I have had an experience similar to Chako's. One time I shipped 3 packages at the same time -- one to Australia, one to the U.K., and one to Canada. The package headed to Australia was delivered in 8 days. The package to the UK took about 2 weeks. The package headed to Canada took almost a full month to be delivered, even though it didn't have to cross an ocean like the other two did.
actually, I think that package might have been one for Chako.
Frankly, when it comes to International mailings, it is a grab bag on when it will arrive, which is why I mailed mine as soon as I could...and even with that, one package didn't arrive on time due to some unknown holdup.
I agree with Chako's statement... there's only so much you can do. Once it's in the hands of the customs office, it's completely out of your control.
My experience is that they hold packages until you send an email or PM saying that something never arrived. Then, once both parties are suitably upset, the package arrives the next day,
I have lost track of how many times that has happened to me....
Def