impact on eBay/PayPal deliveries.

I've heard of upto 6 weeks from the UK in the past year or so. Security checks….

The last six months or so have been slower than "normal" from Spain as well, especially for economy packet service, 4 to 5 weeks being common.
The delays I was warned of yesterday are on top of those already being experienced.

Spain, or anywhere else shipping into the US, it probably the only time I agree with a goverment (Post Office is run by the Govt) edict, whether this be permanant or temporary. You have to get past page 3 of your newepaper. There are still bad guys that want to do us all harm, and airplanes make an attractive target. So our governments are doing probably the only right that they should be doing… protecting its citizens. I'll wait for the package, regardless of where it comes from or how badly I want it, if it renders citizens safe. The precaution is worth the wait. i don't want to see some Spanish kid on an airplane blown out of the sky over Detroit by some Al Quida freak because I couldn't wait for my soldiers. Give me a break..