Advice Please! Custom duty on a returned order.

[charancreations]

Hi everyone!
I would appreciate if anyone could tell me what to do in this case.
A customer from the US had purchased items from my shop worth 120USD. Even though I had mentioned the sizes of these items in the listing, she told me that these are too big for her needs and wanted to return them. As a courtesy, I agreed to take them back in the unused condition and told her that I would issue a full refund once the items are received and that she is responsible for the return shipping. I had shipped her order via Canada Post.
She shipped back the items via FedEx. The package was dropped off outside my door. Once the package was received, I issued a full refund to the buyer. I later received an invoice from FedEx asking me to pay custom duty on this package in the amount of $51.81. I spoke with FedEx customer service and explained them that it was a return and that I'm not liable to pay this amount. They put my case in 'dispute' and told me that they'll contact me after verifying the case.
Today I received a letter from FedEx saying that my' dispute is being denied and FedEx invoice remains payable since the sender did not mention on the package that the items being shipped are 'Canadian Goods returned to owner'.
I don't know what to do now. Please advice!

Thank you!
Charan

[HoneyThistle]

Hi Charan,

This sounds like a nightmare :( Is there any way you can get the sender to verify this with FedEx? It's annoying, but it might save you this ridiculously high import fee. You can maybe also offer to show an invoice from this transaction (hopefully you haven't cancelled it yet...) to prove your point (i.e. the same addresses, same $ being declared, etc.).

Those are the only things I can think of right now, but I really hope this gets resolved for you in a fair manner!

[charancreations]

Thank for your suggestions Wei. Unfortunately, I cancelled the order after issuing the refund. :(
I've been trying to get in touch with the buyer but they are not responding.

Thanks for your help!
~Charan

[JewelMeShop]

Can Fedex drop off your door a package that require to pay customs? I thought you always have the right to refuse a package if don't want to pay customs. At least this happens to my national post office

[LeedsRadio]

Charan-

Do you have the email from the Etsy order confirmation? That would show the sale, the customers address and method of payment. And look at the airbill very carefully for anything that suggests the a return.
If you have the email I would call them again and get a supervisor on the line. This will take patience.

Does Fed Ex's invoice to you show a separate brokerage fee and a advancement fee?