Sometimes your package gets stuck in customs and causes delays while international shipping. It is frustrating, especially when you are eagerly waiting for your package. Delays are common, but knowing why they happen and what to do in such situations is really important.
There are many different reasons for this delay, like missing information, customs issues, restricted items, etc. Whatever the reason is, taking the right steps and following the complete protocol can help you come out of this situation. The right steps reduce the delays and help you avoid future problems. In this article, we will see what you must do when the package is stuck in customs.
Contact Your Carrier
Contact your carrier, which can be DHL, FedEx, or another shipping company. They can tell you specific information about why your package is on hold and what you need to do to fix the issue. You will need your tracking number because this will allow the carrier to locate your package quickly. The carrier might be able to help you pay any duties or taxes owed. It will help your shipment to move faster.
Check Missing Information
Missing information is another reason for your shipping delay. This may include invoices, customs declaration forms, and any other information. If you forget to attach the invoice, it can be the reason for your package's delay. Before moving forward, be sure to check all the information and ensure that documents are attached and complete.
If you don’t know which documents or information is missing, contact your shipping company. They will tell you to identify the missing information and guide you on how to resolve the issue. Make sure your documents are in the correct language and order.
Contact Your Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Provider Immediately
Most of the e-commerce businesses work with 3PL to let them handle the custom processes because they have direct relations with shippers. Reach out to them to get the information about the shipment status, and they can help you if they already know the issue that caused the delay. They can tell you what steps to take, which documents to submit, and what tax to pay.
Ask your 3PL shipping provider about the tracking number and detailed history of your shipment. This will help you to stay updated and understand what actions are needed to clear your package from customs.
Check If You Are Shipping Restricted or Prohibited Items
Check if your package contains any prohibited or restricted items before shipping internationally. Every country has its own rules and regulations for the items that can be imported, and if you violate their terms and conditions, it can lead to customs delays, heavy fines, and other severe consequences.
Before sending your package, read the prohibited and restricted list of items to avoid delays.
If, unknowingly, you send any illegal item, customs will delay that shipment.
Some generally prohibited items are
- Wild animals
- Hazardous materials
- Money and bank bills
- Vape-related products or Narcotic items
- Sometimes stamps.
Pay Any Unpaid Customs Duties or Taxes Promptly
Unpaid customs duties or taxes are one of the main reasons for package delays. There are shipment fees over certain values in many countries. If you don't pay the fee, customs will hold your package until the balance is settled.
While using postal service or express shipping service, you have to pay some additional fee. But if your package is of very high value, you will need a customs broker to handle the tax payments to release your package from customs.
Always check the unpaid fees on your shipment to avoid delays. An online database is available for some countries where you can check the applicable rates. The carrier notifies you through email or text message if there is an additional fee due from your side. When you pay the fees, it will ensure that your package clears customs easily and there’s no delay in it.
What are the Fees That Apply in case my Package is Stuck in Customs for a Long Time?
Several types of fees are charged when your package is stuck at customs for a long period. This fee is related to the additional processes that are required to clear your items from customs and to ensure that all the documentation is in order. Common types of charges are
- Advancement fee
- Customs declaration fee
- Security fee
- Customs clearance fee
How Long Does It Take for a Package to Clear Customs?
Several factors are involved in customs clearance. Sometimes, the process takes only one or two days to complete, or it may also take many days. Issues with paperwork, times to pay any additional duties and taxes, and additional inspections are some of the main reasons. Others can be complexity in shipment, regulations of the destination country, etc.
If you take action quickly, it can speed up the process, and you can get your package on time. It is frustrating when your package is stuck at customs, but by taking the above steps, the process can be quite fast.
Tips for Avoiding Customs Delays in the Future
- Pay the taxes in advance to avoid delay.
- Double-check all the paperwork, such as customs declarations and invoices.
- Know the shipping rules and regulations of the country you are shipping your package to.
- Use reliable shipping services to handle the process smoothly.
Conclusion
If your package is stuck in customs, it is problematic and causes frustration. Contacting third-party logistics, paying the duties on time, and checking for missing documentation are some of the methods to avoid this delay.
Take preventive measures such as double-checking the paperwork and using reliable shipping services to avoid future customs issues. As customs delays can occur sometimes, be prepared and have some patience to smoothen the process.
