A held package can cause panic—especially when your customer is waiting on the other end.
To get customs to release your package, you must provide complete documents, pay any import duties1, and respond quickly to customs inquiries.
I once had a shipment of plastic bottles held at the Indonesian port for five days. The reason? A minor typo in the invoice. That experience taught me: customs doesn’t delay—they just wait for you to act.
How to Check Customs Clearance Status?
Don’t guess—check.
You can check your package’s customs status2 through your carrier’s tracking page, or by contacting your freight forwarder or customs broker.
Ways to check customs status
- Use DHL, FedEx, UPS tracking tools
- Check with your freight forwarder
- For air or sea freight, use your AWB or BL number3
- Contact local customs if no updates after several days
Why Is My Package Stuck in Transit?
Transit ≠ movement.
If your package is stuck in transit, it may be awaiting customs clearance4, security checks, or handover to a new carrier.
Common reasons for delays
- Incorrect or missing paperwork
- Congestion at port or airport
- Package is pending tax or duty payment
- Awaiting inspection due to product type
How Long Can Customs Hold My Package Internationally?
It depends—but there’s a limit.
Customs can hold5 a package from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the reason for the hold and how fast you respond.
What affects how long they hold it?
| Reason for Hold | Typical Delay Time |
|---|---|
| Missing documents | 2–5 days (after contact) |
| Random inspection | 1–3 days |
| Unpaid duties | Until payment is made |
| Incorrect HS code | 3–7 days, or return |
Why Is My Package Taking So Long in Customs?
Silence doesn’t mean progress.
Your package might be delayed due to manual inspections, backlogs, misclassified goods6, or unresolved paperwork issues.
What to do when customs is slow
- Ask your forwarder to follow up
- Confirm your importer’s tax ID is correct
- Provide any requested paperwork fast
- Don’t wait—initiate contact proactively
Do Packages Get Opened at Customs?
Yes—and they’re allowed to.
Customs can legally open7 and inspect any package to verify its contents, value, or legality.
When and why does customs open packages?
- Random checks
- Suspicious labeling or unusual weight
- Products like liquids, electronics, supplements, etc.
If your item is opened, you may see a resealing note or customs tape.
How Do I Contact Customs About a Package?
Waiting won’t help. Asking might.
You can contact customs8 by calling the local customs office, emailing with your tracking info, or asking your freight agent to step in.
Best practices for contacting customs
- Be clear: include tracking number and item description
- Keep your invoice, BL, and ID ready
- Use the national customs website to find the right contact
- If language is an issue, ask your forwarder to help
Conclusion
The key to getting your package released from customs is action—don’t wait, respond fast, and follow up until it’s moving again.
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Learn what import duties are and how they affect your total shipping cost. ↩
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Find out how to check your customs clearance status through official tracking systems. ↩
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Understand what Air Waybill (AWB) and Bill of Lading (BL) numbers mean in shipping. ↩
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A detailed look at what happens during the customs clearance process. ↩
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See how long customs can hold a package and what factors cause delays. ↩
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Why having the wrong HS code can lead to customs delays or penalties. ↩
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Know your rights and what to expect when customs opens your package. ↩
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Learn how to contact customs authorities effectively about a held shipment. ↩
