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The anticipation of an international package arriving can be exciting. You eagerly await the notification, constantly refreshing the tracking information on the United States Postal Service (USPS) website. Then, you see a status update that reads: “Held in Customs.”
This phrase can cause concern, but it’s important to understand that this status is a routine part of the international shipping process for all packages entering the United States and doesn’t automatically signify a problem. It typically indicates that your package has arrived in the US and is currently undergoing inspection by customs authorities.
Understanding Customs and Border Protection
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the federal agency responsible for regulating the flow of international shipments into the United States. Their role extends beyond collecting duties and taxes.
CBP enforces US laws and regulations related to health, safety, and intellectual property rights. While your package is “Held in Customs,” CBP officials are working to ensure its contents comply with all applicable laws.
In some cases, other agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may also need to inspect certain goods like medicines, medical devices, and food items.
Common Reasons Why Packages Are Held in Customs
Several factors can cause your USPS international package to be held by CBP:
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
The sender is responsible for accurately completing the customs declaration form, which provides details about the package’s contents, value, and origin. If this form is missing information, contains errors, or if descriptions are too vague, it can lead to delays.
For instance, instead of writing “clothing,” a more specific description like “men’s cotton shirt” is required. Attaching an incomplete document or missing crucial forms like an airway bill or bill of lading can also result in your package being held.
Undeclared or Misdeclared Value
CBP uses the declared value to assess applicable duties and taxes. If the declared value seems inaccurate, especially if significantly lower than the actual value, customs may hold the package for further investigation.
Deliberately under-declaring the value of goods to avoid paying duties is illegal and can lead to penalties, including fines and seizure of goods.
Prohibited or Restricted Items
Packages can be held if they contain prohibited or restricted items. The CBP website provides a comprehensive list of items that are either not allowed into the US or require special permits or licenses.
Examples include certain agricultural products, firearms, and some types of medications. Senders and recipients should familiarize themselves with these regulations before shipping any international package.
Routine Inspection
Customs officials conduct random checks as part of their security measures to ensure compliance and prevent the entry of illegal or harmful goods. This is normal and doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an issue with your specific package. These inspections can sometimes cause slight delivery delays.
Unpaid Duties and Taxes
If there are unpaid duties and taxes associated with your package, it will be held in customs until these fees are settled. Generally, the recipient is responsible for paying these fees. Customs will typically contact the recipient with payment instructions before the package can be released.
Formal Entry Requirements
For high-value shipments or certain types of commercial goods, a more formal entry process might be required. This involves more complex paperwork and might need assistance from a licensed customs broker. Packages requiring formal entry might be held until all necessary procedures are completed.
Understanding Import Duties, Taxes, and Fees
Receiving an international package often comes with the responsibility of paying applicable import duties, taxes, and fees before delivery.
Customs Duty
A tariff or tax imposed on goods crossing international borders. The rate is usually a percentage of the declared value and is determined based on the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code, a classification system for traded goods. The CBP ultimately has the final say on the applicable duty rate.
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)
The CBP charges this fee for processing imported goods. For informal entries (often goods shipped via mail), the MPF is a set fee varying depending on shipment value. These fees typically range from $2.62, $7.85, or $11.78 per shipment.
Other Taxes and Fees
Depending on specific items being imported, there might be additional federal or local taxes and fees. For instance, imported alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are subject to Federal Excise Tax, collected by CBP on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
De Minimis Value
For shipments valued below a certain amount (currently $800 in most cases), duties might not be assessed. This means if your package’s declared value is under this threshold and doesn’t contain prohibited or restricted items, you might not pay customs duty. However, other fees like the MPF might still apply.
What to Do When Your Package Is Held in Customs
When your USPS package tracking indicates “Held in Customs,” take these steps:
- Check tracking information regularly on the USPS website for updates. The status might change as your package moves through customs.
- Watch for official notifications. If CBP requires action from you, such as paying duties or providing additional information, they’ll send an official notification by mail. This notice will explain the reason for the hold and provide instructions. Notifications usually arrive within a few days but can take up to 30-45 business days.
- Contact USPS customer service if you haven’t received any notification and the package status hasn’t changed for a significant period (a week or more). Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) for general inquiries. While USPS has limited direct access to CBP’s processes, they might provide general tracking information or initiate an inquiry on your behalf.
