I think it might be legit. The FDA does have import codes for optical drives. I guess you should read up at the FDA about import regulations and prices.

Imho whether it's legit or not, it's a scam. Only it's worse if it's a legal scam.

The new cold war has begun! CD-ROM lasers are a hazard because the Russians could shoot down friendly satellites with them!

It's becoming a ridiculously complex process , I understand everyone not wanting to go though it.

no wonder laptop manufacturers stopped putting optical drives in them 😁

RandomStranger wrote on 2021-12-09, 09:43:

Imho whether it's legit or not, it's a scam. Only it's worse if it's a legal scam.

this

Don't let that CD-ROM bite you. You might turn into https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3K_ldNFFjc

It is usually cheaper to use a different broker than Fedex or UPS, and there's such a thing as "self clearance" but that may require attendance at port of entry.

I find this very odd .. lasers dont emit radiation unless they are powered ..which they wouldnt be in a optical drive.

Such a weird rule.

I think it's more a consumer safety when it's in the country than the radiation hazards in transit thing.

BitWrangler wrote on 2021-12-09, 15:15:

I think it's more a consumer safety when it's in the country than the radiation hazards in transit thing.

Safety from what ..sharpened optical disks ?

a Rogue Optical drive axe murderer ?

or perhaps a mad scientist that has found a way to use blue lasers as a weapon ?

I have never known an Optical drive to be dangerous, so its a confusing rule when applied in this manner. Not so confusing for high powered laser device that can actually cause harm, like green laser pointers.

The funny thing is, I had shipped dozens of PCs to the US already, mostly through CanadaPost. I just got tired of having my West coast parcels smashed and then CanadaPost putting me through a 5 month back and fourth to get my funds back.

I think the right answer next time is to not put the word Computer on the commercial invoice, just 486 or whatever it is that's going out. In this case, the bill will be footed to the customer, unfortunately.

I wonder if this applies to optical mice?

motherboards have optical audio port too
though i think both mice and mobos have that just for data transfer so way less power

but also dvds laser disks blu rays

TrashPanda wrote on 2021-12-09, 15:18:

I have never known an Optical drive to be dangerous, so its a confusing rule when applied in this manner. Not so confusing for high powered laser device that can actually cause harm, like green laser pointers.

Optical drives aren't dangerous because there are principles of sound construction that make them not dangerous. The FDA would be concerned about making sure that drives that enter the country comply with those principles, so for example they don't leave the laser at full power and pointed at your eyes when you take a disc out.

Does this mean all our CD-ROMs are worth A Lot of Money(TM) ? Or are retro gamers the biggest threat to American national security? I have many questions!

BitWrangler wrote on 2021-12-09, 16:09:

TrashPanda wrote on 2021-12-09, 15:18:

I have never known an Optical drive to be dangerous, so its a confusing rule when applied in this manner. Not so confusing for high powered laser device that can actually cause harm, like green laser pointers.

Optical drives aren't dangerous because there are principles of sound construction that make them not dangerous. The FDA would be concerned about making sure that drives that enter the country comply with those principles, so for example they don't leave the laser at full power and pointed at your eyes when you take a disc out.

So its essentially enforcing a standard for construction of laser devices and their importation.

Right, so you gotta sign paper work to the effect of "I pinkie swear that this thing complies with relevant safety regulations"

Laser classification probably has something to do with it. Not al lasers are born equal.

BitWrangler wrote on 2021-12-09, 16:22:

Right, so you gotta sign paper work to the effect of "I pinkie swear that this thing complies with relevant safety regulations"

well .. I mean that doesnt always work 🤣 unless the fines are stupidly huge.

and even then . .some idiots are more than willing to game the system.

spiroyster wrote on 2021-12-09, 16:22:

Laser classification probably has something to do with it. Not al lasers are born equal.

Like Moon Lasers ?

I always wondered how Dr Evil managed to import the parts for his Laser.