How Long Does It Take for a Package to Clear Customs?

When you’re shipping internationally, one of the most unpredictable stages is customs clearance. Whether you’re an eCommerce seller, importer, or individual customer, you’ve probably wondered: How long does it take for a package to clear customs?

The answer depends on several factors, including the importing country’s customs regulations, the shipping method, and the accuracy of the provided documentation. A package might clear customs in a few hours—or it could get stuck in customs for days due to missing or incorrect paperwork, a thorough inspection, or unpaid customs duties.

This guide breaks down the entire customs clearance process, highlighting how long it typically takes, what causes customs delays, and how to ensure a swift customs clearance for your shipment. We’ll also explain how to work with experienced customs brokers, avoid prohibited or restricted items, and manage your documents to reduce processing time.

What Is Customs Clearance?

Customs clearance is the process by which customs authorities review, verify, and approve the entry of goods across international borders. It is a vital checkpoint for any international shipment, whether it’s being transported by air freight, sea freight, or postal services.

What Happens During the Clearance Process?

The clearance process typically involves:

• Submitting a customs declaration form
• Providing a commercial invoice and packing list
• Reviewing the harmonized tariff schedule (HTS code) for classification
• Calculating applicable import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and services tax
• Inspection by customs officers if needed
• Approval or release by customs officials

Required Customs Paperwork

To clear customs, you’ll need to ensure all the paperwork is accurate and complete. The required documents may vary depending on the destination country, but typically include:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Import licenses (if applicable)
• Customs declaration

Accurate documentation is essential for a smooth customs clearance process. Even minor mistakes can result in significant delays, storage fees, or additional handling fees.

Who Handles the Process?

Depending on your shipping arrangement, the process might be handled by:

• The customs broker or independent customs broker hired by the consignee
• A freight forwarder who manages your international shipping
• The postal service or courier company (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL)

These involved parties act as intermediaries between the shipper and customs authorities, ensuring regulatory compliance and fast processing.

How Long Does Customs Clearance Take?

When shipping internationally, the time it takes to clear customs can vary widely—from just a few hours to over a week. Understanding the typical customs clearance timeline helps you prepare for possible customs delays and ensure your cargo arrives on schedule.

Average Customs Clearance Times by Shipping Method

The time required for customs clearance depends heavily on how your goods are shipped:

Keep in mind that these are general estimates. Actual times vary depending on the destination country, import regulations, and documentation accuracy.

Why Some Packages Clear Faster Than Others

Some shipments breeze through customs authorities in a few hours, especially if:

• Documentation is complete and correct
• The shipment is low value or personal
• It’s a common commodity (e.g., clothes, electronics)
• You’re using a courier with pre-clearance arrangements

However, if there’s missing paperwork, misdeclared value, or a product that requires thorough inspection, expect significant delays.

What Causes Customs Delays?

Here are several factors that commonly lead to packages being stuck in customs:

• Incomplete or incorrect paperwork
• Prohibited or restricted items
• Inaccurate HS codes or declared values
• Shipment flagged for random inspection
• Unpaid import duties or delivery duty unpaid situations

Delays can also occur during peak shipping seasons (like Q4 or holidays), when customs offices are overloaded and processing times increase.

Customs Clearance Timeline by Country (Example)

These timelines represent standard cases with proper documentation. Customs may take longer in countries with strict border protection or complex regulatory compliance procedures.

What Causes a Package to Get Stuck in Customs?

There are few things more frustrating than seeing your tracking status stuck on: “Held at Customs.” While the customs process is designed to protect national security and collect revenue, certain issues can trigger extended reviews or detentions by customs officials.

Understanding these triggers can help you avoid customs delays and streamline your international shipments.

Missing or Incorrect Customs Paperwork

The #1 cause of packages being stuck in customs is missing paperwork or incorrect documentation. Common issues include:

• Incomplete or inaccurate customs declaration
• Wrong product descriptions or missing HS codes
• Mismatched invoice values
• No value added tax (VAT) registration when required

Even small mistakes in the customs paperwork can delay clearance by days and may incur storage fees until resolved.

Prohibited or Restricted Items

Every importing country has its own list of prohibited or restricted items, such as:

• Counterfeit items or brand replicas
• Chemicals and dangerous goods
• Agricultural products or seeds
• Medical devices without certification

If your shipment includes any of these, it may be flagged for thorough inspection or confiscated altogether. Always check with your freight forwarder or customs broker before shipping such items.

