In this article, we’ll explain why packages get held in customs and what you can do to get your shipment moving again.
What does "held in customs" mean?
When your shipment status shows “held in customs,” customs authorities in the destination country have temporarily stopped your package. It is a routine part of international shipping. Generally, customs officials inspect incoming goods to verify documentation, confirm legal ownership, enforce import regulations, and collect applicable duties or taxes.
If you’re new to cross-border shipping, you may see this message more than once. It’s often caused by missing paperwork, unpaid import fees, or simply not knowing what’s needed for clearance. For example, shipping electronics without a detailed invoice could trigger a customs hold.
The good news? You don’t have to handle it alone. Trusted logistics providers like Airsupply or licensed customs brokers can simplify the process. They ensure your documents are in order and guide you through compliance so your shipments clear customs smoothly and without delays.
Why is my package stuck in customs?
If your package is held in customs, there could be a range of reasons—some simple, others more complex. Here are the most common causes:
1. Missing or incorrect documentation
Customs clearance relies entirely on accurate paperwork. A minor mismatch, like a typo in the invoice or an unclear product description, can result in a hold.
Essential documents for smooth clearance include:
- Commercial invoice with detailed product names and correct declared values
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Certificate of Origin or Conformity (especially for shipments to the EU or the Middle East)
- Import/export licenses for regulated products
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)– required for chemicals or hazardous items
- IMDG code or IATA declaration
- Proper labeling and packaging
- Approval from national regulatory bodies
2. Unpaid or incorrect duties and taxes
Customs may hold your shipment if duties haven’t been paid or the HS code is wrong. The HS code determines what your product is and how much duty applies. Whether accidental or deliberate misclassification can lead to fines or even permanent rejection.
Don’t try to cheat the system by under-declaring value. Customs authorities now use AI and global pricing databases to detect inconsistencies.
Example: Declaring a $500 drone as a “plastic toy” worth $20 might save you on duty but will almost certainly raise red flags.
3. Prohibited or restricted items
Some goods are banned entirely, while others require permits. These rules vary by country but generally include:
- Skincare or cosmetics containing prohibited substances (e.g., hydroquinone in the EU)
- Food without proper health certifications (e.g., FDA, EU food safety)
- Lithium batteries exceeding certain watt-hours, size, or weight limits
- Agricultural seeds, weapons, or chemicals without licenses
If you ship restricted goods without authorization, you risk having them confiscated, returned, or destroyed at your expense.
4. Random inspections
Even compliant shipments get flagged. Customs authorities often pull packages for random checks, especially during peak seasons. Delays may last a few hours or several days, depending on the port and inspection queue. While you can’t prevent a random inspection, proper documentation can speed things up.
5. Tariff changes and political pressure
Trade policies shift quickly. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. introduced tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports. It led to stricter checks on low-cost parcels from platforms like Temu and AliExpress. Customs now scrutinizes such shipments closely, especially those claiming exemption via “de minimis” thresholds.
How long do packages stay in customs?
In most cases, packages clear customs within 1 to 7 business days. Routine shipments with clean paperwork often get the green light for release within a few hours.
When things take longer
Packages may be held for inspection, especially if they contain restricted goods, chemicals, or high-value electronics. In these cases, your goods are typically moved to a bonded warehouse. Officers inspect shipments at their convenience, often processing multiple sites per day. Expect delays of 12 to 48 hours, sometimes longer, during peak seasons or labor shortages.
It’s not uncommon for packages to sit for up to 30 days if documentation is incomplete or the shipment is subject to trade policy reviews.
Real-world example
Say you’re importing lithium battery-powered drones from Shenzhen to Toronto. Even if your invoice is correct, Canadian customs may flag it for inspection due to the battery classification rules. Your package could be sent to a warehouse, reviewed by a dangerous goods officer, and delayed for 2–3 extra days. Add a holiday backlog, and that hold could stretch beyond a week.
How to resolve a package stuck in customs？
1. Check your tracking information
Start with the basics. Plug your tracking number into the carrier’s website (DHL, FedEx, UPS, or 17 track). If the status shows “held in customs,” check for any accompanying notes. Sometimes, the system will tell you if it’s due to missing paperwork, unpaid taxes, or an inspection.
2. Contact the shipping carrier or 3PL
They often have direct lines to customs and can provide insights faster than public portals. Sometimes, the delay is due to port congestion or a national holiday, not an error.
3. Submit any missing documents
If customs needs documents, don’t sit on them. Respond quickly with the required paperwork. Even if you believe everything is in order, double-check with the buyer to confirm that all details are accurate and free from typos or inconsistencies.
4. Settle duties and taxes promptly
Whether it’s VAT, import duty, or other charges, pay them as soon as you’re notified. Most carriers and customs portals offer secure online payment options. For DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) shipments, your goods won’t move until you do.
6. Bring in a customs broker for complex cases
If you’re dealing with high-value, regulated, or commercial goods, it’s worth getting help. A licensed customs broker can represent you, handle documents, and speed up the clearance process.
7. Call customs if all else fails
If your package hasn’t moved in over a week and your carrier can’t explain why, it’s time to contact customs directly. Have your tracking number, waybill, and shipping documents ready. You can usually find the contact details on the official website of the country’s customs authority. Stay polite—they process hundreds of shipments daily, and a professional tone often gets better results.
Pro tips to avoid customs delays next time
- Get your documentright from the start—invoices, item descriptions, and values must be crystal clear.
- Know your destination’s import rules, especially for restricted items.
- Consider DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) shipping if selling internationally—it smooths the process.
- Work with reliable logistics partners like Airsupply (ASLG), who know how to navigate customs seamlessly.
Being held in customs doesn’t always mean something went wrong—it’s often just standard procedure. But knowing how to respond and preparing in advance can make the difference between a brief pause and a week-long headache.
Whether you’re a casual online shopper or a business owner managing global shipments, partnering with an experienced freight forwarder like ASLG helps you move past customs bottlenecks smoothly.
