Held at customs / Customs clearance: Every international parcel passes through customs in the destination country. Officers check the declaration and decide whether import duty or tax is due. "Held" usually means they need more time, more documents or a payment.
Words carriers use for this status
- Held in customs
- Customs clearance in progress
- Clearance delay
- Awaiting payment of duties and taxes
- Import clearance
- Customs status updated
How long it normally lasts
Most parcels clear in 1 to 5 days. Busy periods, missing invoices or random inspections can stretch this to two weeks or more.
What to do
- Watch for an email, letter or card from the carrier asking for payment or documents.
- Pay duties and taxes only on the carrier's official website or app. Random text messages asking for a small customs fee are a very common scam.
- If customs needs an invoice or proof of value, ask the seller for it.
Other tracking statuses
- Label created / Shipment information received
- In transit
- Out for delivery
- Exception / Delayed
- Delivered (but not received)
- Returned to sender
- Arrived at / departed from facility
See every status in one place on our tracking status meanings page, or paste your number in the tracker above for the live status.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Held at customs / Customs clearance" mean?
Every international parcel passes through customs in the destination country. Officers check the declaration and decide whether import duty or tax is due. "Held" usually means they need more time, more documents or a payment.
How long can a parcel stay in customs?
Usually a few days. If it is held for more than two weeks, contact the carrier with your tracking number.
Do I have to pay customs charges?
It depends on the value, the item and your country's rules. The carrier will tell you the exact amount if anything is due.