Unpaid Duties and Taxes

If customs duties, VAT, or delivery duty unpaid (DDU) charges are not settled, the package won’t be released. In commercial imports, this often happens when:

• The receiver is unaware of import costs
• The invoice under-declares product value
• Duties and taxes weren’t prepaid (common in EXW and FOB shipping)

Delays can last until payments are made—sometimes involving additional handling fees or penalties.

Suspicious or Random Inspection

Sometimes, even with all the right paperwork, your shipment may be selected for random or detailed inspection by customs authorities. This could be due to:

• A flagged supplier or shipping route
• Sudden volume surges in certain product categories
• Packaging concerns or vague labeling
• High-value goods without proper documentation

These inspections are part of the routine border protection strategy but can add 1–5 business days to the customs clearance timeline.

Commercial vs. Personal Imports

Packages marked as commercial imports are usually scrutinized more than personal items. This is especially true if you’re importing in bulk, or the declared purpose doesn’t match the product type.

Make sure the documentation clearly identifies the nature of your shipment to prevent unnecessary questioning by customs officials.

How to Avoid Customs Delays (Pro Tips)

Delays at customs don’t just slow down delivery—they disrupt your entire supply chain, damage customer satisfaction, and sometimes increase costs due to storage fees or lost inventory value. Fortunately, most customs delays are preventable with the right preparation.

Here’s how to ensure a smooth customs clearance process and keep your shipments moving.

Double-Check All the Documents

Before your shipment leaves the country of origin, make sure you’ve prepared all the documents required by both the exporting and importing country. This usually includes:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Customs declaration form
• Certificate of origin (if applicable)
• Import licenses or special permits

Accurate documentation is the cornerstone of fast customs processing. Double-check that values, product descriptions, and HS codes match across every file.

Ensure Compliance with Import Laws

Each country has its own customs regulations and import procedures that govern what you can ship, how it’s classified, and how much tax you’ll pay. To ensure compliance, always:

• Classify your products correctly using the harmonized tariff schedule
• Check for any restrictions, permits, or approvals
• Follow proper regulatory compliance for safety, labeling, and packaging

If you’re unsure, consult a licensed customs broker or use a professional freight forwarder.

Work with Experienced Freight Forwarders or Independent Customs Brokers

One of the best ways to avoid customs headaches is to let professionals handle it. Freight forwarders and independent customs brokers are experienced in navigating international rules, submitting forms, and dealing with customs officials.

These involved parties ensure your paperwork is in order and can represent you during inspections, inquiries, or appeals.

Choosing a trusted logistics partner saves time and helps maintain legal compliance throughout the shipping process.

Understand the Full Customs Procedure

Being familiar with the typical customs procedures of your destination country empowers you to plan for any required steps. For example:

• How are duties and taxes calculated?
• Does the country allow DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) or only DDU?
• Are there fast-track options for trusted shippers?

This knowledge enables better shipping decisions—like whether to go with air freight for speed, or sea freight for bulk shipments.

Be Transparent in Declarations

Trying to avoid duties by undervaluing your goods or using vague product descriptions is a bad idea. Customs systems are more advanced than ever, and misdeclared shipments are often flagged.

Being honest and transparent with your customs declaration improves trust and helps your cargo pass through without added scrutiny.

More on international shipping procedures:

DDP vs DDU Shipping: Key Differences

Documents Required to Import from China (2025 Guide)

How to Ship via FedEx from China to the USA (2025 Guide)

What to Do If Goods Are Damaged During Shipping from China

How to Clear Customs When Importing from China (2025 Guide)

Who Is Responsible for Customs Clearance?

When shipping internationally, it’s essential to understand who handles the customs clearance process. Mistaking this responsibility can lead to delays, surprise charges, and even shipment refusal at the border.

The Key Involved Parties in Customs Clearance

In any international shipment, these are the main involved parties responsible for customs:

1. The Seller (Exporter) – May handle documentation preparation or prepay duties and taxes under specific Incoterms like DDP.
2. The Buyer (Importer) – Usually responsible for paying import duties, services tax, and providing local clearance support.
3. The Freight Forwarder – Organizes shipping and may assist with documentation and customs coordination.
4. The Customs Broker – A licensed intermediary that directly interacts with customs authorities on behalf of the importer.

Working with experienced customs brokers ensures that your shipment is declared accurately, duties are calculated properly, and clearance moves without unnecessary friction.

