When shopping across borders, one of the most common concerns is whether a package has entered the destination country—and how to check that status accurately. This guide helps you understand what "customs entry" means, how to track your package at this critical stage, and what factors might affect tracking updates.

1. What Does "Customs Entry" Mean?

Customs entry status refers to the stage where your package has arrived in the destination country and is either undergoing or has completed customs clearance. This is a key point in international shipping, as it often marks the handover from international transport to local delivery.

Typical customs-related status messages may include:

• Arrived at destination country
• In customs clearance
• Released from customs
• Inbound into customs facility

These updates depend on the logistics carrier and may vary in format.

2. First Things First: Get a Valid Tracking Number

Before tracking customs status, you'll need a correct and active tracking number. This can usually be found via:

• The order details from your shopping platform
• A shipping notification email or SMS
• Direct contact with the sender or seller

Make sure the number corresponds to the international leg of the shipment—some packages use different codes for domestic and international segments.

3. How to Track the Customs Entry Status

Option 1: Use the Tracking Feature Provided by the Shopping Platform

E-commerce platforms like SHEIN often offer built-in tracking features. You can follow basic SHEIN package tracking progress directly from the order details page. While helpful, updates may not always be real-time, especially during international transfers or customs clearance.

Option 2: Use a Universal Package Tracking Tool

For broader visibility, many users prefer to use universal package tracking tools. These platforms allow you to:

• Track any package, regardless of the shipping carrier
• Monitor multiple shipments at once with track all packages features
• Get detailed status such as track package location in real time
• Use an all-in-one package tracking solution for shipments from different merchants
• Access a global package tracker that aggregates updates from various logistics networks

These tools often provide more detailed tracking data than individual carrier websites, especially when a package passes through several logistics providers.

4. Does the Shipping Method Affect Customs Entry Time?

Yes, and significantly so. The method of transportation impacts both how quickly your package arrives and how fast customs status updates appear.

Transport Mode	Typical Speed	Tracking Update Frequency
✈️ Air Freight	Fast (5–10 days)	Frequent, near real-time
🚢 Sea Freight	Slow (15–40+ days)	Infrequent, delayed updates
🚂 Rail Freight	Moderate (10–20 days)	Varies by region
🚛 Ground/Truck	Final-mile delivery only	Based on domestic carrier updates

Understanding the shipping method helps manage expectations and avoid unnecessary concern over delayed updates.

5. Why Is the Customs Entry Status Not Updating?

Several factors can cause customs-related statuses to remain static for days:

• The customs department is processing a backlog of packages
• The package is waiting for clearance or additional documentation
• Holidays, weather, or transport delays have slowed progress
• The package has arrived but customs systems haven't updated yet

Customs systems don't always update tracking data immediately. It's not uncommon for a package to arrive and wait a day or two before the status reflects that in the tracking system.

6. If My Package Shows "No Info," Could It Be at Customs?

Yes, that's entirely possible. When tracking tools—even reliable package tracking apps—show "no data" or "in transit" for a long time, here are some likely reasons:

• The package has not yet been scanned by the inbound facility
• It is in customs but pending clearance
• System delays or inconsistencies in status updates

In most cases, this does not mean your package is lost. It's often just a temporary delay in customs processing or status synchronization.

7. How Do Shipping Carriers Differ in Customs Processing?

Not all logistics companies handle customs the same way. Here's a breakdown of major types of carriers:

• International Postal Carriers (e.g. USPS)
  • Use government-managed mail systems
  • Customs clearance may take longer during peak times
  • Tracking updates can be delayed by several days
  • Suitable for low-cost, low-priority shipments
• Commercial Couriers (e.g. DHL, FedEx, UPS)
  • Have in-house customs teams or fast-tracking agents
  • Faster entry and clearance, often within 1 business day
  • Real-time or same-day tracking updates
  • Used for time-sensitive or high-value goods
• E-Commerce Shipping Lines (e.g. Yanwen, 4PX)
  • Use bulk shipping and group clearance
  • Moderate customs efficiency (2–4 business days typical)
  • Tracking may lag slightly, especially at the customs stage
  • Common for platforms like SHEIN, AliExpress, and others

8. Summary

Tracking your international package—especially its customs entry status—requires patience and awareness of how different shipping systems operate. Whether you use platform tracking, a global package tracker, or a third-party package tracking app, knowing the steps behind the scenes helps you stay informed without worry.

By combining logistics knowledge with the use of all-in-one package tracking tools, you'll be better equipped to track your package, understand transit delays, and know when to expect delivery.