- Contact CBP directly if your package has been held for more than 45 business days without receiving a Notice of Detention or Seizure. Provide specific details about your package, including the tracking number, sender and recipient information, and a detailed description of contents.
- Review shipping documentation provided by the sender to ensure it was completed accurately and completely. Errors in documentation are a common cause of customs holds.
- Pay any required duties and taxes promptly. If the hold is due to unpaid duties and taxes, you’ll likely receive a notification from USPS with payment instructions. You’ll typically pay these fees upon delivery or at your local post office.
- Consider hiring a customs broker for complex situations, high-value shipments, or if you’re unsure how to proceed. Customs brokers are experts in import regulations and can help with necessary paperwork and communication with CBP.
How Customs Inspections Work
To ensure compliance with US laws and regulations, CBP officers at ports of entry conduct various types of inspections:
Types of Inspections
- Non-intrusive inspections: Technologies like X-rays scan packages without opening them, looking for irregularities.
- Tail Gate Exam: A less invasive visual inspection where customs officers open the container or package to examine goods near the entrance.
- Intensive Exam: A thorough process where the entire shipment might be unloaded and each item individually inspected.
- Manifest Examination: Verifying that physical contents match information in shipping documents.
- Specialized Teams: Groups like the Contraband Enforcement Team (CET) conduct detailed inspections specifically aimed at detecting illegal items such as weapons or drugs.
What Triggers an Inspection
Several factors can trigger a package to be selected for inspection:
- High-value items
- Type of goods being shipped (e.g., electronics, branded items)
- Country of origin
- Inconsistencies in shipping documents
- New importers or shipments from regions known for specific issues
Consequences of Finding Prohibited Items
If prohibited or restricted items are discovered during inspection, consequences can include:
- Detention of the package
- Seizure of prohibited items or the entire package
- Return of the package to the sender
- Fines or other penalties for the sender or recipient
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a package be held in customs? While most packages clear customs within a few days, CBP can hold an item for up to 45 business days from its arrival scan to process it and notify the recipient if it’s being detained.
Will I be notified if my package is held? Yes, if CBP detains your package for a reason requiring your action, they’ll typically send a written notice by mail explaining the issue and providing contact information.
Can I track my package while it’s in customs? While USPS tracking might show “Held in Customs,” CBP doesn’t provide separate tracking updates unless they’ve issued a detention notice. It’s generally best to wait for an official notification or for the 45-business-day processing period to pass before contacting CBP directly.
What if my package is returned to sender? If customs issues can’t be resolved or prohibited items are found, the package might be returned to the sender. USPS tracking should eventually reflect this change, and the sender might receive a letter explaining the reason.
Is “Customs Clearance” the same as “Held in Customs”? No. “Held in Customs” means your package is currently being inspected or processed. “Customs Clearance” or “Clearance processing complete” indicates your package has been successfully reviewed and is awaiting the next delivery stage.
Best Practices for Smoother Customs Processing
For US residents who frequently receive international shipments, follow these practices to minimize customs delays:
- Ensure accurate documentation: When sending or receiving, make sure customs forms include detailed and precise descriptions of each item with correct values in US dollars.
- Know prohibited items: Before shipping or requesting shipments, check the CBP’s official list of prohibited and restricted items to ensure compliance.
- Provide correct recipient information: Include full name, accurate address with correct postal code, and phone number where you can be reached.
- Communicate with senders: Ensure they understand customs requirements and the potential need for you to pay duties or taxes upon arrival.
- Check for service disruptions: Be aware of any shipping restrictions or service disruptions for the originating country by checking the USPS International Service Alerts page.
- Consider shipping insurance: For valuable shipments, insurance provides financial protection if your package is lost or damaged during transit or inspection.
- Keep records: Maintain purchase records, invoices, and communication with senders to provide documentation if needed.
- Use reputable shippers: When ordering internationally, use vendors with a proven track record of handling customs procedures efficiently.
While the “Held in Customs” status can cause anxiety, it’s often a normal part of international shipping. Understanding why packages are held, potential costs, and steps to take can help you navigate this situation more effectively. Patience is required, and ensuring senders understand customs regulations is crucial for minimizing delays.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.