Buyer Protection - What happens if seller refuses to collect returned item from customs?

[EP-2014]

I bought & received an item worth US$ 400 from a seller in Korea.

The item was faulty, and I filed a claim for PayPal Buyer Protection.

Paypal now offers me to close the case in my favour if I return the item to the seller and provide proof of shipping / trackng code.

However, the returned item will attract import duties and fees when it arrives in Korea.

My questions:

1- WHO is supposed to pay for the import duties / fees? The seller?

2- WHAT HAPPENS, if the seller refuses to pay the duties/fees and does not pick up the parcel? Will I still be refunded by Paypal?

[PayPal_Olivia]

HI EP-2014,

Good question!

Because in a situation of return the recipient of the package is in fact that seller, the seller is the one responsible for paying the customs fees. Keep track of your tracking and you'll be in good shape. As a best practice, I would recommend that you use a courer that handles the transaction from end to end rather than a domestic postal service that may stop tracking the parcel at customs.

I hope this helps!

- Olivia