Buyer vs. Seller Responsibility (Incoterms)

Responsibility depends largely on the shipping terms agreed upon in your contract:

If you choose Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU), the buyer must handle all local customs processes, which can be complicated if you’re unfamiliar with local laws.

Commercial Imports vs. Personal Shipments

In commercial imports, the need for accurate reporting, proper classification, and payment of taxes is much higher than with personal parcels. If you’re importing for business purposes, using a customs broker is highly recommended to avoid regulatory risks.

Meanwhile, small personal packages sent through postal services or express couriers often come with customs support built into the service. But even then, duties and services tax might be passed to the recipient if not prepaid.

Role of the Freight Forwarder

A reliable freight forwarder can bridge the gap between shipper, broker, and buyer. While they don’t replace a licensed broker, many forwarders:

• Arrange documentation
• Coordinate with customs officials
• Advise on tariff classifications
• Ensure your paperwork is submitted on time

For businesses shipping internationally on a regular basis, establishing relationships with both a freight forwarder and a customs broker is essential.

What to Do If Your Package Is Stuck in Customs?

Seeing your international shipment stuck on “Held at Customs” can be stressful—especially when you’re under a tight deadline or your customer is waiting. Fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to resolve the issue and expedite the customs clearance process.

Step 1: Identify the Cause of the Delay

The first step is to determine why your package is stuck in customs. Common reasons include:

• Missing or incomplete paperwork
• Inaccurate customs declaration
• Unpaid value added tax (VAT) or import duties
• Shipment flagged by border protection for inspection
• Items requiring special licenses or permits

Contact your carrier or customs broker to get a status update and clarify the hold reason.

Step 2: Review and Submit All the Paperwork

Make sure you’ve provided all the paperwork required. This typically includes:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Customs declaration
• Waybill or tracking number
• Product description with HS codes

If you’re unsure what’s missing, ask your carrier or broker to send you a checklist.

Step 3: Pay Duties, Taxes, or Handling Fees

Sometimes, the only thing preventing release is unpaid duties and taxes. You may receive a notification asking you to:

• Pay duties directly to the customs office or courier
• Provide proof of payment (especially in DDU scenarios)
• Cover any additional handling or storage fees

Pay promptly to avoid significant delays.

Step 4: Communicate with Customs or Your Broker

If no automated update is available, call or email your freight forwarder, customs broker, or the customs office directly. They can:

• Submit corrected paperwork
• Respond to clarification requests
• Request expedited inspection if justified

Acting fast reduces processing time and shows willingness to cooperate.

Step 5: Avoid Future Customs Holds

After release, take this opportunity to review what went wrong. Was it a paperwork issue? A misclassified product? From now on, consider:

• Keeping a document template checklist
• Prepaying taxes where possible (DDP terms)
• Working with trusted brokers for all future shipments

For high-volume shippers, reducing customs delays is a huge win for your supply chain and customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take for a package to clear customs?

Most packages clear customs within 1 to 5 business days, depending on the shipping method, destination country, and customs paperwork. Express couriers like DHL or FedEx can clear in a few hours, while postal shipments may take up to 10 days.

Why is my package stuck in customs?

Your package may be stuck in customs due to missing paperwork, unpaid customs duties, prohibited items, or random inspection. Contact your carrier or customs broker to identify the issue and provide the required documentation.

Who is responsible for customs clearance?

Responsibility for clearance depends on your shipping agreement. Under EXW or FOB terms, the importer is usually responsible. Under DDP, the exporter handles everything, including taxes and customs declaration. For complex commercial imports, it’s best to use an experienced customs broker.

Can I speed up the customs clearance process?

Yes. To achieve a smooth customs clearance process, ensure accurate documentation, pay duties in advance (if possible), and avoid prohibited items. Working with a freight forwarder or independent customs broker greatly improves efficiency.

What happens if I don’t pay import duties?

Your package will not be released unless you pay duties or resolve the issue. In some cases, you may also be charged storage fees, handling fees, or risk the shipment being returned or destroyed by customs authorities.

What documents are needed for customs clearance?

Typically, you’ll need:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Customs declaration
• Waybill or tracking number
• Permits or licenses (if required)

Accuracy in these documents is key to avoiding customs delays.

Are personal shipments treated differently from commercial ones?

Yes. Personal shipments often have higher de minimis thresholds (duty-free limits), while commercial imports are scrutinized more closely for proper classification and taxation. Still, both can be delayed without proper paperwork or regulatory compliance.