Waiting for an international package can be stressful—especially when the tracking status suddenly gets stuck at "arrived at customs" or "held at customs." Why does this happen? How long does it take? What can you do about it? And explain how different modes of shipping (truck, train, plane, or ship) affect the process.

What Does "Stuck at Customs" Really Mean?

When a package is marked as "In Customs," it means it has arrived at the destination country's customs facility and is undergoing review. This process includes inspecting the contents, verifying the value, ensuring all paperwork is accurate, and checking for restricted or prohibited items.

Common Reasons Packages Get Stuck at Customs

Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: If the commercial invoice, declaration form, or shipping label lacks important details (like value, description, or country of origin), customs agents may delay clearance.

Unpaid Duties and Taxes: Many countries charge import taxes or customs duties. If the recipient hasn't paid—or the courier hasn't collected them yet—the package will be held until payment is made.

Suspicion of Restricted or Prohibited Items: Items like food, batteries, electronics, or cosmetics can raise red flags. Customs may detain your package for additional screening or verification of safety certifications.

Random or Manual Inspections: Some packages are selected at random for detailed inspection, which can add days to the delivery timeline—even if everything is in order.

Value Discrepancies or Underdeclaration: If the stated value on the declaration form appears too low or inconsistent, customs might investigate further and demand corrections or extra duties.

Shipping Method Impacts Processing Speed

Road Transport (Truck or Van): If your package is part of a cross-border land shipment (common between neighboring countries), customs processing can occur at land checkpoints. These may be slower during holidays or busy seasons.

Rail Transport (Train): For bulk shipments, trains may pause at customs zones for inspection. Delays are common due to limited inspection staff and scheduled border clearance windows.

Air Transport (Airplane): Air shipments typically go through customs faster, especially with express couriers. However, if paperwork is missing or import fees aren't prepaid, they can still be held.

Sea Transport (Ship): Packages shipped by sea usually face the longest customs clearance delays. Sea freight enters large ports where cargo is processed in bulk, often leading to longer wait times for inspection and unloading.

How Long Can a Package Stay in Customs?

It depends on the country, shipping method, and the reason for the hold. On average:

• Minor document issues: 1–3 business days
• Duties/taxes unpaid: Until payment is completed
• Manual inspection: 3–10 business days
• Sea freight backlog: Up to 2–3 weeks in busy seasons

What You Can Do

Check the Tracking Details: Look for customs-related messages like "Awaiting payment," "Clearance event," or "Pending inspection."

Contact the Carrier or Customs Broker: Your courier (e.g., DHL, FedEx, USPS, or a freight forwarder) may be able to tell you the reason for the delay and how to resolve it.

Be Ready to Pay Duties: Some couriers allow you to prepay duties online or at the door. Others may send an email or letter requesting payment before releasing the package.

Ensure Accurate Paperwork: If you're the sender, double-check the invoice, item description, and declared value. For receivers, contact the sender if customs needs corrections.

Stay Patient but Proactive: Some delays are beyond your control, but staying informed and following up with the carrier can speed things up.

Customs clearance is a vital step in international shipping, whether your package traveled by truck, train, plane, or ship. While delays can be frustrating, they often happen for routine reasons. With the right paperwork and timely action, you can often resolve a hold and get your package moving again.