Here in finland you can do customs clearing yourself online. Im sure there is similar option there? I just make it with the tracking number and describe goods, upload a copy on invoice and pay the taxes etc and its done in a few min. For this dhl charge me a fee of a percentage if i dont remember wrong so it can get quite expensive.

And i guess its a learning process just like any other. Just call customs and ask how to make your own import clearance. Im sure they are happy to help.

Yep. You’ll usually rank in a few days depending on your niche and level of competition.

I ship from China to the US constantly with DHL. Never an issue and any ancillary fees are minimal.

Never had an issue with DHL. Maybe what you’ve heard should be interpreted as people have been forced to pay fees they were legally obligated to pay but had hoped to avoid?